Tag: growth

Many Prophets and Kings Longed to See What You See

When I was reflecting on these scriptures, I was reminded about of the urgent need for a deeper level of leadership development for these turbulent times. As leaders, multiplying our effectiveness is in direct proportion to our ability to recognize, prayerfully select and enter into covenant relationships with others.

By granting this access or being granted this access, there is a level of trust that, if broken, can really be catastrophic and cause significant pain.

The relationship can include giving a part of our or receiving a part of someone else’s anointing, reputation and good name, so covenant relationships should not be viewed lightly.

The size and magnitude of the commission determines the model chosen from those revealed in scriptures. There are at least four:

⁃ The 70 Appointed: “Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every city and place where He was about to go. He was saying to them, “The harvest is abundant [for there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation], but the workers [those available to proclaim the message of salvation] are few. Therefore, [prayerfully] ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest. Go your way; listen carefully: I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:1-3 AMP

⁃ The 12 disciples: “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:1, 5-7 AMP

⁃ The 3 disciples: “Then they went to a place called Gethsemane; and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit down here until I have prayed.” He took Peter and James and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled [extremely anguished at the prospect of what was to come]. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved and overwhelmed with sorrow, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.”” Mark 14:32-34 AMP

⁃ Joseph: “Now the plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all of his servants. So Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this [a man equal to Joseph], in whom is the divine spirit [of God]?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since [your] God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and clear-headed and wise as you are. You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word and pay respect [to you with reverence, submission, and obedience]; only in [matters of] the throne will I be greater than you [in Egypt].” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you [in charge] over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and dressed him in [official] vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot; and runners proclaimed before him, “[Attention,] bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission shall no man raise his hand [to do anything] or set his foot [to go anywhere] in all the land of Egypt [all classes of people shall submit to your authority].”” Genesis 41:37-44 AMP

We should not despise, discount or cheapen the value of “access” for “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see”. These relationships can be one of the greatest source of growth and maturity resulting in our ability to think and plan at a greater level of depth. Often, access is granted to rooms, conversations and experiences that are sacred and private – exponentially propelling our growth, understanding, influence, power and authority.

A warning: we must use discernment and wisdom in choosing relationships for many desire the benefit but have not yet developed their character to thrive well in a covenant relationship. If they are not tested and prayerfully vetted, things can go wrong rather quickly.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Choose well!

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught].

Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight.

All things have been transferred and turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see, for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.””

Luke 10:19-24 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.10.21-24.AMP

Great Peace Have They Which Love Thy Law

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was really intrigued by the idea of just how wonderful it is to have peace but equally of growing spiritually until we just simply love the law. The result of that growth is that nothing will offend us.

Rest assured that achieving this level of spiritual growth does not come by accident or by circumstances but by our taking specific actions.

We, as leaders, can be encouraged. By deciding to execute certain strategies, we will have greater and greater levels of peace and grow in our ability to lead ourselves and others to higher levels. The scripture reminds us that “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Proverbs 27:17 AMP

Through our struggle to achieve mental peace in “life”, our deliverance and breakthrough comes when we make adjustments in our day (each 24 hours) learning how to pay attention to God – even in the midst of our activities.

This may feel overwhelming initially, but we have to fight to achieve this level of communion with the Holy Spirit. It is beneficial and worth the effort. Here are some strategies to consider:

Strategy #1: Keep Seeking the things that are above

“Therefore if we have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set our mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For we died [to this world], and our [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 AMP

Strategy #2: Taking time to Abide in Christ

“Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 AMP

Strategy #3: Purposeful and Frequent Praise

“Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.”

Psalms 119:164 AMP

For those that may not fully appreciate the value in making these adjustments, the Word offers some reassurances that this investment of time and energy is not lost effort. Here are a couple benefits:

Benefit #1: Receipt of Godly Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP

Benefit #2: Competitive Advantage

“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

Benefit #3: Greater Understanding from God

“I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts], Because I have observed and kept Your precepts.” Psalms 119:100 AMP

In closing, what is so reassuring in this scripture is that it declares that Gods Word is true! Not only is it true today, it has always been true from the beginning.

Let’s choose today to stand together on the Word and abide in Christ until we reach the point that we just Love the law and he gets all the glory! Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Princes have persecuted me without a cause: But my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.

I hate and abhor lying: But thy law do I love.

Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments.

Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.”

Psalm 119:160-165 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.119.160-165.KJV

Blessed is That Man

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and one word got a hold of me that I could not let go. The passage begins with “Blessed is that man…”. And my heart was just filled with emotions.

Something was different about this scripture in that it demanded and still demands a higher level of leadership commitment.

There are many references in the Word concerning “blessed is the man”. Usually following this phrase is a promise of the blessings and benefits that are associated with our action. If we do this then, we receive the promise.

