lifestyle – Page 3 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Spoiled By the Potter’s Hand

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the reality that in our journeys with God we are constantly challenged to grow.

Usually we find, as leaders, that when we face obstacles or resistant, there is often a “faith lesson” in the works to prepare and strengthen us while refining our skills for the next level of leadership.

This process can be frustrating, disheartening and difficult as promotion usually requires us to change to thrive at the higher level.

Scripture tells us:

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Yes, he knows us but we must learn ourselves and choose to lay down our weights, habits, beliefs and simply say “yes lord” – despite it all, I will go!

Everyday, we are presented with a choice to move forward in Christ or not!

We do not always make the correct choice but we can improve our odds of success in Christ by surrendering our hearts, minds, emotions, dreams and fears to Him – allowing him to mix our lives up like the potter.

Allow Christ to Continuously Improve Us:

Often times we have grown and formed into a pot that capacity to handle so much of the “weight of leadership”. If we are not careful, our development and preparedness can become obsolete or ineffective as new situations demand “more”.

Unless we allow ourselves to be broken, molded and reshaped on the potters wheel, we will not be adequately prepared or equipped for the demands of the moment.

It is my sincere prayer and declaration that we will remain faithful and keep our hearts receptive for the calling of God:

“Now Moses was faithful in [the administration of] all God’s house, [but only] as a ministering servant, [his ministry serving] as a testimony of the things which were to be spoken afterward [the revelation to come in Christ]; [Num 12:7] but

Christ is faithful as a Son over His [Father’s] house. And we are His house if we hold fast our confidence and sense of triumph in our hope [in Christ].

Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, “Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as [your fathers did] in the rebellion [of Israel at Meribah], On the day of testing in the wilderness,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭3‬:‭5-8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let’s let the potter continue to mold us and get all the glory! He does marvelous work.

In Jesus Name.

Be Blesses!

Be a Blessing!

“The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord:

“Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will make you hear My words.”

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

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

Then the word of the Lord came to me:

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

At one moment I might [suddenly] speak concerning a nation or kingdom, that I will uproot and break down and destroy;

if that nation against which I have spoken turns from its evil, I will relent and reverse My decision concerning the devastation that I intended to do.

Or at another time I might [suddenly] speak about a nation or kingdom that I will build up or establish;

and if they do evil in My sight by not obeying My voice, then I will reverse My decision concerning the good with which I had promised to bless them.

Now then, say to the men of Judah and to the citizens of Jerusalem, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am shaping a disaster and working out a plan against you. Turn back, each of you from his evil way; correct your habits and change your actions for the better.” ’

But they will say, ‘That is hopeless! For we are going to follow our own plans, and each of us will act in accordance with the stubbornness of his evil heart.’”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.18.12.AMP

Spiritual Ignorance

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that, as leaders, being in a place of spiritual ignorance can be extremely costly.

The Bible says it this way:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

The solution is for us to choose to study and apply Gods word in our daily lives:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And by developing simple success behaviors, we make our way prosperous:

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

As we continue on this journey, our partial understanding becomes clearer as Christ reveals the mysteries unto us.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer and decree that we are and remain diligent students of His Word!

“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.

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Let us fight the good fight of faith against spiritual ignorance.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people],

saying, “If [only] you had known on this day [of salvation], even you, the things which make for peace [and on which peace depends]! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.

For a time [of siege] is coming when your enemies will put up a barricade [with pointed stakes] against you, and surround you [with armies] and hem you in on every side, [Is 29:3; Jer 6:6; Ezek 4:2]

and they will level you to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you. They will not leave in you one stone on another, all because you did not [come progressively to] recognize [from observation and personal experience] the time of your visitation [when God was gracious toward you and offered you salvation].””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.19.41-44.AMP

Be Steadfast

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://atomic-temporary-196791482.wpcomstaging.com/

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the thought that, we leaders, often struggle with making decisions whether to accept/ decline new roles/ responsibilities or with having steadfast confidence whether a related decision we made was the right one.

Some of this anxiety may result from the lack of sufficient decision making discipline or the lack of sufficient maturity in hearing, recognizing and acting upon the voice of God.

Whatever the cause, the result can be the same: our experiencing turmoil and anxiety versus being in a place of calm and rest.

