Tag: leadership

But Christ is Real!

I was just reading this morning and came across this scripture and I could not help but reflect on the sheer magnitude of this statement. OMG. My heart was just flooded with emotions of gratitude.

As leaders, there is one personal journey question that only you can answer: How real is Christ to you, today?

Wherever we are on the continuum, the meer fact that we are reading this question, it shows that we are still on this growth journey.

Sometimes we get tossed to and fro in our minds and with the many challenges of life. But, it is helpful to return to our home base of certainty and comfort – Christ.

Remembering the scriptures that say: “For the Lord God is a Sun and Shield; the Lord bestows [present] grace and favor and [future] glory (honor, splendor, and heavenly bliss)! No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Today is a good day to just enter into his presence, just adore him, and to lay all of our cares/sins at the feet of Jesus at the cross. Christ is over every power and authority.

Hosanna in the highest!”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“You have accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord. Now keep on following him.

Plant your roots in Christ and let him be the foundation for your life.

Be strong in your faith, just as you were taught. And be grateful.

Don’t let anyone fool you by using senseless arguments. These arguments may sound wise, but they are only human teachings.

They come from the powers of this world and not from Christ.

God lives fully in Christ. And you are fully grown because you belong to Christ, who is over every power and authority.

Christ has also taken away your selfish desires, just as circumcision removes flesh from the body.

And when you were baptized, it was the same as being buried with Christ. Then you were raised to life because you had faith in the power of God, who raised Christ from death.

You were dead, because you were sinful and were not God’s people.

But God let Christ make you alive, when he forgave all our sins.

God wiped out the charges that were against us for disobeying the Law of Moses. He took them away and nailed them to the cross. There Christ defeated all powers and forces.

He let the whole world see them being led away as prisoners when he celebrated his victory.

Don’t let anyone tell you what you must eat or drink. Don’t let them say you must celebrate the New Moon festival, the Sabbath, or any other festival.

These things are only a shadow of what was to come. But Christ is real!”

Colossians 2:6-17 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/col.2.6-17.CEV

God Instructs Him Correctly and Teaches Him

As I was reflecting on this passage this morning, I was reminded where the scriptures states “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph…”. The question is how much we will allow him to do so.

In this example story of the farmer, the interesting fact was even though each seed he was planting required soil to grow, each had unique soil preparation and planting requirements to grow successfully.

This is also true for each of our “vision” seeds that we have been given.

Practically, there are certain processes/ tasks that must be completed to harvest a successful businesses, ministry, community, family and marriage.

Some of the tasks may be: regulatory, personnel, finances, product or services, customers/ client relations, communications – provision.

As the leaders, what is most important are the instructions we download from God daily on how to prepare our soil for these provisions as each seed requires different soil preparation and handling techniques for success.

God knows what our soil needs, when it is needed and he is faithful to order our steps – day in and day out, if we let him lead, guide and teach us. We need God’s revelations and wisdom.

As we listen and make adjustments, we will see our harvest yield fruit of its kind- some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold.

The results will be in direct proportion to our faith and growth in these areas: Prayer, Praise, Worship, Fasting, Reading and Meditating on the Word and Communing with the Holy Spirit.

It is my prayer that we will hear with clarity “What the Lord is Saying” for us this season. All we know and believe is that it will be edifying and good for us.

Be Blessed!!

be a Blessing!

“Give ear and hear my [Isaiah’s] voice; listen and hear my words.

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continue to plow and harrow the ground after it is smooth?

When he has leveled its surface, does he not cast abroad [the seed of] dill or fennel and scatter cummin [a seasoning], and put the wheat in rows, and barley in its intended place, and spelt [an inferior kind of wheat] as the border?

[And he trains each of them correctly] for his God instructs him correctly and teaches him.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.28.23-26.AMPC

“Pay close attention to what I am saying. Farmers don’t just plow and break up the ground.

When a field is ready, they scatter the seeds of dill and cumin; they plant the seeds of wheat and barley in the proper places and sow other grains around the edges.

