Tag: leadership

He Came Near to Damascus

I was reflecting this morning on this passage and my mind kept thinking that each of us, as leaders, travel our own road to Damascus. It is a continuous journey.

Granted most of us are or were not persecuting Christians like Saul; however, one thing was true is that we were not walking according to the plan that God had for our lives.

Despite how bad things were before our “Christ encounter”, it is really reassuring to see where God said: “Go, for this man is a [deliberately] chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;” Acts 9:15 AMP

I am so grateful that even in the midst of our actions which were/are contrary to Christ, he still sees us as his chosen instruments.

As leaders, we error. We may have multiple trips where we deviate from Gods plan for our lives. Maybe not to the initial degree but we may find ourselves off the road or even losing ground on the road.

The good news is that Christ is still trying to get our attention and to prepare us for promotion and advancement. He created us and he knows us and creates moments of divine revelation that are absolute and undeniable because it is so impactful and transformational for us.

God is acutely aware of how to get our attention and to demonstrate his sovereignty, love and rulership.

We just have to yield and allow him to help us.

He even writes: “THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us,

and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us,

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection].

He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]” Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC

Despite what we have achieved so far, we are destined for even greater works because of our “Christ encounter” if we would once again:

“Delight ourselves also in the Lord, and He will give us the desires and secret petitions of our heart.

Commit our way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of our load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” Psalm 37:4-5 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.

Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, And he fell to the ground.

Then he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me [harassing, troubling, and molesting Me]?

And Saul said, Who are You, Lord? And He said, I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it will turn out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad [to offer vain and perilous resistance].

Trembling and astonished he asked, Lord, what do You desire me to do?

The Lord said to him, But arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.

The men who were accompanying him were unable to speak [for terror], hearing the voice but seeing no one.

Then Saul got up from the ground, but though his eyes were opened, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.” Acts 9:2-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/act.9.3-8.AMPC

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

Arise, Anoint Him

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and on the importance and significance of being chosen.

We have been equipped for greatness and can use, at our disposal, the power of anointing oil.

God outlines a clear desire and plan for each of us:

“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

We have all been predestined since the beginning of the world to thrive and to make an impact for the kingdom in this dispensation of time.

Even with that predestined purpose, we, as leaders, face many obstacles that could hinder our progress.

But throughout the scriptures, we see examples of how the use of anointed oil is a weapon and signifies that we are “different”!

We are not average nor ordinary!

If we feel sick, scripture guides us:

“Is anyone among you sick? He should call in the church elders (the spiritual guides). And they should pray over him, anointing him with oil in the Lord’s name. And the prayer [that is] of faith will save him who is sick, and the Lord will restore him; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” James 5:14-15 AMPC

If we feel fear, we are reminded:

“Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.” Psalm 23:4-5 AMPC

When we need reassurance, we read:

“You have loved righteousness [You have delighted in integrity, virtue, and uprightness in purpose, thought, and action] and You have hated lawlessness (injustice and iniquity). Therefore God, [even] Your God (Godhead), has anointed You with the oil of exultant joy and gladness above and beyond Your companions. [Ps. 45:6, 7.]” Hebrews 1:9 AMPC

When God promotes us, we are equipped for the responsibilities:

“Then take the garments and put on Aaron the long and sleeved tunic and the robe of the ephod and the ephod and the breastplate, and gird him with the skillfully woven girding band of the ephod. And you shall put the turban or miter upon his head and put the holy crown upon the turban. Then take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him.” Exodus 29:5-7 AMPC

Lastly, when we need favor, the anointing prepares us to receive:

“Wash and anoint yourself therefore, and put on your best clothes and go down to the threshing floor, but do not make yourself known to the man until he has finished eating and drinking.” Ruth 3:3 AMPC

Whatever our needs, the Lord has already provided for us. We just need to use, trust in and remember the power of anointing oil.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel.

And Samuel said to Jesse, The Lord has not chosen any of these.

