Tag: lifestyle

Go and Do Likewise

I was reading this scripture this morning and was reflecting on just how easy we, as leaders, can allow ourselves to get so busy that we loose, for a moment or permanently, the ability to be touched by the infirmities of others.

I suspect that each of us have had a moment where we were so focused on our needs, goals and objectives that we missed taking the time to “really see” the needs of someone else.

Our response may be because we perceive the risk of “their ask” may be more than we think we can accommodate or maybe, we just do not feel like being “other centered” in that moment.

As leaders, we are learning that being a follower of Christ is not always convenient and often reveals our hidden heart issues.

We then see in this example, how the Good Samaritan was “moved with pity and sympathy [for him]”.

We are also reminded that: “But by the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not [found to be] for nothing (fruitless and without effect). In fact, I worked harder than all of them [the apostles], though it was not really I, but the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God which was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 AMPC

It is easy to become overwhelmed, struggle to find balance, and to not live up to the standard set by the Word of God: “Contribute to the needs of God’s people [sharing in the necessities of the saints]; pursue the practice of hospitality.” Romans 12:13 AMPC

We must strive daily to take on and have the mind of Christ: “For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. [Isa. 40:13.]” 1 Corinthians 2:16 AMPC

“All things are legitimate [permissible–and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor].” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 AMPC

We are encouraged and constantly being prepared to touch life at many touch points, being less structured so that we can “connect” with others. The Bible reminds us: “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” Romans 8:1-2 AMP

We are God’s workmanship, His ambassadors and are the salt of the earth. We have been given dominion and authority over the whole earth. Because of Christ, we have a river of living water to be a blessing to mankind showing pity and mercy. In Jesus Name, Amen

Like the Good Samaritan, let us Go and do likewise!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus, taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened.

Now by coincidence a certain priest was going down along that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

A Levite likewise came down to the place and saw him, and passed by on the other side [of the road].

But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled along, came down to where he was; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity and sympathy [for him], And went to him and dressed his wounds, pouring on [them] oil and wine.

Then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii [two day’s wages] and gave [them] to the innkeeper, saying, Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I [myself] will repay you when I return.

Which of these three do you think proved himself a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers? He answered, The one who showed pity and mercy to him. And Jesus said to him, Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30-37 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.10.30-37.AMPC

Praise the Lord

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and just how wonderful God is. As godly leaders pursuing godly visions, sometimes our agendas are “disrupted” by an unction of the Holy Spirit. In these moments we are lead to take a pause or a brief detour so that Gods kingdom is blessed, we are refreshed and His perfect will is done.

Today, it is my hope that we stop and simply say – “Thank you Lord”.

“For it is by free grace (God’s unmerited favor) that we are saved (delivered from judgment and made partakers of Christ’s salvation) through [your] faith. And this [salvation] is not of ourselves [of our own doing, it came not through our own striving], but it is the gift of God;”

Ephesians 2:8 AMPC

We have reassurances and rest in the scriptures that reminds us:

⁃ “Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name. [Lev. 7:12; Isa. 57:19; Hos. 14:2.]” Hebrews 13:15 AMPC

⁃ “And we know (understand, recognize, are conscious of, by observation and by experience) and believe (adhere to and put faith in and rely on) the love God cherishes for us. God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.” 1 John 4:16 AMPC

⁃ “And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you 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

⁃ “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and abounding in mercy and loving-kindness. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works [the entirety of things created].” Psalm 145:8-9 AMPC

In closing and most of all, God is faithful and can be trusted:

“According to Your steadfast love give life to me; then I will keep the testimony of Your mouth [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it].

Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven [stands firm as the heavens]. [Ps. 89:2; Matt. 24:34, 35; I Pet. 1:25.]

Your faithfulness is from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

Psalm 119:88-90 AMPC

Yes, He truly deserves ALL the glory, honor and adoration. Let’s praise him today!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“PRAISE THE Lord!

Praise the Lord from the heavens, praise Him in the heights!

Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers and judges of the earth! Both young men and maidens, old men and children!

Let them praise and exalt the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted and supreme!

His glory and majesty are above earth and heaven!

He has lifted up a horn for His people [giving them power, prosperity, dignity, and preeminence], a song of praise for all His godly ones, for the people of Israel, who are near to Him.

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) [Ps. 75:10; Eph. 2:17.]”

Psalm 148:1, 11-14 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.148.1-14.AMPC

Great Peace Have They Which Love Thy Law

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was really intrigued by the idea of just how wonderful it is to have peace but equally of growing spiritually until we just simply love the law. The result of that growth is that nothing will offend us.

Rest assured that achieving this level of spiritual growth does not come by accident or by circumstances but by our taking specific actions.

We, as leaders, can be encouraged. By deciding to execute certain strategies, we will have greater and greater levels of peace and grow in our ability to lead ourselves and others to higher levels. The scripture reminds us that “As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Proverbs 27:17 AMP

Through our struggle to achieve mental peace in “life”, our deliverance and breakthrough comes when we make adjustments in our day (each 24 hours) learning how to pay attention to God – even in the midst of our activities.

