Tag: lifestyle

When a man’s ways please the Lord

I was reflecting this morning on the burden of regret which can be very heavy and debilitating.

As leaders, It is impossible to get through this life without making mistakes: whether mishandling of relationships, decisions, our health, our marriage, our emotions, our thoughts, or our behaviors – you name it.

There is hope! I just hear the Word of the Lord saying:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32 KJV

We can find forgiveness and redemption in the name of Jesus as the scripture says “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

Philippians 2:9-10 KJV

I am so grateful that even REGRET must bow to the name of Jesus! Restoration is ours to accept.

Once we lay the burden of regret at the feet of Jesus, we must arise in the newness of life from his forgiveness as we thank him, worship him and adore him.

We must

⁃ “ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept us–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for our light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon us! [Zech. 8:23.]” Isaiah 60:1 AMPC

⁃ Strive to walk in the “fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit].”Galatians 5:22-23, 25 AMP

In closing, we really need to believe that God loves us so much that he gave us Christ.

“But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ’s victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing:”

2 Corinthians 2:14-15 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

Proverbs 16:7 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/pro.16.7.AMP

It gives Light to all Who are in the House

I was reflecting this morning on the reality that as leaders, we ultimately will have a crucible moment when we realize that our lives are but a looking glass- an example. What we believe and who we become is what is revealed to others.

Who we truly are will/ shall reveal itself.

We also have to be comfortable, as we serve in Gods Kingdom, that our role is to be an example and to be a seed sower for Christ! The scripture states it this way:

“I planted[the seed], Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was causing the growth. So neither is the one who plants nor the one who waters anything, but [only] God who causes the growth.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 AMP

This can be humbling but it is also the truth. We must trust and rely on the process.

The second crucible moment comes when we realize that we will need to sow the seed of sacrifice where all will view us, judge us, criticize us, doubt us:

“Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted]. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:4, 16 AMP

People will see our sacrifice differently – like viewing light through a prism.

Because visible light, also known as white light, consists of a collection of component colors. Upon passage through the prism, the white light is separated into its component colors – red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. The separation of visible light into its different colors is known as dispersion.

As in the natural, we may see only parts of light through the prism of our faith, belief and experiences, so will others who view our light!

We cannot control how people will interpret our light. We just need to know that when God drives the increase, it will be undeniable, awesome and will compel men to come to Him.

We just need to be “willing and obedient, and we shall eat the best of the land;” Isaiah 1:19 AMP

As we commit our time, talent and treasure to the kingdom, the scripture states that:

“A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16 AMP

This is how our lamps give light to all who are in the house.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.”

Matthew 5:15 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.5.15.AMP

Bear Fruit with Patience

I was reflecting this morning and my mind drifted toward foundational principles and concepts that, if missed, can really cause us as leaders to build our dreams on foundations of sand vs solid rock. And that grieved me.

Concept #1:

While on this earth, though for a vapor, the scripture says we are ALL given some basic raw materials:

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

“Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love].” 2 Corinthians 9:10 AMP

It is up to us how we utilize these resources. Do we squander them, dismiss them, or do we cherish them and serve as good stewards of them? All are OUR CHOICES.

Concept #2:

We often have grand visions but we soon discover our imperfect souls require constant spiritual maintenance: surgery to get our hearts to align with God resulting in prepared and nourished soil.

Grand visions with no biblical character is shallow or hollow at best:

“Incline your ear [to listen] and come to Me; Hear, so that your soul may live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, According to the faithful mercies [promised and] shown to David.

Seek the Lord while He may be found; Call on Him [for salvation] while He is near.

Let the wicked leave (behind) his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the Lord, And He will have compassion (mercy) on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.”

Isaiah 55:3, 6-8 AMP

Concept #3:

When looking at the 80/20 rule as applied to our spiritual growth, preparing the soil of our hearts, ensuring alignment with Gods thoughts and being obedient to his directions are the 20% tasks that make all the difference.

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

Matthew 6:33 AMP

These are some fundamental principles that require time and meditation until we receive revelation and own them.

Our breakthrough to the next level is dependent on our soil quality.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience.”

