faithfulness – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

And You Did Not Abandon Them

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, serve an awesome god who is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, dependable and reliable.

His unwavering consistency and dedication towards us remains true, despite how we react or respond.

The Bible tells us:

““For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.

“Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and ordinances and have not kept them.

Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The answer is “Seek my face”:

“…Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”

Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor leave me, O God of my salvation!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

2. And know that His Word will prevail:

“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen and Amen

Because God is sovereign and knows us intimately, we can rest in His presence:

“You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. [Heb 4:13]

You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.

Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Thank you Lord!

He loves us so much that He often shares mysteries and secrets with us as we draw nearer to Him. What a privilege!

““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [Ex 33:12; Is 49:1, 5; Rom 8:29]”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“…To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. [Mark 4:11]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So let us get to the place where we resolve in our hearts that it is all about Christ and Christ alone:

“be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Lastly, let us be courageous and walk in the confidence that all things are working together for our good:

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen and to God be the Glory!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, And brought water for them out of a rock for their thirst, And You told them to enter and take possession of The land that You swore to give them. [John 6:31-34]

“But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They stiffened their necks and would not heed Your commandments.

“They refused to listen and obey, And did not remember Your wondrous acts which

You had performed among them; So they stiffened their necks and [in their rebellion] appointed a leader in order to return them to slavery in Egypt.

But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and merciful and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not abandon them. [Num 14:4]”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/neh.9.16.AMP

That Bread!

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, need to constantly improve our spiritual diets for strength to exercise our faith at higher levels – more specifically, nourishing our inner man with the bread of life – YES, THAT BREAD!

THAT bread, once ingested, changes us from the inside out including our eternal future, our perspectives, our visions, our hopes, our motivations, our purposes and our why’s.

Jesus has declared that He is the Bread of Life:

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

So let us feast at a higher level as Christ has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness:

“according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

As His children, we have the responsibility to follow and call unto Him:

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For we [believers] have become partakers of Christ [sharing in all that the Messiah has for us], if only we hold firm our newborn confidence [which originally led us to Him] until the end, while it is said,

“Today [while there is still opportunity] if you hear His voice, Do not harden your heart, as when they provoked Me [in the rebellion in the desert at Meribah].” [Ps 95:7, 8]”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

As followers of Christ, we have assurances that He will sustain us and provide us with the necessary tools to expand His kingdom:

“Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. [Is 55:10; Hos 10:12]

You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].

For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need],

and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

When we are willing and obedient to sow a seed, we have a biblical example of how God allows us to be a blessing and be blessed at the same time:

““There is a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are these for so many people?”

Then Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated; the same also with the fish, as much as they wanted.

When they had eaten enough, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces so that nothing will be lost.”

So they gathered them up, and they filled twelve large baskets with pieces from the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬, ‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, let us pray continually that the Lord will give and we will receive our daily bread:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen and thank you for the bread of life!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭53‬-‭58‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.6.55.KJV

Did Not Entrust Himself to Them

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and my mind was consumed with the thought of how vital it is that we, the leaders, are diligent in doing the work that we commit to doing.

Value is created and benefits and rewards are made available to us who are faithful in the fulfillment of our promises.

The rewards of recognition may not come immediately but often they are revealed after the work has been completed with the highest standard of excellence.

This level of faithfulness is appreciated, noticed and reveals our character and is often described as “being diligent” or “faithful” or “dependable”.

These are universal traits of character that others appreciate due to their rarity and because of their rarity, they are extremely valuable.

We see examples throughout the scriptures where the Lord performed certain tasks because of his word ( promises) to the children of Israel:

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.”

‭‭Ezekiel‬ ‭36‬:‭22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Therefore know [without any doubt] and understand that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who is keeping His covenant and His [steadfast] lovingkindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments;”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

As the Lord was faithful to honour his word, so should be our mindset; however, in order to do this we must be careful, diligent and organized to ensure that any commitment that we make we have a mechanism to track track them and the discipline to honor them.