But there is something different about those who strive for and achieve the level of “that man”.

When we see it, we ask:

⁃ Is the fat of the lamb reserved for “that” man?

⁃ Is the 100 fold return reserved for “that” man?

⁃ Is it possible that the greater and mighty works are reserved for “that” man?

⁃ Is ”that” the difference from being in the crowd of the many which are called vs being a part of the few that are chosen?

⁃ Is “that” the difference between being great and exceedingly great?

⁃ Is “that” the difference from being a follower vs a giant in Christ like Paul, Moses, Elijah, and David?

What then differentiates “the” man and qualifies him to be “that” man?

So what is it that moves us forward – closer to and higher in Christ?

What is clear is “that” is a special place, a higher level in Christ and is available to all.

The Bible says that we can have the desires of our hearts if we delight ourselves in him. Psalms 37:4

The Bible also says that if we ask, he will give us wisdom. James 1:5

The Bible says that he will reveal into us the mysteries. Mathew 13:11

If we sincerely ask, Jesus will reveal unto us how do we graduate to be called “that man”?

But we must first have the desire for the meat of the word and crave the anointing.

Let us resolve today, as leaders, to press in and grow to become “that man (or woman)” in Christ.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, And respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.”

Psalm 40:4 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.40.4.KJV

And God Granted His Request

I was reflecting on this scripture about Jabez and the importance of periodically reviewing our progress toward goals.

As leaders, we can be so focused on execution that we forget to just reflect, pray and meditate to ensure we are still on the right road.

Questions we can ask are:

⁃ Have we allowed “life” and business to steer us off track as it relates to our Family, our Faith, our Friends, our Finances, and our Fitness objectives ?

⁃ How should we recalibrate our energy to ensure that we do not lose the zeal, fervor and spice for the kingdom?

As leaders, we are achieving much and making an impact in the serving of others.

God allows us the opportunity to ask Him to increase our territory and to enlarge are borders; however, the assumption is that we are mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally ready for promotion.

We will need to make adjustments to ensure we are enjoying the journey.

We must guard our hearts and not lose hope.

We believe, It is still possible to have it all but not without a plan.

We must be ready to run toward the battle understanding that greater is He who is in us than he who in the world.

Just like Jabez, we must ask for the blessings and seek the protections of god to keep us so that evil does not harm us.

We must humble ourselves and create patterns of obedience as the scripture states that Jabez was honourable above his brothers.

We have a responsibility to pursue righteousness as we interact and serve others.

It is my prayer that our borders are enlarged and our witness is impactful in this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jabez was honorable above his brothers; but his mother named him Jabez [sorrow maker], saying, Because I bore him in pain.

Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.”1 Chronicles 4:9-10 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1ch.4.9-10.AMPC

Of Him to Whom Men Entrust Much

This morning I was still reflecting on stewardship and the accountability continuum that we, as leaders, must traverse if we are to have enduring success. Growth must happen in us to continue to lead, be innovative, and to make corrections where needed.

Ultimately, we are created by God to steer the ship: “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

As stewards of Gods kingdom, God’s expectations of us increases as we grow and as illustrated in the Old Testament law:

“And the priest shall make atonement before the Lord for the person who commits an error when he sins unknowingly or unintentionally, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.

You shall have one law for him who sins unknowingly or unintentionally, whether he is native born among the Israelites or a stranger who is sojourning among them.

But the person who does anything willfully and openly, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one reproaches, reviles, and blasphemes the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from among his people [that the atonement made for them may not include him].

Because he has despised and rejected the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.”

Numbers 15:28-31 AMPC

We are grateful that in the New Testament, “Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); [Deut. 21:23.] To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.” Galatians 3:13-14 AMPC

There is still a maturation expectation that we will put away childish things and “If we are willing and obedient, we shall eat the good of the land; But if we refuse and rebel, we will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” Isaiah 1:19-20 AMPC

Lastly, we must guard against complacency. We are advised: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].” 1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).” Colossians 3:23-24 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful steward, the wise man whom his master will set over those in his household service to supply them their allowance of food at the appointed time?

Blessed (happy and to be envied) is that servant whom his master finds so doing when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will set him in charge over all his possessions.

But if that servant says in his heart, My master is late in coming, and begins to strike the menservants and the maids and to eat and drink and get drunk,

The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he does not know, and will punish him and cut him off and assign his lot with the unfaithful.

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act as he would wish him to act shall be beaten with many [lashes]. But he who did not know and did things worthy of a beating shall be beaten with few [lashes]. For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more. [Num. 15:29, 30; Deut. 25:2, 3.]”

Luke 12:42-48 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.12.48.AMPC