They learn this from their God.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/isa.28.23-26.CEV

How is it That You We’re Not Afraid

I was reading this passage this morning and was just amazed at how “good intentions” may have serious consequences because of ignorance.

We have the example of an Amalekite who, it appears, thought he was acting in obedience to kill Saul when Saul, the King, asked to be killed.

Maybe the Amalekite thought he was just “being obedient”, but what is clear is that when the Amalekite presented before King David, he underestimated King David’s response.

Unknowingly, perhaps, the Amalekite had violated a higher principle, ““Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.””

As leaders, we must remember that decisions always have consequences (favorable or unfavorable) and we must understand that strategic principles (the invisible/ spiritual ) always override operational decisions (the visible/ natural).

This can be a hard lesson to understand but it is a vital lesson to grasp.

Daily, we are being challenged to evaluate each decision through the lens of strategic principles set by Christ and his Word. Ignorance of these principles do not negate their presence.

Even if our actions seem to be right, if they don’t align with the Word, it is misguided energy and effort.

There is always a higher guiding principle or principality that we need to understand and to which to adjust our thoughts and actions for long term success.

It is my prayer that we strive daily to learn of and understand the spiritual law and principles against which all operational decisions shall be judged. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He asked me, ‘Who are you?’ I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ He said to me, ‘Stand up facing me and kill me, for [terrible] agony has come over me, yet I still live [and I will be taken alive].’

So I stood facing him and killed him, because I knew that he could not live after he had fallen. Then I took the crown which was on his head and the band which was on his arm, and I have brought them here to my Lord.”

David said to him, “How is it that you were not afraid to put out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” David called one of the young men and said, “Go, execute him.” So he struck the Amalekite and he died.

David said to the [fallen] man, “Your blood is on your own head, for your own mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have killed the Lord’s anointed.’ ””

2 Samuel 1:8-10, 14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2sa.1.14.AMP

Press On

I was reflecting on these scriptures and just how much energy and focus we need as leaders to be able to just “press on”.

There are always mountains to climb, land to acquire, goals to meet and issues to resolve but one thing that is required to navigate through these storms is our ability to pursue peace and to just “press on” – keep it moving!

We must realize that our greatest challenges and resistance often lives right at the door of our breakthroughs and success’s.

In the military, there is often an event called the “crucible” – a cumulative rigorous exercise which requires demonstrated mastery of recent learnings. The second objective of the “crucible” is often to test your ability to “press on” !

Each of us are living through our own “crucible”. To us, I share these thoughts:

⁃ Yes there is discomfort. So what, “press on”.

⁃ Yes there is disappointment. So what, “press on”.

⁃ Yes there are fears, doubts, and limited beliefs. So what, “press on”.

Yes, progress comes with a price. It demands more time of us in study, prayer and consecration.

We are in a season where breakthroughs will surface out of the chaos for those of us who choose to rest in Christ, have peace and “press on”.

We may see resistance of various kinds; but, we will have to just take the ground that has been promised to us.

We will take these hills only with the faith and belief in the promise that god has given us. This is the mindset we must develop as the whole earth is groaning and awaiting the manifestation of the sons of god.

Thank you Lord for this word!

It is my prayer and decree that , we your people, this year will just take you at your word and move forward in faith so that your kingdom comes and that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Press on!

“I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.”

Philippians 3:14-15 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/php.3.14-15.AMP

“We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.4.8-10.AMP

“You [my enemy] pushed me violently so that I was falling, But the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”

Psalms 118:13-14 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.118.13-14.AMP

They will share the Burden

I was reflecting on these scriptures that relate to equipping ourselves and our teams for exponential impact through Gods power.

It is becoming more real to me just how critical we, the leaders, must become resolute in our thinking to attract, develop and train more godly leaders.

We are given the mandate to: Be Fruitful, Multiply, Subjugate, and to have Dominion. These conditions cannot be achieved without a team no matter the assignment.

