Unless It is Something He Sees

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that leadership is taught through demonstration and emulation as our deeds carry more weight than our words!

Great leadership starts with having a godly image of leadership and striving daily to become that person:

“Then God said, “Let Us (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) make man in Our image, according to Our likeness [not physical, but a spiritual personality and moral likeness]; and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the cattle, and over the entire earth, and over everything that creeps and crawls on the earth.” [Ps 104:30; Heb 1:2; 11:3]”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬ ‭AMP‬‬

What we see and emulate, we will become!

The Bible gives us Jesus as the best example of leadership that we must follow:

“Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; 

and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek 20:41]”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Great leaders  help expand visions, solutions and possibility thinking:

“Elisha answered, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, please, open his eyes that he may see.” 

And the Lord opened the servants eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire surrounding Elisha.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

Lastly, we find modern day examples of servant leadership in Deacons. Scripture  identifies key traits we should expect to see and emulate:

Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men with good reputations [men of godly character and moral integrity], full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will [continue to] devote ourselves [steadfastly] to prayer and to the ministry of the word.””

‭‭Acts‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Deacons likewise must be men worthy of respect [honorable, financially ethical, of good character], not double-tongued [speakers of half-truths], not addicted to wine, not greedy for dishonest gain, but upholding and fully understanding the mystery [that is, the true doctrine] of the [Christian] faith with a clear conscience [resulting from behavior consistent with spiritual maturity]. 

These men must first be tested; then if they are found to be blameless and beyond reproach [in their Christian lives], let them serve as deacons. Women must likewise be worthy of respect, not malicious gossips, but self-controlled, [thoroughly] trustworthy in all things.”

‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, our job is to meditate on the Word and follow the examples of godly leadership. When we do this, we will grow:

“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

“I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

By making these adjustments, we have assurances that we will be blessed and stable:

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). 

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. [Rom 13:8-10; Gal 3:1-29; 2 Tim 3:16] 

And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season; Its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers [and comes to maturity]. [Jer 17:7, 8]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It is my prayer that we continue to grow our leadership acumen, Gods way. In Jesus name. 

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“So Jesus answered them by saying, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself [of His own accord], unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever things the Father does, the Son [in His turn] also does in the same way. 

For the Father dearly loves the Son and shows Him everything that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be filled with wonder.”

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.5.19-20.AMP

Do Not Grieve

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, have a constant pressure to perform. 

We are measured by outward results (the harvest) of our faith walk but no one knows or understands the level of our toil “the faith work” that was required to achieve the results. 

Similar to the people listening to Ezra teach the law (the word), we often find ourselves weeping when our hearts are exposed to the Son:

“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.”  ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Selah

A leaders “Faith work” mandates our learning how to starve our doubts, fears and inadequacies – replacing them with prayers, meditation and being vulnerable before the Lord. 

All of this activity is necessary for our development and growth in Christ: 

“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

Next, our path to greatness begins when we learn to surrender all to Christ:

“ …My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.””

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭5b- 6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lastly, it is my sincere prayer that we do not grieve because of the growth process. 

We must remember that this day is holy to the Lord our God. In Jesus name. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. 

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.” 

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/neh.8.12.NIV

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