Luke 8:15 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.8.15.AMPC

The Wickedness of Man was Great

I was reflecting this morning and the thought that crossed my mind is how man, left to his own devices, can be a destructive force. But with Christ as our moral compass and guide, all things become new and all things are possible.

During creation, we see where God was pleased with man as the scripture states: “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it completely. And there was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.”

Genesis 1:31 AMPC

However, as time passed, God began to have regrets because man in his fallen state was in a place “that every imagination and intention of all human thinking was only evil continually”.

As leaders, we may find ourselves in a situation where we are building for the future with high expectations; however, we see chaos, deception, confusion, and strife surrounding us.

Despite what is happening around us the Bible reminds us that “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9 AMPC ) and therefore we also live in a time where the thoughts of Man are evil continuously. Their minds, words and deeds are toward those things which are evil.

“But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.”

And so can we by declaring Psalms 91 that God:

⁃ He is our Refuge and our Fortress, our God; on Him we lean and rely, and in Him We [confidently] trust!

⁃ He will deliver us from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

⁃ He will cover us with His pinions, and under His wings shall we trust and find refuge

⁃ His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.

⁃ We shall not be afraid of the terror of the night, nor of the arrow (the evil plots and slanders of the wicked) that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor of the destruction and sudden death that surprise and lay waste at noonday.

⁃ A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but it shall not come near us.”

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination and intention of all human thinking was only evil continually.

And the Lord regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved at heart.

So the Lord said, I will destroy, blot out, and wipe away mankind, whom I have created from the face of the ground–not only man, [but] the beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air–for it grieves Me and makes Me regretful that I have made them.

But Noah found grace (favor) in the eyes of the Lord.”

Genesis 6:5-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.6.6-8.AMPC

Be Careful therefore How You Listen

I was reflecting on these passages and what really stuck with me is how we as leaders, must continue to prepare and nurture our soil if we want to continue to grow with God.

Nothing stands still and we must show continuous engagement with actions to continue to grow with Christ.

Since we desire the unlimited wisdom supply that comes from above, there is a demand of meaningful engagement and willful change – on our behalf.

As leaders, we desire an unlimited harvest but do we invest daily the time, energy and attention to study, ponder and meditate on the seeds of the Word while sowing them into our soil: our minds, wills, emotions and spirit?

Quality time invested in shaping our faith visions brings tangible clarity and is time well spent.

Our visions are becoming so real that we already see and possess them in our minds and hearts?

This relationship requires engagement, communication, patience, tenderness, listening, hearing, empathy, and connection to grow and thrive.

So true this is in the spiritual realm that “For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away.”

There is a risk of deterioration and loss of ground.

Not for us as I decree that the blood of Jesus covers us, our households and our visions. In Jesus Name Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open.

Be careful therefore how you listen. For to him who has [spiritual knowledge] will more be given; and from him who does not have [spiritual knowledge], even what he thinks and guesses and supposes that he has will be taken away.”

Luke 8:17-18 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.8.18.AMPC

His Faith is credited to him as Righteousness

I was reflecting on this scripture as my mind continued to return to the simplicity of the standard that Abram established when “he [Abram] believed in (trusted in, relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord”. Gen 15:6 AMPC

The scripture says that “He [God] counted it to him as righteousness (right standing with God)”

That is so amazing to comprehend and can serve as a life lesson for us as leader.

Sometimes life can feel complicated and overwhelming but the faith standard still remains simple and true: believe in, trust in, rely on, remain steadfast to God, period.

When we lose our way, we always can repent, reset our compasses and refocus our attention back on Christ.

We are reminded with the reality that salvation is not and cannot be earned by our works but it is a gift -“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!” Romans 4:2 AMPC

We just need to receive this gift, and trust (believe fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly.

In closing: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For if Abraham was justified (established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God!

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). [Gen. 15:6.]

Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).

But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God).”

Romans 4:2-5 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/rom.4.2-5.AMPC

You will be a blessing

I was reflecting on this scripture as my thoughts kept coming back to the importance of having a “more than enough” vs. a “just enough” mindset.

As leaders, we must always look for opportunities to be “change agents” with adding value to others as the foundation premise for success.

Our impact flows when we focus on being a blessing to or the burden remover for someone else, each day.

Yes, we have our own issues and needs but, our solutions are our seeds of service.

