Tag: love

And You Did Not Abandon Them

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, serve an awesome god who is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, dependable and reliable. 

His unwavering consistency and dedication towards us remains true, despite how we react or respond. 

The Bible tells us:

““For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end. 

“Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and ordinances and have not kept them. 

Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

  1. The answer is “Seek my face”:

“…Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].” 

Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor leave me, O God of my salvation!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

2. And know that His Word will prevail: 

    “So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen and Amen

    Because God is sovereign and knows us intimately, we can rest in His presence:

    “You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways. 

    Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. [Heb 4:13] 

    You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me. 

    Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it. 

    Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Thank you Lord!

    He loves us so much that He often shares mysteries and secrets with us as we draw nearer to Him. What a privilege!

    ““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [Ex 33:12; Is 49:1, 5; Rom 8:29]”

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “…To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. [Mark 4:11]”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    So let us get to the place where we resolve in our hearts that it is all about Christ and Christ alone:

    “be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 

    This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

    ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Amen

    Lastly, let us be courageous and walk in the confidence that all things are working together for our good:

    “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.””

    ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “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

    Amen and to God be the Glory!

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    ““You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, And brought water for them out of a rock for their thirst, And You told them to enter and take possession of The land that You swore to give them. [John 6:31-34] 

    “But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They stiffened their necks and would not heed Your commandments. 

    “They refused to listen and obey, And did not remember Your wondrous acts which 

    You had performed among them; So they stiffened their necks and [in their rebellion] appointed a leader in order to return them to slavery in Egypt. 

    But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and merciful and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not abandon them. [Num 14:4]”

    ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/neh.9.16.AMP

    Be Not Weary…

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

    I was reflecting on these scripture this morning and the thought thot we, the leaders,  may suffer in silence questioning our leadership effectiveness and impact – wondering whether we truly add value daily. 

    When we do this, a real danger exists if we permit these thoughts to fester unchecked by the Word of God. 

    We risk allowing our hearts to become tainted, grieved and possibly hardened. 

    God forbid!

    Lord Help Us!

    Scripture warns us that the enemy and his followers are here to try to kill, steal or destroy the purposes of God – including our assignments, our joy, our confidence and our hope. 

    “…In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” [2 Pet 3:3, 4]  These are the ones who are [agitators] causing divisions—worldly-minded [secular, unspiritual, carnal, merely sensual—unsaved], devoid of the Spirit. 

    But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit, 

    and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously and looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [which will bring you] to eternal life. ”

    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭21 ‭AMP‬‬

    The Bible also warns us to guard our hearts as if our lives depended on it:  

    “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

    ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

    “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Let us therefore meditate on and follow the below biblical roadmap for success:

    “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

    And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

    Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 

    And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Amen

    In closing, I declare and decree that we will never grow weary being the sowers who ONLY sow The Word of God according to Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ – encouraging, comforting and building up each other according  to 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬. 

    “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

    ‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

    Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.6.9-10.NKJV

    The People I Love, I Call to Account

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

    I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must be mindful of the “temperature” of our relationship with Christ. 

    Without adequate attention on a daily basis, the relationship that was once a flame of fire can become subdued and lukewarm. 

    One day, we may look up and realize that somehow, we have veered off course and something is just “missing”. 

    Yes, we may look at our sermon notes and highlights in our bibles as evidence of previous progress on this journey- which is good and can be a demonstration of past activities taken; however, we may have a growing sense in our heart that something is off course today.  

    The Bible reminds us that we must die daily and take up our cross to pursue Christ. 

    “And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “I assure you, believers, by the pride which I have in you in [your union with] Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily [I face death and die to self].”

    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭31‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Selah

    When we find that our spiritual candle is becoming dim, we still have the opportunity to confess our sins and fears and to make the needed adjustments in our lives today, for success!

    We can start by placing a new log on the fire: forgiveness, faith, commitment, prayer, fasting, meditation on the word and praise – these daily activities will rekindle the flame that once burned bright. 

    The subtle danger we face is to discount the warning signs from the Holy Spirit- who has been given to us freely from Christ. 

    “But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you]. 