This may feel overwhelming initially, but we have to fight to achieve this level of communion with the Holy Spirit. It is beneficial and worth the effort. Here are some strategies to consider:

Strategy #1: Keep Seeking the things that are above

“Therefore if we have been raised with Christ [to a new life, sharing in His resurrection from the dead], keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set our mind and keep focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are on the earth [which have only temporal value]. For we died [to this world], and our [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 AMP

Strategy #2: Taking time to Abide in Christ

“Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 AMP

Strategy #3: Purposeful and Frequent Praise

“Seven times a day I praise You, Because of Your righteous ordinances.”

Psalms 119:164 AMP

For those that may not fully appreciate the value in making these adjustments, the Word offers some reassurances that this investment of time and energy is not lost effort. Here are a couple benefits:

Benefit #1: Receipt of Godly Peace

“Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” John 14:27 AMP

Benefit #2: Competitive Advantage

“In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters (Magi) in his whole realm.” Daniel 1:20 AMP

Benefit #3: Greater Understanding from God

“I understand more than the aged [who have not observed Your precepts], Because I have observed and kept Your precepts.” Psalms 119:100 AMP

In closing, what is so reassuring in this scripture is that it declares that Gods Word is true! Not only is it true today, it has always been true from the beginning.

Let’s choose today to stand together on the Word and abide in Christ until we reach the point that we just Love the law and he gets all the glory! Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

Princes have persecuted me without a cause: But my heart standeth in awe of thy word.

I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil.

I hate and abhor lying: But thy law do I love.

Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments.

Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.”

Psalm 119:160-165 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.119.160-165.KJV

Your Treasure

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and my mind began to reflect on the most valuable treasure we have – time.

Each of us are blessed to have 168 each week to invest our time into the things that matter most to us and is a tell of what we truly value.

Sometimes our actions are in conflict with what we verbally or mentally say are important.

Time is our scoreboard of life.

As leaders, we all search for meaning and purpose in life as it would seem futile to achieve much and to realize all is vanity.

To help us try and stay on the right track to meaning, the bible urges us to: “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

It is admirable to want our lives to count for something and they do!

We can be encouraged and validated as the scripture says: “For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began [eternal ages ago].”

2 Timothy 1:9 AMPC

As leaders, we face a constant struggle and tension with “how do we set our hearts to invest” as time is the currency of our lives.

If we feel the need to redeem the time, we can walk in wisdom. Colossians 4:5 KJV

Next, we can leverage the strategy that our Daily Activity Determines Our Destiny!

When we evaluate our calendars over the past week, how did we allocate our 168 hours?

What will be revealed is what we truly value today. We can ask ourselves a couple of questions:

⁃ Are we pleased with what we saw?

⁃ Does it represent the best that life offers?

⁃ Is there sufficient preplanned time with those we love?

⁃ What are our time allocations today?

⁃ What should our time allocations be?

This can be a hard fact to accept; however, congratulations, we now have the foundations for a plan and there is hope in the Word:

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.””

Matthew 19:26 AMP

We can be assured that:

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He also has planted eternity in men’s hearts and minds [a divinely implanted sense of a purpose working through the ages which nothing under the sun but God alone can satisfy], yet so that men cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMPC

And

“I know that whatever God does, it endures forever; nothing can be added to it nor anything taken from it. And God does it so that men will [reverently] fear Him [revere and worship Him, knowing that He is]. [Ps. 19:9; James 1:17.]” Ecclesiastes 3:14 AMPC

Amen

Lastly, with focused effort, we can achieve calendar alignment with our values.

“TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Pursue your best life in Christ.

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Matthew 6:21 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.6.21.AMPC

You Do Not Know of What Sort of Spirit You Are

When I was reflecting on this passage this morning, I was intrigued by the words of Jesus when he told his two disciples James and John, “You do not know of what sort of spirit you are….”.

What is most interesting is that these disciples traveled with Jesus for a while.

They saw him perform miracles and mighty works yet it appears that they did not grasp and understand His fundamental message and principle of love.

It is almost as if they still had a mistaken identity – at least momentarily.

Reading through the chapter, there are clues that suggest that the disciples were in a period of unrest, conflict or something. Examples are:

⁃ They were focused on trying to determine who was the greatest disciple vs just serving.

⁃ They were confounded by the charge from Jesus to feed the 5,000 men and their families.

⁃ They wanted to rebuke a man who was driving out demons in Jesus’ name but Jesus corrected them.

In the last case below, the disciples wanted to cause fire to come down on the Samaritan village who would not receive Jesus.

But my mind kept coming back to, “Why?” Why would the disciples have such a violent reaction to the village’s response? And as leaders, what can we learn from this?

Perhaps, they felt disrespected. If so, the scripture helps us adjust:

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 AMPC

OMG

Perhaps, they were angry:

“Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man’s anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires].” James 1:19-20 AMPC

Help us Lord!

Perhaps they did not understand their identity in Christ. Scripture says: “Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!

But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].”

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 AMPC

Selah

It is my prayer that we, the leaders, continue to seek out and strive to adopt the mind of Christ. We will need it to prevail in this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But [the people] would not welcome or receive or accept Him, because His face was [set as if He was] going to Jerusalem.

And when His disciples James and John observed this, they said, Lord, do You wish us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, even as Elijah did? [II Kings 1:9-16.]

But He turned and rebuked and severely censured them. He said, You do not know of what sort of spirit you are,

For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them [from the penalty of eternal death]. And they journeyed on to another village.”

Luke 9:53-56 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.9.53-56.AMPC

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

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

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