Tag: healing

O Give Thanks to the Lord

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, must be intentional about our healing from the inside out. 

One of the strategies to accomplish this critical mission is to learn to be intentional about being thankful. 

The Bible says: 

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: For his mercy endureth for ever.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Yes, we have increasing demands on our schedules, responsibilities, goals and dreams; however, we still must find a way to slow down, strive for simplicity and recognize that building solid and sure foundations (in Gods Word) require time; however, once achieved our growth can be accelerated. 

Scripture assures us:

“And He will be the security and stability of your times, A treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is your treasure.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭33‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So as we close out this year, how do we reset our hearts and minds? 

We begin by reflecting and being thankful:

  • Thankful for the challenges that helped us grow this year – teaching us how much we truly still need more of and to be like Jesus. 
  • Thankful for the achievements we made toward our goals and dreams – appreciating the headwinds that we overcame that were unexpected. 
  • Thankful for the miracle working power of the Holy Spirit that supernaturally kept and sustained us and those we love. 
  • Thankful for our angels who have been on guard and diligent to ensure that we did not dash our feet against any stone and danger came nigh to our dwellings. 
  • Thankful for Christ who has always caused us to triumph bathing us in his  ever flowing river of peace and grace. 
  • Thankful for being a citizen of the greatest kingdom ever created.  – the kingdom of Christ. 

Selah 

Let us reaffirm that Christ is still our rock and foundation – In Him we move and have our being. 

With thankful hearts, let us create visions and plans so big that, when accomplished, Christ will be magnified and glorified!

By engaging Him in our planning, we can expect to see His manifested glory and through us all the nations of the earth will be blessed!

Let us prayerfully ask the Lord to:

  • Order our steps and reveal to us our 3-5 year plans
  • Show us with whom we should partner or build bridges for greater impact
  • Teach us how to improve our prayer, worship, and healthy lifestyle habits
  • Reaffirm our assignments so that we are in alignment with the center of His will

In closing, it is my prayer that we, the leaders, will earnestly do the work to heal from the inside out and be made whole so that our lights will shine so bright that the people will be drawn to Christ.  In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness endures forever. 

Oh let Israel say, “His lovingkindness endures forever.” 

Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness endures forever.” 

Oh let those who [reverently] fear the Lord, say, “His lovingkindness endures forever.” 

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; The Lord answered me and set me free. 

The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can [mere] man do to me? [Heb 13:6] 

The Lord is on my side, He is among those who help me; Therefore I will look [in triumph] on those who hate me. 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord Than to trust in man. 

It is better to take refuge in the Lord Than to trust in princes.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭1‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.118.1-9.AMP

He Heals

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, have a continuous need and responsibility to stay on the potters wheel for continuous molding and rework for  elevation and more responsibility – promotion. 

Said another way, we need “healing from the inside out” because leadership is difficult, painful and often misunderstood. We may appear to be successful externally; however, our inner man can be working through turmoil, confusion, indecision and lack of peace.  Our belief systems will be challenged and found to be a hinderance for elevation at some point. 

But God has a plan for us. 

The Bible gives this example in Jeremiah:

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.” 

Then I went down to the potter’s house, and saw that he was working at the wheel. 

But the vessel that he was making from clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand; so he made it over, reworking it and making it into another pot that seemed good to him. 

Then the word of the Lord came to me: “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?” says the Lord. “Look carefully, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Our transformation is taking place in our minds, our thoughts, our memories, our hearts, our words, our wills, our emotions and in our bodies with the intent to become more like Christ!

The Bible says it this way:

““Do not remember the former things, Or ponder the things of the past. “Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. [Is 40:13]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“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

“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous runs to it and is safe and set on high [far above evil].”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

In conclusion, I just want to speak to and encourage each of our hearts to slow down and hear the sweet voice of the Lord and to do all that he tells us to do – by faith. 

When we do this and trust the process, the Bible says:

“I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return]. [Rom 14:10]”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The question before us is simply, “Will we be made whole?”

“When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?”

