Tag: leadership

With Good Will Doing Service

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

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the idea of how “service” can be a differentiator in the marketplace.

Not service solely with our words but, as leaders, having service to others being our primary daily intent – our DNA.

Oftentimes the marketplace feels complicated and crowded with more ideas and new products (old or innovative) to meet a need or to solve a problem.

However, all products and services are or should be designed to meet the needs of people who have emotions and feelings that must be met.

To the degree that we demonstrate service excellence and meet these emotional needs and feelings in the delivery of solutions – while building trust – our success can be assured.

Scripture reminds us of just two core principles (commandments) related to service.

“You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. [Lev. 19:18.]“. Matthew 22:39 AMPC

This second commandment is about loving our neighbor as our selves which creates the base line behavior for all successful interactions.

Regardless of the background, gender, race, religion or belief systems, everyone on earth is “our neighbor” whom we are to serve with intentionality.

And by doing the great commandment, we will find grace, favor and success from the Lord In our business, community and family.

OMG

But upon further reflection, unfortunately, many of us do not yet love ourselves and therefore need a biblical solution for that.

The blessing is that this solution is found in the first commandment which is:

“…You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (intellect). [Deut. 6:5.] “ Matthew 22:37 AMPC

As we learn to love the lord, we learn how much he loves us, created us and equips us to love ourselves – the core ingredient to be of service to others.

This is the great (most important) principal and first commandment for a reason.

In conclusion, it is my sincere prayer that as we enter the marketplace each day that we will have a mission/intent to strive for “service excellence” to our selves and our neighbors.

And we will By faith!

In Jesus Name.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.“

Ephesians 6:5-8 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/eph.6.5-8.KJV

The Thoughts and Motives of a Man

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the thought of how it is vital for us as leaders to learn how to have successful interactions/ relationships with others.

Relationship building with others requires us to use the spirit of discernment because the behaviors we may be observing with our eyes may be a distraction from the real drivers and motivators for the individual – what’s in their heart.

Scripture tells us: “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.“

Romans 12:18 KJV

We may find that underneath the observed present behaviors is often a person who is hurting and searching for answers or are preoccupied with their issues and concerns. They may simply need us, as the leader, to hear and recognize their pain, to discern their need and to pray either with them or for them to intercede on their behalf for gods favor and peace to rest in them. We have the solution that everyone needs and that is Jesus.

There is no problem, ailment or situation that Jesus can’t resolve. We, his followers, have to be led by the spirit to discern the problem and to speak life into the persons situation. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”For what person knows the thoughts and motives of a man except the man’s spirit within him?

So also no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God.

We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit].“

1 Corinthians 2:11-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.2.11-13.AMP

God is Bringing You into a Good Land

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

I was reflecting this morning on the thought that we, the leaders, have provision and blessings all around us. We must purpose in our hearts to stop and see that “it is good” and understand “that it is God”.

No matter the situation, there is evidence that God has and continues to provide for us.

We must trust and believe God. He is our source and sustainer. Below are scripture excerpts that are powerful:

“Every commandment that I am commanding you today you shall be careful to do..”

We must learn the commandments, the ways and heart of God in order for us to “understand and remember”

As we study the commandments and instructions contained in the Bible and meditate on them day and night, we will see success. Our hearts will become full with the word and our belief system will grow.

“And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you…”

What may forget that God is still working hard to fulfill his promise made to Abraham.

God was faithful to the children of Israel while they were in the wilderness.

We are descendants of Abraham through Christ Jesus and God still actively performing his word. He is a promise keeper for generations.

“He humbled you and allowed you to be hungry and fed you with manna, [a substance] which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you understand [by personal experience] …”

As leaders, there is a journey that we must travel collectively as a tribe but there is also a “private” journey that each of us must walk.

We cannot borrow the experiences of those before us as “our manna” is tailored to “our need”.

The Lord meets us where we are and provides us with a unique testimony of his goodness, and grace in our lives.