Scripture describes being faithful this way:

“But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’ [a firm yes or no]; anything more than that comes from the evil one. [Lev 19:12; Num 30:2; Deut 23:21]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭37‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“In this case, moreover, it is required [as essential and demanded] of stewards that one be found faithful and trustworthy.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭4‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we have demonstrated through words and deeds that we are committed to our promises and are faithful in the execution thereof, it is our sincere prayer and expectation that Christ will endure us (assign the responsibility for doing something) for His kingdom.

The Bible reminds us that there is still much work to do for the kingdom:

“Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest is [indeed] plentiful, but the workers are few.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭37‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us be the solution with ready hands.

In conclusion, I declare and decree that we, the leaders, will:

“Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover feast, many believed in His name [identifying themselves with Him] after seeing His signs (attesting miracles) which He was doing.

But Jesus, for His part, did not entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people [and understood the superficiality and fickleness of human nature],

and He did not need anyone to testify concerning man [and human nature], for He Himself knew what was in man [in their hearts—in the very core of their being]. [1 Sam 16:7]”

‭‭John‬ ‭2‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.2.23-25.AMP

My Steadfast Love

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the thought how the generational wealth of wisdom can be the greatest asset that we, as leaders, possess.

Each of us are destined to achieve great things in and through Christ!

“For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

Jeremiah 29:11 AMPC

We are given the dream and visions that are beyond our natural abilities – requiring us to depend on Christ!

God knows that we will make mistakes but God will honor his covenant.

”He [Solomon] shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men,“ 2 Samuel 7:13-14 ESV

Selah

This is encouraging because the Lord loves us so much and he honors his covenants and his word will not return void.

I am grateful that God’s promises are not bound by time. His covenant remains across generations -starting with Abram [Abraham]!

”Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: and I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.“

Genesis 12:1-3 KJV

Then we see Gods work in David’s generation:

”Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel: and I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.“

2 Samuel 7:8-9 KJV

Now we see God’s faithfulness continuing with Solomon:

“And when your days [David] are fulfilled and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up after you your offspring [Solomon] who shall be born to you, and I will establish his kingdom.

He shall build a house for My Name [and My Presence], and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son.

When he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the stripes of the sons of men.

But My mercy and loving-kindness shall not depart from him, as I took [them] from Saul, whom I took away from before you.

And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before you; your throne shall be established forever.”

2 Samuel 7:12-16 AMPC

Lastly. We see the covenant manifested in Christ.

”And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children.

Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.“

Ephesians 3:6 NLT

Amen

In closing, we are blessed to serve a God that shows steadfast love – always!

He has and continues to make wisdom and understanding our portion – today!

We must continue to stand on His word and the covenant made with Abraham our father and ask for wisdom so that we can navigate life effectively.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”For he [Solomon] had dominion over all the region on this side the river, from Tiphsah even to Azzah, over all the kings on this side the river: and he had peace on all sides round about him.

And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.

And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

For he was wiser than all men; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Chalcol, and Darda, the sons of Mahol: and his fame was in all nations round about.

And he spake three thousand proverbs: and his songs were a thousand and five.

And he spake of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon even unto the hyssop that springeth out of the wall: he spake also of beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of fishes.

And there came of all people to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, which had heard of his wisdom.“

1 Kings 4:24, 29-34 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/1ki.4.29.KJV

You are A Stumbling Block to Me

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the importance for leaders that we also exhibit effective skills in following.

The best leaders are also the best followers in that we are accountable to someone and we should desire to emulate the traits expected of others.

The scripture shared the benefits associated with “followership” – or being under authority. It says:

⁃ “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17 KJV

⁃ “Submit yourselves to [the authority of] every human institution for the sake of the Lord [to honor His name], whether it is to a king as one in a position of power, or to governors as sent by him to bring punishment to those who do wrong, and to praise and encourage those who do right. For it is the will of God that by doing right you may silence (muzzle, gag) the [culpable] ignorance and irresponsible criticisms of foolish people.” 1 Peter 2:13-15 AMP

As a follower, sometimes the vision of our leader may be so great, that we miss it!

It takes effort and maturity to learn how “to see the vision” through a higher strategic lens vs our current lens level, so as not to become a hinderance.

We also have a responsibility to: “Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],”. Philippians 2:14-15 AMP

By maintain order and an environment of faith, we create a space for supernatural impartations.