‭‭John‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing’

“He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow]. [Ps 34:18; Is 57:15; 61:1; Luke 4:18] 

Great is our [majestic and mighty] Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is inexhaustible [infinite, boundless].”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭147‬:‭3‬, ‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.147.3-5.AMP

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

Don’t Disregard the Love of God

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting still on this scripture and the thought that, despite our successes on the outside, we all have unfinished healings on the inside.

Our portion is to be made whole – nothing missing and nothing broken in Christ.

Jesus has made internal healing available to all and He has nothing more to do because the work is already finished! The bible reminds us:

“But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us.” Romans 5:8 AMPC

“[Jesus] Who gave (yielded) Himself up [to atone] for our sins [and to save and sanctify us], in order to rescue and deliver us from this present wicked age and world order, in accordance with the will and purpose and plan of our God and Father–” Galatians 1:4 AMPC

As leaders, the more we grow in Christ and emulate Him, we become an attraction for others. As we focus on our own healing, we will accelerate our influence and impact. Selah

We must also remember that we matter to God! “We love Him, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 AMPC

“How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! [Ps. 40:5.]”

Psalm 139:17 AMPC

OMG

We have assurances:

“Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. [Ps. 55:22.]” 1 Peter 5:7 AMPC

“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

“Who is there to condemn [us]? Will Christ Jesus (the Messiah), Who died, or rather Who was raised from the dead, Who is at the right hand of God actually pleading as He intercedes for us?” Romans 8:34 AMPC

My prayer and declaration for us today:

Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:34, 37-39 AMPC

Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and robbery and extortion and malice and wickedness.

You senseless (foolish, stupid) ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also?

But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard and neglect justice and the love of God.

These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. [Lev. 27:30; Mic. 6:8.]”

Luke 11:39-40, 42 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.11.42.AMPC

They were Longing

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the burden that comes along with the change associated with losing someone who is precious.

This can be in both business and our personal lives: however, what is clear is that the person’s presence had an impact on us.

At moments like these, we can search the Word of God for solid ground to stand, reflect, recalibrate and muster the courage to press forward.

Leaders find solid ground by having faith in god and his consistency:

⁃ “Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly].” Mark 11:22 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

⁃ “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”Genesis 8:22 AMP

⁃ “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 AMP

A leader’s ability to reflect and recalibrate is based on the belief that God’s promises will still come to pass:

⁃ “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

In closing, it is my prayer that today, we can muster up the courage to press forward continuing the good work of the kingdom – remembering but never looking backwards.

“….. now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.” Joshua 1:2 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own.

And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.

But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11:14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.11.14-16.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

No Recovery Time Required

When I read this familiar scripture, it really stayed with me what was the value and impact of the word “immediately”.

Anyone who has had a fever or a major procedure knows that under normal conditions, there is usually a time from when the fever breaks until a person is back to 100% physically.

Even with an operation or procedure, there is usually post operation/ procedure recovery and maybe even rehabilitation that is required to return to the activities of daily living.

Lastly, besides, the physical process of recovery, there may also be emotional recovery that is needed.

But we see here where Jesus entered the scene and not only cured the mother in law of her issue but there was no recovery time or delay. I really like how the account was a bit more prescriptive in that Jesus held her hand, raised her up and the fever left.

As leaders, there are certain ailments (worries/situations/ assignments/ obstacles) that we may be struggling thru that simply need the authoritative yet gentle touch from Jesus and his interference/ rebuking of the forces that are coming against us ( our family, bodies, minds, purpose, assignment , project, marriage).

I suspect that there may be one in many areas of our lives.

It is my prayer that we take the time to identify those areas of struggle and hopelessness and that we simply humble ourselves to invite (ask for) the touch of the master.

By doing so, we come into agreement with the word and he is able to and desires to make the situation whole – without the required recovery time.

In Jesus name amen.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Be free!

“Then Jesus got up and left the synagogue and went to Simon’s (Peter’s) house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. Standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she got up and began serving them [as her guests].”

Luke 4:38-39 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.39.AMP