We must: “walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect]. “

Our Promise and Portion:

“when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have increases…”

This is our promise and portion and will forever be our promise and portion if we continue to learn, meditate on and do the commandments contained in his word.

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”“Every commandment that I am commanding you today you shall be careful to do, so that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore [to give] to your fathers.

And you shall remember [always] all the ways which the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you, to know what was in your heart (mind), whether you would keep His commandments or not.

He humbled you and allowed you to be hungry and fed you with manna, [a substance] which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, so that He might make you understand [by personal experience] that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.

Your clothing did not wear out on you, nor did your feet swell these forty years.

Therefore, know in your heart (be fully cognizant) that the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you just as a man disciplines and instructs his son.

Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk [that is, to live each and every day] in His ways and fear [and worship] Him [with awe-filled reverence and profound respect].

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills;

a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey;

a land where you will eat bread without shortage, in which you will lack nothing; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you.

“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, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them,

and when your herds and flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have increases,

then your heart will become lifted up [by self-conceit and arrogance] and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.“

Deuteronomy 8:1-14 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.8.2-12.AMP

Endure

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that success, as a leader, often is a result of how successful we become at learning to endure. (Def. to carry on through, despite hardships)

OMG

Like the saints of old, when hardships and challenges came, they did not shrink or retract, they relied on the Word of God, the anointing and prayer to take the fight to the enemy.

As leaders of today, we can and must do the same!

The world would have us to think that there is no hope, but:

”There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, But its end is the way of death.“ Proverbs 14:12 AMP

As believers, the Bible tells us:

”Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],“ Philippians 2:5 AMP

”The wicked flee when no one pursues them, But the righteous are as bold as a lion.“

Proverbs 28:1 AMP

”Blessed be the Lord, my Rock and my great strength, Who trains my hands for war And my fingers for battle;“. Psalms 144:1 AMP

”Then Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, “Let us go up at once and take possession of it; for we will certainly conquer it.”“ Numbers 13:30 AMP

”You are jealous and covet [what others have] and your lust goes unfulfilled; so you murder. You are envious and cannot obtain [the object of your envy]; so you fight and battle. You do not have because you do not ask [it of God].“

James 4:2 AMP

”If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him.“

James 1:5 AMP

”Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].

The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.“ Philippians 4:8-9 AMP

I pray that we will fight the good fight of faith today so that we can endure – to carry on through, despite hardships – to the end!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.“ Matthew 24:10-13 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.24.10-13.KJV

As Far As You Can See

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

I was reading and reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that visions can be incremental, progressive and expansive as we grow as a leader. As we study, assimilate the Word of god and grow our faith, our vision of what truly is “possible” continues to expand.

Let’s believe what we can see today!

Don’t be discouraged if our “faith” eyes are not as far or great as others- it does not matter.

God is working on meeting us where we are able to believe while encouraging us to continue to grow in our faith and belief to get the mind of Christ.

It is a journey and the process accelerates as we commit to doing the work to spend time with Christ.

There is a lot of discussion around vision boards which, as leaders, can be powerful tools to help us to decide what it is that we want and to help crystallize our ”picture”‘ of success.

With clarity on the picture of “what” we desire and our “whys”, we can then declare and decree our belief while planting the seed(s) of faith.

”Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.” (The seven lamps represent the eyes of the Lord that search all around the world.)“

Zechariah 4:10 NLT

We need to embrace our seed(s) of greatness understanding that one seed planted in faith is:

”….like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his own garden; and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the sky found shelter and nested in its branches.”“

Luke 13:19 AMP

What is still a great mystery is just how does that work. How does our having a picture of the desired outcome mixed with seeds of faith manifest into trees?

”Jesus replied to them, “To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted.

For whoever has [spiritual wisdom because he is receptive to God’s word], to him more will be given, and he will be richly and abundantly supplied; but whoever does not have [spiritual wisdom because he has devalued God’s word], even what he has will be taken away from him.“. Matthew 13:11-12 AMP

As leaders and as trailblazers, we often have a clear picture of what we believe success looks like in this season or at the end of this journey but I am also realizing that at times the vision can feel overwhelming and just needs to be reduced to the next task. The next milestone. The next ridge or hill.