We are not alone in having internal feelings of inadequacy but I am grateful that we serve a true and living god who is touched by our infirmaries. In Him we are made strong and he will always be with us as he was with Moses and Gideon:

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And God said, “Certainly I will be with you…

Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬A AMP‬‬

“But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you….”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ A AMP‬‬

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

We must be encouraged and believe that like Abraham, we will not stagger at the promises of God.

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, let us focus on meditating and becoming doers of these scriptures so that we may become steadfast in our leadership and follower-ship of Christ:

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep. [Ps 23; Is 40:11]”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭56‬-‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.15.57-58.AMP

That Your Faith May Not Fail

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and my heart just keeps settling on “just trust god”!

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 AMP

We can be encouraged by this excerpt from Jeremiah which reminds us of gods commitment to perform his word:

“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see the branch of an almond tree.”

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am [actively] watching over My word to fulfill it.””

Jeremiah 1:11-12 AMP

Amen

We are living in a season of rapid and successive conflicts yet my spirit keeps reminding me that we just need to “trust god”.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

God alone is our place of refuge!

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.”

Psalms 91:2-4 AMP

Regardless of the quantity and severity of the challenges, our hearts keep telling us-“just trust God”.

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.”

Psalms 34:19 AMP

We, leaders, must prioritize Him with our time in prayer, study, meditation and worship to achieve the best results.

““I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me. ”

Proverbs 8:17 AMP

We must believe that all of his magnificent wisdom will make things OK.

“Yes, You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.

You will draw me out of the net that they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength and my stronghold.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness. [Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59]”

Psalms 31:3-5 AMP

We must believe that god is working it all out for our good:

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

Romans 8:28 AMP

““The Lord will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way, but flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 AMP

Lastly, the Lord’s mercy endurerh forever so we just need to trust, believe and call out to Him:

“When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you.”

Psalms 91:15 CEV

It is my prayer that our faith fail not!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].””

Luke 22:32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.22.32.AMP

There Is Nothing Too Difficult

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the thought that we serve a great god but we also serve a jealous god. So, as leaders, when we walk into our “Canaan” and enjoy many of gods blessings and deliverance, we must be careful to keep Him as our top priority.

We see several warnings in the scripture:

“Watch yourself so that you do not make a covenant (solemn agreement, treaty) with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a [dangerous] trap among you. But you shall tear down and destroy their [pagan] altars, smash in pieces their [sacred] pillars (obelisks, images) and cut down their Asherim —for you shall not worship any other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]—”

Exodus 34:12-14 AMP

As leaders, we must be ever sensitive to the reality that we are not in this fight alone and we have the god who is the giver of knowledge and understanding with us always. As long as we have God, we can achieve anything.

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You…”

Many of us face mountains that seem insurmountable but I am here to remind us that there truly is nothing to difficult for God and he is well able to do it! He says:

““Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?””

Jeremiah 32:27 AMP

The Lord was faithful to fulfill his promise to deliver the children of Israel with mighty works of signs and miracles, but they were not equally faithful and consistently built idols to worship. This grieved the Lord.

Scripture says:

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

“You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land [of plenty] flowing with milk and honey.

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Today, we know that we will take possession of our lands and we know that we will prosper in Christ Jesus.

We must also remember that we are always at risk of losing our zeal for god and letting “distractions of life” to be our idols – if we are not careful.

It is my prayer and decree that we will be forever faithful to God!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“”…I prayed to the Lord, saying,

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

You who show lovingkindness to thousands, but repay the wickedness (sin, guilt) of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], O great and mighty God; the Lord of hosts is His name;

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Therefore You have caused all this disaster and suffering to come upon them.”

Jeremiah 32:16-20 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.32.16-23.AMP

Trust in Him

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

I was reflecting this morning and thinking on the idea of the Declaration of Independence.

America was created and founded on its desire to become an independent nation to chart its own course.

The founding fathers’ framework valued and understood the importance of being “one nation under God” – which has unlocked grace and has contributed to our success.

Scripture reminds us:

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 KJV

As leaders, we must also decide to make God our primary focal point. When we do, the bible tells us that our success and the success of America is assured.

“Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”

Proverbs 14:34 AMPC

So in reality, our Declaration of Independence was from man; however, the lasting declaration is really one of “Dependency on God”.

That is the real story and the real success principle that we, as leaders, seek – having a thirst for God!

“As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God. In my heart, I am thirsty for you, the living God. When will I see your face?” Psalms 42:1-2 CEV

“For in Him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your [own] poets have said, For we are also His offspring.”

Acts 17:28 AMPC

We play a vital roles in steering this ship while here on earth:

“THE EARTH is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it, the world and they who dwell in it. [I Cor. 10:26.]”

Psalm 24:1 AMPC

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind (declare to be improper and unlawful) on earth must be what is already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose (declare lawful) on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven. [Isa. 22:22.]” Matthew 16:19 AMPC

So as we celebrate the birth of our great nation, let us also celebrate the birth of our great faith in and dependence on God.

“…For my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; My fortress and my defense, I will not be shaken or discouraged. “

Psalms 62:5b-6 AMP

We just need to trust in Him!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“My soul, wait thou only upon God; For my expectation is from him.

He only is my rock and my salvation: He is my defence; I shall not be moved.

In God is my salvation and my glory: The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

Trust in him at all times; ye people, Pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.”

Psalm 62:5-8 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.62.5-8.KJV

Indifferent to God

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how we, as leaders, must guard our hearts and minds from being desensitized.

There are so many wars and cultural battles today that can create and sustain a spirit of unforgiveness.

We can easily get distracted and stop communing with the Holy Spirit – find ourselves drifting and indifferent (lack of interest, concern, or sympathy) toward the things of God.

Scripture describes it as:

“I know your [record of] works and what you are doing; you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth!”

Revelation 3:15-16 AMPC

But God also gives us an action plan for restoration:

“My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings. Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart. For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you. Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.

Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.

Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:20-27 AMPC

God desires that we dwell in him. Scripture says:

“Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. [Live in Me, and I will live in you.] Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me.

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit.

However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing. If a person does not dwell in Me, he is thrown out like a [broken-off] branch, and withers; such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and they are burned.

If you live in Me [abide vitally united to Me] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.

When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.” John 15:4-8 AMPC

In closing, Gods illustrates His never ending love in the King Nebuchadnezzar’s story.

“Therefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable to you; break off your sins and show the reality of your repentance by righteousness (right standing with God and moral and spiritual rectitude and rightness in every area and relation) and liberate yourself from your iniquities by showing mercy and loving-kindness to the poor and oppressed, that [if the king will repent] there may possibly be a continuance and lengthening of your peace and tranquility and a healing of your error.” Daniel 4:27 AMPC

Our responsibility is to be faithful to confess our sins when we error:

“If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves, pray, seek, crave, and require of necessity My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 AMPC

Amen!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And just as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the time of [the second coming of] the Son of Man:

the people were eating, they were drinking, they were marrying, they were being given in marriage, [they were indifferent to God] until the day that Noah went into the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.

It was the same as it was in the days of Lot. People were eating, they were drinking, they were buying, they were selling, they were planting, they were building [carrying on business as usual, without regard for their sins];

but on the [very] day that Lot left Sodom it rained fire and brimstone (burning sulfur) from heaven and destroyed them all.”

Luke 17:26-29 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.17.26-29.AMP

We Have Done Our Duty

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that, as leaders, excellence is never achieved through minimum levels of effort – whether ours or the efforts of others.

As we grow in the Word of God, we strive to grow to the Jesus standard!

I am grateful for Apostle Paul when he wrote:

”I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.“

Philippians 3:14 AMPC

We all spend and invest our life into the things that matter most to us. These things occupy our minds, speech and hearts. Scriptures reminds us that we should:

”Keep our heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.“. Proverbs 4:23 KJV

There is a false narrative in society that if we do the bare minimums we will get the maximum reward.

Spiritually, it is true that we are saved by grace but growing our faith in Christ requires effort!

The “minimum” effort approach will directly impact our pace of growth and maturation in Christ, business, ministry, relationships, and health.

Progress requires intentional engagement and effort and many of us are challenged with how to be a peak performer on all fronts.

One strategy is to make basic habit changes as a priority in “this season” until they become who we are. This is the process of healing from the inside out.