Then [he] said to Jesse, Are all your sons here? [Jesse] said, There is yet the youngest; he is tending the sheep.

Samuel said to Jesse, Send for him; for we will not sit down to eat until he is here. Jesse sent and brought him. David had a healthy reddish complexion and beautiful eyes, and was fine-looking.

The Lord said [to Samuel], Arise, anoint him; this is he.

Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward.

And Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”

1 Samuel 16:10-13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1sa.16.11.AMPC

Moses Had Laid His Hands Upon Him

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the idea concerning the importance of succession planning, building our leadership pipeline as a priority and obeying god.

We see in this passage, one of the greatest prophets, Moses, coming to the end of his time as the leader of Israel – a forty year burden. He has had many successes and many failures over the span of his life.

Though his leadership imprint did not begin until he was eighty (Acts 7:22, 30)’, he accomplished so much:

⁃ At the advice of his father in law, he created the judicial system to be able to meet the growing needs of Israel. Exodus 18:25-26

⁃ In Numbers 11:16, he had 70 men anointed with his wisdom to be able to multiply his effectiveness in leading and taking care of a whole nation of 600,000 men (not including women and children) after having left Egypt.

As a leader, Moses is known for being a master builder of leadership systems.

Equally if not more importantly, Moses had an intimate relationship with god where they met and talked on many occasions throughout the scriptures starting in Exodus through Deuteronomy.

Despite all of these successes, the thing that grieves me the most is that Moses’ decision, made out of anger and frustration, caused him to not obey god and follow his instructions when God was trying to take him to another level. The scripture says “I have let you see it [the promised land] with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” Decisions matter.

If we recall, the story in Numbers 20 goes as this:

“And the Lord said to Moses, Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to give forth its water, and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.

So Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He commanded him. And Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation before the rock and Moses said to them, Hear now, you rebels; must we bring you water out of this rock?

And Moses lifted up his hand and with his rod he smote the rock twice. And the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.

And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, Because you did not believe in (rely on, cling to) Me to sanctify Me in the eyes of the Israelites, you therefore shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:7-12 AMPC

This disobedience or demonstrated inability to grow (in previous times, the guidance from god was to smote the rock) and perform at the next level, cause Moses to be placed on the exit ramp concerning Gods purpose and mission.

The scripture states that “Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated.” So he was not feeble and was well able physically to lead the people. There just was a lapse in judgement that cost him his position.

It was time to pass the mantle on to the leader who would take the children of Israel to the promised land, Joshua.

The lesson for us as leaders is to do our best to hear from God and to lead well- everyday. Our very existence and success as leaders depend on it.

Yes it is true, that the very people we are charged with leading may be stiff-necked, rebellious, struggle with change, and have old limiting beliefs and behaviors; but despite all of that, the responsibility of leadership still falls on us and we must and will be held accountable. The scripture reminds us that whom He sends, He qualifies.

In Closing: God, in his infinite wisdom and love, still provided for the children of Israel and provided them with a leader to carry the mantle forward – Joshua. God was not slack on fulfilling his promises to Israel in that he ensured that their new leader had a sure and solid foundation. The Bible states that “ Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him…” Moses had poured so much of himself into Joshua while they walked the leadership journey together.

Joshua learned from the best and was sensitive to hear and to obey the words of God. So much so that the Bible states the new generation of “Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Lead well!

“And the Lord said to him, This is the land which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, I will give it to your descendants.

I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord, And He buried him in the valley of the land of Moab opposite Beth-peor, but no man knows where his tomb is to this day.

Moses was 120 years old when he died; his eye was not dim nor his natural force abated. [Deut. 31:2.]

And the Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended.

And Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands upon him; so the Israelites listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses.

And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, [None equal to him] in all the signs and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt–to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land, And in all the mighty power and all the great and terrible deeds which Moses wrought in the sight of all Israel.”

Deuteronomy 34:4-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/deu.34.4-12.AMPC

Open His Eyes That He May See

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea of the importance of seeking and having wise anointed counsel.