There is value in having a long term or medium term plan but what is equally valuable is to not get distracted by the shear magnitude of the mission.

We have to focus on what “we can see” today, pray about it and then move forward.

A successful life is a string of successful days over time. Sow the seed of greatness today and water the soil of your heart with the anointing and the word which cleanses us of doubt.

”[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].“

Hebrews 12:2 AMP

My prayer for us today is found in Joshua that we:

”Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord our God is with us wherever we go.”“ Joshua 1:9 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”After Lot had gone, the Lord said to Abram, “Look as far as you can see in every direction—north and south, east and west.

I am giving all this land, as far as you can see, to you and your descendants as a permanent possession.

And I will give you so many descendants that, like the dust of the earth, they cannot be counted! Go and walk through the land in every direction, for I am giving it to you.”“

Genesis 13:14-17 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/gen.13.15-17.NLT

Unless You

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my mind just kept returning to the phrase “unless you”. As leaders, it’s relevant but does not matter what others are saying or doing as we are ultimately accountable for our “unless you”.

Scripture reminds us that as we stand before God and man, the responsibility is ours to demonstrate success or failure, and either doing or not doing what thus sayeth the Lord!

Our lives, our missions, our purposes, our families, and our success is dependent on how well we do the following:

“Unless you” do the work to let God lead.

”In this way our testimony about Christ was confirmed and established in you, so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift [which comes from the Holy Spirit], as you eagerly wait [with confident trust] for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ [when He returns].

And He will also confirm you to the end [keeping you strong and free of any accusation, so that you will be] blameless and beyond reproach in the day [of the return] of our Lord Jesus Christ.

God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on], and through Him you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.“

1 Corinthians 1:6-9 AMP

“Unless you” take on the mind of Christ.

”Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],

For this reason also [because He obeyed and so completely humbled Himself], God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,“Philippians 2:4-5, 9 AMP

“Unless you” pray without ceasing.

”Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.“1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP

“Unless you” pursue peace with all men.

”Continually pursue peace with everyone, and the sanctification without which no one will [ever] see the Lord.

See to it that no one falls short of God’s grace; that no root of resentment springs up and causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” Hebrews 12:14-15 AMP

“Unless you” extend grace for offenses.

”For if by the trespass of the one (Adam), death reigned through the one (Adam), much more surely will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in [eternal] life through the One, Jesus Christ.“. Romans 5:17 AMP

“Unless you” honor the Lord with the tithe, we run the risk that the devourer will not be rebuked for our sake.

”Bring all the tithes (the tenth) into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you [so great] a blessing until there is no more room to receive it.

Then I will rebuke the devourer (insects, plague) for your sake and he will not destroy the fruits of the ground, nor will your vine in the field drop its grapes [before harvest],” says the Lord of hosts.

“All nations shall call you happy and blessed, for you shall be a land of delight,” says the Lord of hosts.“ Malachi 3:10-12 AMP

“Unless you” seek first the kingdom and his righteousness, we are at risk that all these things we seek will not be added unto us.

”But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.“

Matthew 6:33 AMP

I pray that we, the leaders, will make the needed adjustments to continue to humble ourselves and to pursue God’s word and will so that His kingdom will come!

In Jesus Name. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”Just at that time some people came who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate [the governor] had mixed with their sacrifices.

Jesus replied to them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they have suffered in this way?

I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.

Or do you assume that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed were worse sinners than all the others who live in Jerusalem?

I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.”“ Luke 13:1-5 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.13.1-5.AMP

Understanding The Right Thing to Do

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

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and read:

”Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:“

Luke 12:51 KJV

I was puzzled as to why would Jesus be bringing division amongst families as he is not the author of confusion.