We need the power to flow as the anointing bridges any and all gaps, if we allow it.

Lastly, there is great work that must be accomplished for the kingdom of God. It is my prayer that when we feel the need to murmur and complain, that we realize that our murmurings are not against others, but against the Lord.

We must be careful to not be a stumbling block and should say to our souls- “Peace Be Still”!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“From that time on Jesus began to show His disciples [clearly] that He must go to Jerusalem, and endure many things at the hands of the elders and the chief priests and scribes (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court), and be killed, and be raised [from death to life] on the third day.

Peter took Him aside [to speak to Him privately] and began to reprimand Him, saying, “May God forbid it! This will never happen to You.”

But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on things of God, but on things of man.””

Matthew 16:21-23 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.16.21-23.AMP

Be Careful therefore How You Listen

I was reflecting on these passages and what really stuck with me is how we as leaders, must continue to prepare and nurture our soil if we want to continue to grow with God.

Nothing stands still and we must show continuous engagement with actions to continue to grow with Christ.

Since we desire the unlimited wisdom supply that comes from above, there is a demand of meaningful engagement and willful change – on our behalf.

As leaders, we desire an unlimited harvest but do we invest daily the time, energy and attention to study, ponder and meditate on the seeds of the Word while sowing them into our soil: our minds, wills, emotions and spirit?

Quality time invested in shaping our faith visions brings tangible clarity and is time well spent.

Our visions are becoming so real that we already see and possess them in our minds and hearts?

This relationship requires engagement, communication, patience, tenderness, listening, hearing, empathy, and connection to grow and thrive.

So true this is in the spiritual realm that “For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away.”

There is a risk of deterioration and loss of ground.

Not for us as I decree that the blood of Jesus covers us, our households and our visions. In Jesus Name Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open.

Be careful therefore how you listen. For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away.”

Luke 8:17-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.8.18.AMPC

You will be a blessing

I was reflecting on this scripture as my thoughts kept coming back to the importance of having a “more than enough” vs. a “just enough” mindset.

As leaders, we must always look for opportunities to be “change agents” with adding value to others as the foundation premise for success.

Our impact flows when we focus on being a blessing to or the burden remover for someone else, each day.

Yes, we have our own issues and needs but, our solutions are our seeds of service.

Remember:

⁃ When we feel stuck, we should focus on serving.

⁃ When we are not sure what to do, we should serve (teach, pray, build, enhance, intercede, sow- give of ourself).

Scripture reminds us that: “The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered. [II Cor. 9:6-10.]” Proverbs 11:25 AMPC

Our blessings and rewards come as a result of how well we succeed in serving others. The truth is that “he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC

Lastly, “God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to us in abundance, so that we may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].”

2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC

Trust the process and be intentional about sowing seeds of blessings into others.

Do not become weary as we proceed in faith knowing that what we do matters. “For the Lord will comfort Zion; He will comfort all her waste places. And He will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the voice of song or instrument of praise.”

Isaiah 51:3 AMPC

My prayer is that we will be faithful in words and deeds for the glory of Gods Kingdom.

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”

Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].”

Genesis 12:2 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.12.2.AMPC

Faithfulness Brings Favor

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was reminded about the importance of being faithful, remaining steadfast in our work, and pursuing quality in our decisions.

As leaders, we:

⁃ Have to settle certain decisions in advance of adversity so that when the challenges come, we can make decisions faster and exude confidence and resolve for others to see. Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi.

⁃ Must choose daily to pursue Gods path for our lives and to allow him to order our steps. Ruth decided to also follow Naomi’s god.

⁃ Need to be faithful and diligent about serving those around us daily. People are observing and are extending favor / opportunities/ promotion toward us. Ruth’s effort and diligence was observed by others and supported.

⁃ Should remain humble , coachable and to prayerfully wait, watch and to see what the Lord is doing on our behalf. Ruth listened to advice and coaching from Naomi.

It is my sincere prayer that we will be faithful in our leadership and faint not.

Be blessed,

Be a blessing!

“And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”

Ruth 1:15-18 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/rut.1.15-18.KJV