Remember:

⁃ When we feel stuck, we should focus on serving.

⁃ When we are not sure what to do, we should serve (teach, pray, build, enhance, intercede, sow- give of ourself).

Scripture reminds us that: “The liberal person shall be enriched, and he who waters shall himself be watered. [II Cor. 9:6-10.]” Proverbs 11:25 AMPC

Our blessings and rewards come as a result of how well we succeed in serving others. The truth is that “he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.”

2 Corinthians 9:6 AMPC

Lastly, “God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to us in abundance, so that we may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation].”

2 Corinthians 9:8 AMPC

Trust the process and be intentional about sowing seeds of blessings into others.

Do not become weary as we proceed in faith knowing that what we do matters. “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

My prayer is that we will be faithful in words and deeds for the glory of Gods Kingdom.

“Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]– To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen (so be it).”

Ephesians 3:20-21 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you [with abundant increase of favors] and make your name famous and distinguished, and you will be a blessing [dispensing good to others].”

Genesis 12:2 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.12.2.AMPC

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

Be Merciful

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures related to “mercy“ and assessing just how to further align our lives with the standard that God has extended unto us. Simply “how can we get better?”

Being merciful is a heart condition – a continuous heart preparation, evaluation and adjustment process as we walk with Christ.

The reality of our “growth progress”is revealed when we get “pinched” and our initial reaction or thought is not Godly and we ask “OMG, where did that come from?”

As leaders, yes we are busy, have great demands and pressures that we navigate daily; however, we must continuously examine our hearts, our thoughts and our behaviors to ensure we are growing in the Word, have not stagnated or worst – lost ground.

It does take daily work to overcome our old sinful nature by putting on the whole armory of god and renewing our minds.

We operate in a glass bowl where everyone is observing us and how we respond or react towards others. Our response reveals how we value others, their thoughts and their ideas!

When we miss the mark, we must recognize the offense and be sensitive enough to repair the hurt.

As leaders who truly care and desire to lead with love, we have the greatest power available to us and that is “being merciful”. Seeds of mercy can and will pay dividends

It is my prayer that we will sow these mercy seeds generously and bountifully for the glory of God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Be merciful (responsive, compassionate, tender) just as your [heavenly] Father is merciful. “

Do not judge [others self-righteously], and you will not be judged; do not condemn [others when you are guilty and unrepentant], and you will not be condemned [for your hypocrisy]; pardon [others when they truly repent and change], and you will be pardoned [when you truly repent and change].

Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more].

For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.””

Luke 6:36-38 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.38.AMP

Surely I will be with you

When I was reflecting on this passage my mind was just thinking about the continuous grace of God. Early in our growth journey, we may make decisions that we know or later learn are contrary to what is the truth. Ideally, we grow, mature and arrive at the place where more of our decisions are based on and in alignment with the Word as growth is a continuous process. But the reality is that decisions have consequences (mental, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual).

As leaders, we may experience a season as a result of decisions where we have a sense of bewilderment, loss and are kindling an underlying desire for more of God like Gideon who summed it up well when he asked “where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us?”

I believe that at these moments, breakthrough, revelation and flow can occur because we desire to get to and remain at a place of hunger and thirst for the kingdom and its righteousness- despite how we are perceived, how we feel and ultimately the price we have to pay.

Arriving at that place where all we want is God’s presence and its manifestation in our lives and situation is vital as we press forward toward our assignment and associated battles. In our own strengths, we are not able to prevail in battle; however, with God’s promise that “Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite” the enemy- victory is assured.

In this season, it is my prayer that you will be encouraged, renewed and reenergized for Christ!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, The Lord is with you, you mighty man of [fearless] courage.

And Gideon said to him, O sir, if the Lord is with us, why is all this befallen us? And where are all His wondrous works of which our fathers told us, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? But now the Lord has forsaken us and given us into the hand of Midian.

The Lord turned to him and said, Go in this your might, and you shall save Israel from the hand of Midian.

Have I not sent you?

Gideon said to Him, Oh Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Behold, my clan is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.

The Lord said to him, Surely I will be with you, and you shall smite the Midianites as one man.”

Judges 6:12-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/jdg.6.12-16.AMPC