Further study revealed the leadership principle:

As leaders, we often realize that God’s vision and mandate for us requires making a controversial decision that is scriptural and in alignment with God. The challenge often is that the decision is disruptive and may conflict with the current desires, beliefs and values of those within our house (team).

Moments like these create pressure and a separation where everyone in the house (team) will have to make an individual decision to align with the vision/ decision or not. We will all have to choose!

Scripture tells us “Jesus said to all the people: As soon as you see a cloud coming up in the west, you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does.

When the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to get hot,” and it does.

Are you trying to fool someone? You can predict the weather by looking at the earth and sky, but you don’t really know what’s going on right now. “

Change is necessary now!

Scripture prepares us leaders when it says:

“And I will have to suffer a lot of pain until it is over.”

This journey will be difficult as there will be a falling away as current relationships will be redefined, behaviors that were His permissive will need to be set aside for the perfect will of god in our lives. This is all about the elevation of our mindsets to pursue excellence – gods best for our lives

It is my prayer that we will make the right decisions, pray without ceasing, and move forward with gods grace by faith in Jesus Name. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”I came to set fire to the earth, and I wish it were already on fire! I am going to be put to a hard test.

And I will have to suffer a lot of pain until it is over.

Do you think that I came to bring peace to earth? No indeed! I came to make people choose sides.

A family of five will be divided, with two of them against the other three. Fathers and sons will turn against one another, and mothers and daughters will do the same. Mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law will also turn against each other.

Jesus said to all the people: As soon as you see a cloud coming up in the west, you say, “It’s going to rain,” and it does.

When the south wind blows, you say, “It’s going to get hot,” and it does.

Are you trying to fool someone? You can predict the weather by looking at the earth and sky, but you don’t really know what’s going on right now.

Why don’t you understand the right thing to do?“ Luke 12:49-57 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/luk.12.57.CEV

Who Then is That Faithful Steward, The Wise Man

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and my mind kept thinking about how critical it is for us, as leaders, to lead well – Every day! It really does make a difference and matters.

Scripture remind us that:

”When the [uncompromisingly] righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh.“ Proverbs 29:2 AMPC

We have a mandate to ”…Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth.” Genesis 1:28 AMPC

So let’s look at biblical traits of “leading well”!

Leading well requires a godly management philosophy:

”If you will listen diligently to the voice of the Lord your God, being watchful to do all His commandments which I command you this day, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.

And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you if you heed the voice of the Lord your God.“ Deuteronomy 28:1-2 AMPC

”But know that the Lord has set apart for Himself [and given distinction to] him who is godly [the man of loving-kindness].

The Lord listens and heeds when I call to Him. You have put more joy and rejoicing in my heart than [they know] when their wheat and new wine have yielded abundantly.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.“ Psalm 4:3, 7-8 AMPC

Amen

Leading well requires faith and diligence:

”But without faith it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him. For whoever would come near to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He is the rewarder of those who earnestly and diligently seek Him [out].“ Hebrews 11:6 AMPC

”Do you see a man diligent and skillful in his business? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.“

Proverbs 22:29 AMPC

”A man shall be commended according to his Wisdom [godly Wisdom, which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God], but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised.

He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits is lacking in sense and is without understanding.

The wicked desire the booty of evil men, but the root of the [uncompromisingly] righteous yields [richer fruitage].“ Proverbs 12:8, 11-12 AMPC

Selah

Leading well requires courage to coach and mentor – providing constant feedback:

”Herald and preach the Word! Keep your sense of urgency [stand by, be at hand and ready], whether the opportunity seems to be favorable or unfavorable.

[Whether it is convenient or inconvenient, whether it is welcome or unwelcome, you as preacher of the Word are to show people in what way their lives are wrong.]

And convince them, rebuking and correcting, warning and urging and encouraging them, being unflagging and inexhaustible in patience and teaching.“ 2 Timothy 4:2 AMPC

Amen

Leading well requires effective delegation skills:

”Moreover, you shall choose able men from all the people–God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain–and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers.

And let them judge the people at all times; every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge.

So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you.