    And He, when He comes, will convict the world about [the guilt of] sin [and the need for a Savior], and about righteousness, and about judgment: 

    about sin [and the true nature of it], because they do not believe in Me [and My message]; 

    about righteousness [personal integrity and godly character], because I am going to My Father and you will no longer see Me; 

    about judgment [the certainty of it], because the ruler of this world (Satan) has been judged and condemned.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    In closing, no matter the situation we find ourselves in, we are NEVER out of the reach of His magnificent grace and there is still a restorative path home!

    This is proof in the Word of God:

    “No temptation [regardless of its source] has overtaken or enticed you that is not common to human experience [nor is any temptation unusual or beyond human resistance]; but God is faithful [to His word—He is compassionate and trustworthy], and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability [to resist], but along with the temptation He [has in the past and is now and] will [always] provide the way out as well, so that you will be able to endure it [without yielding, and will overcome temptation with joy]. 

    Therefore, my beloved, run [keep far, far away] from [any sort of] idolatry [and that includes loving anything more than God, or participating in anything that leads to sin and enslaves the soul].”

    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    With Gods help, I believe and decree that we, the leaders, will find our way back to the highway to holiness when we veer off course. 

    In Jesus Name, Amen

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    ““I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot—far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit. 

    You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless. 

    “Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. 

    “The people I love, I call to account—prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God! 

    “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That’s my gift to the conquerors! 

    “Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.””

    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭22‬ ‭MSG‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/97/rev.3.15-22.MSG

    Whoever Practices Truth 

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

    I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how, as leaders, the practice of truth causes us to live by a higher standard of integrity and clarity than others. 

    The question then is: what are some of the truths that are written in the Word of God?

    Scripture tells us:

    “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.””

    ‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

    ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””

    ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Amen

    As we executive our daily agenda, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to ensure that we are sowing seeds of love with every interaction- no matter how difficult. 

    We are able to do this because we know that spiritual forces influence what we see in the natural, that anything hidden will be revealed and the Holy Spirit will give us wisdom on what to do. 

    The Bible says it this way:

    “Now the meaning of the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God. For there is nothing hidden that shall not be disclosed, nor anything secret that shall not be known and come out into the open.”

    ‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬, ‭17‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Amen

    As ambassadors for Christ, our roles are to strive to live a righteous life and to sow kingdom seeds into areas where there is no hope. 

    Paul illustrates it well when he says:

    “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 

    So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase.”

    ‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

    Selah

    Let us be empowered by the holy spirit to see a brighter day because we are looking through the eyes of eternity and Christ. Remember:

    • We are equipped to bring comfort to people through the power of prayer. 
    • We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to solve real problems,which are spiritual, versus symptoms which are physical. 
    • We are equipped to enter any room and perform well because Christ lives on the inside of us. He  gives us utterance and wisdom for the moment. 

    Selah

    In closing, when we say yes to being the head, all grace will be released for kingdom impact.  

    We bring the light of Christ into the room and darkness must flee!

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “But whoever practices truth [and does what is right—morally, ethically, spiritually] comes to the Light, so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are—accomplished in God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence on Him].””

    ‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.21.AMP

    Then He Expected It to Produce

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

    I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must always strive to learn from God by observing his actions and learning his heart so that we produce the fruit of Love. 

    We see in the scripture how much He cares for us:

    ““Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. 

    Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Time and time again, the Lord has always been faithful to fulfill His covenant promise. 

    This love is illustrated in Isaiah where he continued to show, in words and deeds, His love for the children of Israel by positioning them to succeed in Canaan knowing he may be disappointed. 

    The scripture said this concerning God: 

    “You transplanted a vine from Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it, and it took root and filled the land.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭80‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    “I had planted you like a choice vine of sound and reliable stock. How then did you turn against me into a corrupt, wild vine?”

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Selah 

    I am so grateful that God continues to provide for us by making salvation available for both Jews and Gentiles through Christ, His only begotten son. 

    The reality is that accepting and following Christ still remains 100% on us – let us choose well and learn how to produce fruit that meets the excellence standard. 

    We must remember our history and be diligent to not repeat it. 

    “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once, for your people, whom you brought up from the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. 

    They have quickly turned aside from the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it, and said, ‘This is your god, O Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt!’ ” 

    The Lord said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked (stubborn, rebellious) people. 

    Now therefore, let Me alone and do not interfere, so that My anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them; and I will make of you (your descendants) a great nation.””

    ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    It is my sincere prayer that in this season, each of us, as the leaders, truly hear and heed the call of Christ.  The time is now!

    Here are a couple of scriptures to guide, encourage and strengthen us:

    “Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. 

    So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

     We ultimately have the accountability and ownership of our decision. Let us choose well and produce worthy fruit. 

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “Now let me sing for my greatly Beloved [Lord] A song of my Beloved about His vineyard (His chosen people). 

    My greatly Beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile slope (the promised land, Canaan). [Song 6:3; Matt 21:33-40] 

    He dug it all around and cleared away its stones, And planted it with the choicest vine (the people of Judah). 

    And He built a tower in the center of it; And also hewed out a wine vat in it. 

    Then He expected it to produce [the choicest] grapes, 

    But it produced only worthless ones. “And now, says the Lord, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge between Me and My vineyard (My people). 

    “What more could have been done for My vineyard that I have not done in it? When I expected it to produce good grapes, why did it yield worthless ones?”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.5.1-4.AMP

    Can Anything Good Come Out of Nazareth?

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures and the thought that we, the leaders, are often fighting against perceptions and opinions of others; however, what truly matters is what Christ says about us and whose report we choose to believe. 

    The Lord is not slack on fulfilling His promises and He makes all grace abound toward us. His mercy is refining us to be Christlike as we sit on the potter wheel of life. We are eternally being changed. 

    Humble beginnings:

    We all come from humble beginnings. Some were raised in bad neighborhoods, broken homes, insufficient resources or supports, poverty, lack, homelessness, or just toxic environments that seemed impossible or unfair. Others may use these circumstances to attempt to limit us and our potential. 

    But God!

    We see several examples where “others” had a negative view of Christ and David but their views did not hinder the manifestation of Gods prophecies.

    Example#1: Nathaniel predisposition about Jesus:

    “Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about—Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph [according to public record].” 

    Nathanael answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.” 

    Example #2: Selection of King David:

    “So Jesse sent word and brought him in. Now he had a ruddy complexion, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. The Lord said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.””

    ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭12‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Selah

    I am grateful that the Lord sees us through the eyes of eternity –  in his image and his likeness:

    “…For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.””

    ‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    In Christ, we leaders are new creations with unlimited possibility given by god when His anointing lives inside of us:

    “Therefore if anyone is in Christ [that is, grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], he is a new creature [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit]; the old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings a new life].”

    ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    We also benefit from the abundance of gods grace working in our favor:

    “The grace of our Lord [His amazing, unmerited favor and blessing] flowed out in superabundance [for me, together] with the faith and love which are [realized] in Christ Jesus. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example or pattern for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.”

    ‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭14‬, ‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    As with Jesus and David respectively, the scripture reveals how God is pleased. So shall it be with us: 

    “and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” [Ps 2:7; Is 42:1]”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    The Lord said [to Samuel], “Arise, anoint him; for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed David in the presence 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 ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    In conclusion: How should we respond? Walk in Love!

    Our success and opportunities are dependent less on our ability but that of God. He will teach us how to build partnerships and teams and will give us discernment to choose. 

    Yes, we live in a world of negative labels and images but because of the Blessing and favour, the Lord prepares the hearts of our partners – in advance. We are set up for success. 

    We the leaders must be open and choose to measure a man/ woman according to the Christ standard. Failure to live by the Christ standard may cause us to miss opportunity. 

    “Do not neglect to extend hospitality to strangers [especially among the family of believers—being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. [Gen 18:1-8; 19:1-3; Judg 6:11-24; 13:6-20]”

    ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    We must be diligent at inspecting the fruit of others and ourselves so that God will get the glory and his purposes will be fulfilled. 

    “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote about—Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph [according to public record].” 

    Nathanael answered him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip replied, “Come and see.” 

    Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Here is an Israelite indeed [a true descendant of Jacob], in whom there is no guile nor deceit nor duplicity!” 

    Nathanael said to Jesus, “How do You know [these things about] me?” Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were still under the fig tree, I saw you.” 

    Nathanael answered, “Rabbi (Teacher), You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” 

    Jesus replied, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe [in Me]? You will see greater things than this.” 