The scriptures tells us that if we seek wise counsel, we will find it. “For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 AMPC

One benefit of wise counsel, once found, is that they bring insights that are relevant and profound and they can come into agreement with us and our vision.

When they do, the scripture reminds us that God then joins to create a three strand cord – that can not easily be broken!

It says: “…if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]” Matthew 18:19-20 AMPC

Selah

A second benefit is that wise counsel can pray and provide a shield of protection in trouble by declaring that:

⁃ “the Angel of the Lord encamps around us who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of us He delivers. [Ps. 18:1; 145:20.]” Psalm 34:7 AMPC

⁃ “A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but it shall not come near us.” Psalm 91:7 AMPC

⁃ “For He will give His angels [especial] charge over us to accompany and defend and preserve us in all our ways [of obedience and service].” Psalm 91:11 AMPC

Amen!

A third benefit of wise counsel is they help us to mature and to no longer be like “children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.” Ephesians 4:14 AMPC

We appreciate them being “instant in season, out of season; reproving, rebuking, exhorting us with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2 KJV

They uphold us by speaking life into our situation reminding us of what God has said: “My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV

It is my prayer that we, as leaders, don’t let pride be a hinderance to our seeking wise counsel for this season of our lives.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Therefore the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing. He called his servants and said, Will you show me who of us is for the king of Israel?

One of his servants said, None, my Lord O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber.

He said, Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him. And it was told him, He is in Dothan. So [the Syrian king] sent there horses, chariots, and a great army. They came by night and surrounded the city.

When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. Elisha’s servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do?

[Elisha] answered, Fear not; for those with us are more than those with them.

Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see.

And the Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

2 Kings 6:11-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/2ki.6.11-17.AMPC

Perfectly and Fully Developed

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that we need to be patient with ourselves as we walk out this faith journey.

We live in a society that values and cherishes immediate gratification and instant results. Certain situations exist where we need an immediate need met and God is able to meet our needs immediately.

Usually, when it comes to growth and maturation, this is developed over time.

Like a plant when the bulbs are planted, there may be a period where it appears that nothing is happening.

During these times, there is the tendency to think that the seed has died and there will be no harvest- not so!

With patience, there ultimately is that glimmer of hope which is created when we see the tip of the blade. Then later, we see more and more plant growth and with hearty roots.

So is it with our personal spiritual development and growth as a leader.

We all need a little grace and patience as we press towards our breakthrough moment.

We never know the level of effort that is required to complete this process.

Many times we have confessed that “this is the time, we will stay true to our confession and be obedient in season and out of season” – only to still realize that without God we can do nothing.

Many of us, are comfortable with endurance, steadfastness and patience having “partial” access to the rooms in our heart, our minds and in our souls.

To permit them to do a thorough work, we must sacrifice our comfort for vulnerability and for growth.

When we “let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work” in us, we will see God’s handiwork.

Yes, all things are possible for him who believes”.

“We believe… so therefore all things are possible for us, because of Christ Jesus”.

Be encouraged!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing.”

James 1:2-4 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jas.1.2-4.AMPC

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

Behold, I Will Stand Before You There

I was reflecting on these scriptures and my mind began to think about war (the battles of life) and the impact that we, as leaders, have on others lives.

Despite our best intentions and precise planning, not everything works according to the plan.

The scripture reminds us that:

“…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.” Luke 12:48 AMPC

The best leaders come to realize that we need help. That is why the example of Moses is so powerful because, even “the powerful” Moses, needed help and support to lead Gods people well. Selah

Moses’ sacrifice of intercession and overwatch all day during the battle seemed impossible in his own strength. Yes, Moses was acting on divine revelation and divine direction but he realized that he needed help and an abundance of grace to complete the mission.

Leadership is hard and we leaders are often misunderstood. Our decisions have consequences and are magnified but are often misunderstood. We are responsible and accountable for achieving results while we remain committed to higher ideals while serving as caretakers of our teams, communities and families.

We must pray and earnestly seek the lord’s guidance for revelation often during the discomfort of the battle and difficult decisions.