If you will do this, and God so commands you, you will be able to endure [the strain], and all these people also will go to their [tents] in peace.“ Exodus 18:21-23 AMPC

Lastly, the best leaders are found “doing the work” required to manifest the vision given by God:

”And He said to them, How is it that you had to look for Me? Did you not see and know that it is necessary [as a duty] for Me to be in My Father’s house and [occupied] about My Father’s business?“

Luke 2:49 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Lead well!

“Peter said, Lord, are You telling this parable for us, or for all alike?

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 12:41-48 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.12.41-48.AMPC

For I Believe God, That It Shall Be

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the reality that, as leaders, we often face storms – winter storms as soon as we declare we desire to grow and elevate our plans.

According to the National Weather Service, in the natural:

“Winter storms are often called the “deceptive killers” since many deaths can be attributed to indirect causes of adverse weather.”

This would suggest that our new visions and dreams are at the risk of “deceptive killers” called unbelief, fear and doubt.

But in the scriptures, we are reminded that “winters” are divinely orchestrated and therefore must serve a purpose for our good.

”While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.“

Genesis 8:22 AMPC

We must guard our hearts and not be deceived when we experience these winter storms.

We must not allow ourselves to be distracted because it is possible for us to be standing in the field of blessings; yet have a heavy and ungrateful heart – lacking understanding.

Winter seasons and storms are a vital component of our growth process and affords us the opportunity to hear from God; to jettison unproductive habits, relationship structures and beliefs; and to acquire new biblical skills, beliefs , strategies and boundaries.

There is an abundance of new wine available to us – scripture tells us that we just need to prepare our vessels:

”Neither is new wine put in old wineskins; for if it is, the skins burst and are torn in pieces, and the wine is spilled and the skins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.“ Matthew 9:17 AMPC

Paul gives a glimpse of how to prepare:

”But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].“

1 Corinthians 9:27 AMPC

Let us therefore do the work to read the Word, believe the Word, pray the Word, do the Word, and repent when we fall short. In doing so, we shall unleash unlimited capacity for growth.

It shall be! In Jesus Name!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.

And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.“ Acts 27:21-25, 43-44 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.27.22-43.KJV

Be Dressed and Ready for Active Service

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

I was reading this scripture this morning and my mind began thinking about required changes this year that we, the leaders, need to focus on to release the king in us. My question:

”..Is there no king in you?” Micah 4:9 ESV

We have god given vision boards, strategic plans, and enthusiasm , now is the time for action! We must prepare for the harvest from our seeds sown.

Now is the time to move forward like David and Pursue! When we do, we will be covered by grace like Noah.

”David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this band [of raiders]? Will I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them, and you will certainly rescue [the captives].”“

1 Samuel 30:8 AMP

”I pursued my enemies and overtook them; And I did not turn back until they were consumed.“ Psalms 18:37 AMP

”But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.“ Genesis 6:8 KJV

Success is ours as we prepare and move forward in Faith!

Scriptural Gives Us Steps for Preparedness:

”Keep your loins girded and your lamps burning,“ Luke 12:35 AMPC

”So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.“ 1 Peter 1:13 AMPC

”The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going. A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident.“ Proverbs 14:15-16 AMPC

”A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.“ Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

”Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand” Proverbs 19:21 AMPC

We Are Empowered by Christ to Succeed:

”Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.“ Proverbs 22:29 ESV

”Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.“. Proverbs 16:10 AMPC

Opportunity abounds with the Blessing:

”Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],

making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.

Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.“. Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP

When we do this, we will be prepared and experience the overflow of abundance and favour of God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”“Be dressed and ready for active service, and keep your lamps continuously burning.

Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that when he comes and knocks they may immediately open the door for him.

Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those servants whom the master finds awake and watching when he arrives. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will prepare himself to serve, and will have them recline at the table, and will come and wait on them.

Whether he comes in the second watch (before midnight), or even in the third (after midnight), and finds them so [prepared and ready], blessed are those servants.“

Luke 12:35-38 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.12.35-38.AMP