A second strategy is to create capacity through building and maintaining biblical belief and operating systems.

As we sow intentional time seeds into studying and doing the Word, our time harvest (capacity) will grow.

We learn lessons like:

”And they have overcome (conquered) him by means of the blood of the Lamb and by the utterance of their testimony, ….“

Revelation 12:11a AMPC

And

”But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.“

Matthew 13:23 KJV

When we make changes internally, our priorities begin to align our mind, body and spirit with Christ.

We then begin to receive innovative ideas and solutions from the Holy Spirit. Our angels, ministering spirits, also bring in support and resources to help us accomplish the great commission.

As we persist and are steadfast, blessing and favour will overtake us.

In closing, Lord this is our prayer: Order our steps in your word today as we learn of you and your will. Search our hearts and reveal anything that is not of you so that we may address it and press toward the mark of excellence!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”Will any man of you who has a servant plowing or tending sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, Come at once and take your place at the table?

Will he not instead tell him, Get my supper ready and gird yourself and serve me while I eat and drink; then afterward you yourself shall eat and drink?

Is he grateful and does he praise the servant because he did what he was ordered to do?

Even so on your part, when you have done everything that was assigned and commanded you, say, We are unworthy servants [possessing no merit, for we have not gone beyond our obligation]; we have [merely] done what was our duty to do.“

Luke 17:7-10 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.17.7-10.AMPC

Living the Good Life

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how there is a continuous demand on us, as leaders, to truly be intentional how we sow the seeds of our time, our talents and our treasures.

Where we sow these seeds demonstrates what we value!

Pursuing excellence with our time, our talent and our treasures will demand us to make changes for growth.

”For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].“. Ephesians 2:10 AMP

Setting excellence as the standard, we must strive to achieve higher spiritual progress in Christ.

Scripture reminds us:

”….But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes].“

1 Corinthians 2:16 AMP

Enriching the ground of our heart, will provide the necessary growth. It is the success system that never fails.

”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 2:12-13 AMP

But what should be our measuring stick because this walk with Christ is not about works but a journey of grace?

”For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith.

And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].“

Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP

In conclusion, if we desire a more excellent way or outcome, we have to take ownership and make it so:

For we are … created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set] so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].“

I pray and decree that we will “…judge all things [question, examination and apply what the Holy Spirit reveals]” to us by faith in Jesus name!

When we do, we will get a taste of and see the manifestation of Living the Good Life.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus, [and He did this] so that in the ages to come He might [clearly] show the immeasurable and unsurpassed riches of His grace in [His] kindness toward us in Christ Jesus [by providing for our redemption].

For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God;

not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].

For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].“

Ephesians 2:6-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/eph.2.7-10.AMP

The Disciple is not Above His Master

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the idea that we, as leaders, must change first to affect change for our households, businesses and ministries. Others will not or cannot change until we do. If we expect greater outcomes, it is on us to drive the change.

We must prepare ourselves for the battle; here are a couple of ways:

Dream Bigger to See Farther!

We must dream bigger dreams and think bigger thoughts according to the limits of God. This causes his super to be added to our natural by faith.

”for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.“

Genesis 13:15 KJV

”And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.“

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 KJV

Desire Bigger to Create Capacity , Hunger and Thirst!

”The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: But the desire of the righteous shall be granted.“ Proverbs 10:24 KJV

”Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.“

Matthew 5:6 KJV

Get greater Joy for Strength for the Journey!

”Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.“

Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

Break up our fallow ground:

”Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.“ Hosea 10:12 KJV

Gird our loins:

”Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.“ Jeremiah 1:17 KJV

Find instructions in the Word:

”Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight.“ Psalm 119:33-35 KJV

”Blessed be the LORD my strength, Which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:“Psalm 144:1 KJV

Take Action for Now is the Time:

”(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)“

2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV

In closing:

As we commit to soaking ourselves in the Word this year, we will see our wounds healed and an abundance of wealth, riches, favour, peace and clarity in our lives.

At the end, we will testify of the transformation that occurred.

Thank you Lord that you said in your word:

”Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.“. Genesis 13:17 KJV

We receive it by faith, in Jesus name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?“

Matthew 10:24-25 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.10.24-25.KJV