The reality that our mandate is much bigger than our personal abilities requires that we assemble and equip a team of likeminded and committed leaders.

Understanding, like Joshua, that every place we walk is ours; there is no limit to the opportunities. Our only potential limit is in our ability to prepare ourselves (spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally) and the leaders on our team.

Only you and God will know the number of “men” that will be needed for the calling on your life. We see that Moses needed 70; but the scriptures shows that just two can have unlimited impact when they are in agreement.

In closing, here are a couple of reflection questions to ask:

⁃ Who is on your leadership team that needs to be coached to the next level?

⁃ What training/ capability gaps do you have in your leadership team that needs addressing?

⁃ Who is on your leadership team but chooses not to grow?

⁃ What is your action plan to resolve these gaps, this year?

It is my prayer that the Lord will give you clarity, wisdom, courage and strength to attract, train and realign your team to run the race that God has given you. In Jesus Name, Amen

“And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.””

Genesis 1:28 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.1.28.AMP

“The Lord said to Moses: “Bring me seventy of Israel’s elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people. Have them come to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you. I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the power of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them. They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”

Numbers 11:16-17 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/num.11.16-17.NIV

“Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.18.19.AMP

Love

When reflecting this morning, I was lead to just study characteristics of love – Godly love.

Love is definitely an action word and it sets a high but noble standard that is worth pursuing with “all our heart”..

Before Christ, most people have false perceptions and a surface understanding of the word LOVE. As we learn of Christ, we get a glimpse and understanding of what is love and how to recognize it.

As leaders, it is my prayer that we examine ourselves today and kneel at the feet of Jesus for direction, strength and wisdom on how to become and embody these scriptures so that we are equipped to lead.

Love characteristics and scriptures:

⁃ Love your Enemies: “But I say to you who hear [Me and pay attention to My words]: Love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, [make it a practice to] do good to those who hate you, bless and show kindness to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. But love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; for your reward will be great (rich, abundant), and you will be sons of the Most High; because He Himself is kind and gracious and good to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful.” Luke 6:27-28, 31, 35-36 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.27-36.AMP

⁃ Love is Sacrifice: “For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.”John 3:16 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.16.AMP

⁃ Love is Commitment : “No one has greater love [nor stronger commitment] than to lay down his own life for his friends.” John 15:13 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.15.13.AMP

⁃ Love Overlooks Unkindness: “Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others].” 1 Peter 4:8 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1pe.4.8.AMP

⁃ Love is Patient and Kind: “Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.4.AMP

⁃ Love is not Provoked: “It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured.” 1 Corinthians 13:5 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.5.AMP

⁃ Love Rejoices in Truth: “It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail].” 1 Corinthians 13:6 AMP https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.6.AMP

In conclusion, Love is the Greatest level of Grace: “And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love.”

1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.13.13.AMP

Be Blessed !

Be a Blessing!

The end of the matter is: Fear God

When I was reflecting on this scripture, I consider for a moment that there are many troubling works that we pursue “under the sun” where we are exerting a significant amount of effort and energy.

If these efforts are not pursuing Christ and his kingdom, it seems that “all is vanity and vexation (def. the state of being annoyed, frustrated, or worried) of spirit”.

As leaders, we live in a day where we pursue knowledge which continues to increase, we wonder whether knowledge ever has an end, and how do we acquire enough to be able to compete, create, innovate and thrive. This is the cycle of the knowledge of man.

But there is a higher level and realm of knowledge: revelation knowledge that comes with the fear and reverence of God. This is the type of knowledge with solutions that “flesh and blood” cannot reveal to us and it often “confounds the wise”.

There is nothing wrong with the judicious pursuit of growth and knowledge. We just need to realize that at some point, man’s knowledge will hit a natural limit which can create a sense of “grief and sorrow”.

When we hit that limit, we have to remember and trust that at the conclusion of the matter our rest, progress and peace comes when we Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments! That is our duty.