    Then He said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man [the bridge between heaven and earth].” [Gen 28:12; Dan 7:13]”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭45‬-‭51‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.1.51.AMP

    Restrain Your Voice From Weeping

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, need to find ways to comfort the people when tragedy strikes. We have to be full of the holy spirit, rich with empathy and prayerfully reassuring to people at their darkest point. That is LOVE based leadership. 

    As leaders, it is vital that we recognize when people are hurting as did the Lord:

    “Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping. 

    Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.” [Matt 2:18]”

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Selah

    Though we experience constant change and the associated emotions of loss, we can still find rest in and reliance on Christ who has been touched by the feelings of our infirmities:

    “That which has been is that which will be [again], And that which has been done is that which will be done again. So there is nothing new under the sun.”

    ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    ““I am the Alpha and the Omega [the Beginning and the End],” says the Lord God, “Who is [existing forever] and Who was [continually existing in the past] and Who is to come, the Almighty [the Omnipotent, the Ruler of all].” [Is 9:6]”

    ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    We must guide ourselves and others to places of shelter during the storms:

    “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [whose power no enemy can withstand]. 

    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. 

    You will not be afraid of the terror of night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, Nor of the destruction (sudden death) that lays waste at noon. 

    A thousand may fall at your side And ten thousand at your right hand, But danger will not come near you.”   ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “Even though I walk through the [sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.”

    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    Amen

    In closing, let us be encouraged as we do “the work” of comforting Gods people in this season: 

    “Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, 

    make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ].”

    ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    “May his name be praised, now and forever. From the east to the west praise the name of the Lord!”

    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭113‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭GNT‬‬

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “Thus says the Lord, “A voice is heard in Ramah, Lamentation (songs of mourning) and bitter weeping. 

    Rachel (Israel) is weeping for her children; She refuses to be comforted for her children, Because they are gone.” [Matt 2:18] 

    Thus says the Lord, “Restrain your voice from weeping And your eyes from tears, For your work will be rewarded,” says the Lord; “

    And your children will return from the enemy’s land. 

    “There is [confident] hope for your future,” says the Lord; “Your children will come back to their own country. 

    “I have surely heard Ephraim (Israel) moaning and grieving, ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, 

    Like a bull unaccustomed to the yoke or an untrained calf; Bring me back that I may be restored, For You are the Lord my God. 

    ‘After I turned away [from You], I repented; After I was instructed, I struck my thigh [in remorse]; 

    I was ashamed and even humiliated Because I carried the disgrace of my youth [as a nation].’ 

    “Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a darling and beloved child? For as often as I have spoken against him, I certainly still remember him. 

    Therefore My affection is renewed and My heart longs for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord.”

    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.31.15-20.AMP

    Light to Everyone

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

    I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that, as leaders, there will be dark days ahead that require success skills of discernment, forgiveness, wisdom and biblical guidance. 

    In order to stay our courses and be a biblical example of LOVE, we will need the light and life given by Christ. 

    The scripture tells us: 

    “Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not be walking in the dark, but will have the Light which is Life.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭12‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    “While you have the Light, believe in the Light [have faith in it, hold to it, rely on it], that you may become sons of the Light and be filled with Light. Jesus said these things, and then He went away and hid Himself from them [was lost to their view].”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭12‬:‭36‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    “And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    Selah 

    As we strive daily to be like Christ, we can live the mandate:

    “Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. [Prov. 10:12.]”

    ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    “THEREFORE BE imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]. 

    And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek. 20:41.]”

    ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. 

    Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”

    ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    Amen

    Lastly, we have to understand and recognize the risks if we don’t guard our hearts, our minds and our words to choose, LOVE!

    “Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] 

    For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 

    And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.”

    ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

    “For as the rain and snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth, Making it bear and sprout, And providing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, [2 Cor 9:10] 

    So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

    ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

    It is my prayer that we be strong, vigilant and courageous in these times. The word is still true when it says that whatever we sow, we will reap. Let’s sow love!

    Be Blessed!

    Be a Blessing!

    “And with this Word, God created all things. Nothing was made without the Word. 

    Everything that was created received its life from him, and his life gave light to everyone. 

    The light keeps shining in the dark, and darkness has never put it out.”

    ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CEV‬‬

    https://bible.com/bible/392/jhn.1.3-5.CEV