We can always find rest and comfort in the scripture as we are reminded: “BLESSED BE the Lord, my Rock and my keen and firm Strength, Who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight– My Steadfast Love and my Fortress, my High Tower and my Deliverer, my Shield and He in Whom I trust and take refuge, Who subdues my people under me.” Psalm 144:1-2 AMPC

But after the decision is made and necessary actions are taken, we often suffer in silence with the “what if’s”. For those moments, there can be solace in the Word: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

“In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].”Ephesians 6:10 AMPC

Rest in his promise: “Behold, I will stand before you there….”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“So Moses cried to the Lord, What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me.

And the Lord said to Moses, Pass on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel; and take in your hand the rod with which you smote the river [Nile], and go.

Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at [Mount] Horeb; and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink.

And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. [I Cor. 10:4.]

He called the place Masson [proof] and Meribah [contention] because of the faultfinding of the Israelites and because they tempted and tried the patience of the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us or not?

Then came Amalek [descendants of Esau] and fought with Israel at Rephidim.

And Moses said to Joshua, Choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.

So Joshua did as Moses said and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the hilltop.

When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.

But Moses’ hands were heavy and grew weary. So [the other men] took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.

Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

And Joshua mowed down and disabled Amalek and his people with the sword.

And the Lord said to Moses, Write this for a memorial in the book and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under the heavens. [I Sam. 15:2-8.]

And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner; And he said, Because [theirs] is a hand against the throne of the Lord, the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

Exodus 17:4-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/exo.17.16.AMPC

Why sit We Here Until We Die?

I was reading this passage and was reminded that many times in life, we miss opportunity because of indecision and failure to act.

There are times that we need to “be still” so we can see the salvation of the Lord and to hear the voice of the Good shepherd.

Often, the options that we “initially see” in the natural have negative outcomes.

But we see in the story of the leprous men, where they concluded, that if they don’t act, They WILL die.

But if they did take action, They MAY still die BUT They also MAY live!

Hope and possibility was born.

As leaders, we need a decision making system that will help us to “move forward” in faith so that we can possess the promise land. The Word reminds us in Deuteronomy that:

“For the land which you go in to possess is not like the land of Egypt, from which you came out, where you sowed your seed and watered it with your foot laboriously as in a garden of vegetables.

But the land which you enter to possess is a land of hills and valleys which drinks water of the rain of the heavens,

A land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always upon it from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:10-12 AMPC

We are also comforted and reassured that: “the Lord will drive out all these nations before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than you.

Every place upon which the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness to Lebanon, and from the River, the river Euphrates, to the western sea [the Mediterranean] your territory shall be.

There shall no man be able to stand before you; the Lord your God shall lay the fear and the dread of you upon all the land that you shall tread, as He has said to you.”

Deuteronomy 11:23-25 AMPC

We, as leaders, must:

⁃ Settle in our minds that we need to make decisions and Take Action!

⁃ Prepare for the battle by spending time in the Word to understand the heart of God concerning us and our mission.

⁃ Prayerfully make a plan and come into Agreement with the Word.

⁃ Close the door of impossibility by finding and reading scriptural promises.

⁃ Take action on the last directive/ idea received from the Lord. No more instructions may be coming until we act on this one.

⁃ Choose not to stay in the valley of indecision. In this valley, great leaders, great dreams and great visions have become paralyzed and have died.

⁃ Be comfortable being uncomfortable. For during most of the journey in the “Faith” highway, we will not see the “entire picture”.

We choose to move forward!

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there: and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall unto the host of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

And they rose up in the twilight, to go unto the camp of the Syrians: and when they were come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there.

For the LORD had made the host of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great host: and they said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hittites, and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.

Wherefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their asses, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

And when these lepers came to the uttermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and gold, and raiment, and went and hid it; and came again, and entered into another tent, and carried thence also, and went and hid it.”

2 Kings 7:3-8 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/2ki.7.3-8.KJV