We must continue to commune with the Holy Spirit knowing that there is a “heavenly solution” to every problem – NO MATTER HOW LARGE OR SMALL. Amen

Be Encouraged and may the peace of Christ be with you this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“I entered into counsel with my own mind, saying, Behold, I have acquired great [human] wisdom, yes, more than all who have been over Jerusalem before me; and my mind has had great experience of [moral] wisdom and [scientific] knowledge.

And I gave my mind to know [practical] wisdom and to discern [the character of] madness and folly [in which men seem to find satisfaction]; I perceived that this also is a searching after wind and a feeding on it. [I Thess. 5:21.]

For in much [human] wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”

Ecclesiastes 1:16-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.1.16-18.AMPC

“All has been heard; the end of the matter is: Fear God [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is] and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man [the full, original purpose of his creation, the object of God’s providence, the root of character, the foundation of all happiness, the adjustment to all inharmonious circumstances and conditions under the sun] and the whole [duty] for every man.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.12.13.AMPC

Making the very most of the time

I was reflecting this morning on this year and all of the many blessings that the Lord has done- even during the times of loss, mistakes and hurt.

As leaders, we need a Word to help us to prepare for next year and beyond as I believe that each year is a building block- a stepping stone in this journey called “life”.

Since we are here, we have a responsibility- a duty to press forward and upward for Gods glory.

As leaders, we should perform an annual assessment – the process of strategic planning. This is less about goal setting but more around energy allocation planning:

⁃ How are we directing our seeds of life- our time, our talents and our treasures?

⁃ How do we effectively position ourselves to receive not just the 30 folds or 60 fold return on our energies but the 100 fold return?

⁃ How do we achieve Maximum Impact?

One thought that comes to mind is that we have to recognize the season that we are in spiritual, emotionally, and physically:

⁃ What are the tools and resources that we currently have available to us?

⁃ What are the tools and skills we need to study and meditate on in the word and acquire to aggressively pursue what god has placed on our hearts to achieve?

⁃ What are the the habits, thoughts and behaviors that we need to purge/ let go of to draw closer to Christ?

My second thought surrounds the need to “Checkin” on our relationships to ensure that they are thriving and are still fruitful.

Some may need rearranging and others may need an investment of time as relationships are all that matter as they provide the spice and richness of life.

My third thought surrounds achieving the I00 fold return mindset – the true desire to live as the scripture states: purposefully, worthily and accurately.

How do we accomplish something great and transformational in this season as we want to flow with the Holy Spirit. We just want to be in the center of gods will/ his word.

Lastly, we must do the work of committing our thoughts, dreams and action plans to paper- no matter how small or comprehensive.

This brings clarity and power when we find a reinforcing scripture.When we are in agreement with the Word, Christ will be in the midst of the plan and his presence, multiplication, grace, mercy, revelation, peace, confidence, rest and provision exists. OMG, thank you Lord!

It is my sincere prayer that in this season that we will write the vision, come into agreement with the Word and flow into our devine appointment where there is no lack but all sufficient in all things in Christ Jesus.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Dream Bigger!

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.5.15-16.AMPC

“And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. [Heb. 10:37, 38.]”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/hab.2.2-3.AMPC

“Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain–some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.”

Matthew 13:8-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.13.8-9.AMPC

I Perceive that this is a Holy man of God

When I was reflecting on this passage I found myself asking many questions and also just sitting in amazement at how unspoken dreams and hopes that have been deferred can still be met.

Here is a women who was sucessful in many areas of her life: her finances as she was referred to as rich, prominent and influential; her community as she was asked what does she need and she stated that she had peace and security and needed no special favors; and her marriage as her husband listened to and respected her ideas and feelings as evidenced when they discussed setting up a room in their house to accommodate the prophet whenever the prophet came to town.

What also became clear was that she was a hospitable person who insisted that the prophet ate a meal at their home with an open invitation whenever the prophet came through.

Her hospitality, concern for and reverence of the man of God created this ripe environment for her unspoken desire/ need to be met. Selah

God was also dealing with Elisha’s spirit which could not rest until his role in this devine appointment was completed. Elijah’s heart was open and he desired to bless the woman with her true hearts desire – a son.

Each of us, as leaders, have true and unspoken desires and dreams that we may have given up on because they seem impossible.

Maybe, just maybe, our breakthrough will come as we continue living the Christ- like life in showing love, patience, hospitality, and servanthood.

These love seeds that we plant can and must manifest a harvest in its season.

Our honoring God and the things that concern him, being sensitive to and hearing from the Holy Spirit while acting on those unctions, pour foundations for the resurrection of these dreams and desires.

Be not wiery nor ashamed in doing good in this season as whatsoever we soweth, we shall also reap in the next season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a rich and influential woman lived, who insisted on his eating a meal.

Afterward, whenever he passed by, he stopped there for a meal.

And she said to her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by continually. Let us make a small chamber on the [housetop] and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then whenever he comes to us, he can go [up the outside stairs and rest] here.

One day he came and turned into the chamber and lay there. And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. When he had called her, she stood before him. And he said to Gehazi,

Say now to her, You have been most painstakingly and reverently concerned for us; what is to be done for you? Would you like to be spoken for to the king or to the commander of the army? She answered, I dwell among my own people [they are sufficient].

Later Elisha said, What then is to be done for her? Gehazi answered, She has no child and her husband is old. He said, Call her. [Gehazi] called her, and she stood in the doorway.

Elisha said, At this season when the time comes round, you shall embrace a son. She said, No, my Lord, you man of God, do not lie to your handmaid.

But the woman conceived and bore a son at that season the following year, as Elisha had said to her.”

2 Kings 4:8-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/2ki.4.8-17.AMPC

TO EVERYTHING there is a Season

I have been reflecting on this passage this morning because my heart and mind is heavy.

We are approaching a season that is supposed to be focused on the wonderful gifts that God has given us: family, friends, life and even Christ; however, achieving peace is not something that comes automatic. We have to do the work of trusting God and casting all of our cares at the foot of the cross.

These times of joy can become times of pain because of the pressures of commitments and the sometimes overwhelming barrage of negative information that comes our way each day- But God!

We have a way of escape and a choice. We can choose to participate in the realms of stress, fear, anger, dismay, disbelief, overwhelm – or not. We can choose the path of peace as this season too shall pass!

Yes, that issue that seems impossible, this too shall pass!

As leaders, we have to remind ourselves as the Word clearly states that we live in a life that has cycles and seasons. The question is: “What is the pain of this season trying to teach us?”

⁃ Maybe the answer is for us to birth new goals, new dreams, new habits, new relationships- maybe new responses to an existing issue that leads us to rest in a place of peace.

⁃ Maybe the answer is for us to let somethings just simply – die. Unfruitful beliefs, relationships, habits, mindsets, goals, activities, condemnations from what we “should” have done or “should” have been.

⁃ Maybe we need to purge our minds and spirits of those images, beliefs and standards that bring perpetual grief, are no longer edifying and try to steal our joy. There are many and they seem to just try and nibble away at our peace – if we let them. We will not!

⁃ Maybe we are in the season where we can give ourselves permission to hit the “reset” button on: that project that we never started, the areas in our lives that have become disarray, our deferred hopes and dreams, the vision (s) that we have only hidden in our hearts, relationships that mean the most to us but have been neglected, our allowance for Gods grace to be revealed in our lives, our allowing the Holy Spirit to come and just commune with us, our just stopping and hearing that much needed word from the Lord.

No matter where we are today, please let’s take time to just give thanks.

It is my prayer that we all can simply say, “It is well with my soul today, in the name of Jesus!”

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Peace be unto you!

“TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted, [Heb. 9:27.]

A time to kill and a time to heal, a time to break down and a time to build up, A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, A time to get and a time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away, A time to rend and a time to sew, a time to keep silence and a time to speak, [Amos 5:13.]

A time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. [Luke 14:26.]”

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/ecc.3.8.AMPC