perspective – Page 10 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

Trust in Him

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

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

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

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

Scripture reminds us:

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

Proverbs 16:7 KJV

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

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

Proverbs 14:34 AMPC

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

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

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

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

Acts 17:28 AMPC

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

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

Psalm 24:1 AMPC

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

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

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

Psalms 62:5b-6 AMP

We just need to trust in Him!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

Psalm 62:5-8 KJV

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

Do It With All Your Might

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, and the thought that, as leaders, we always have more time demands than time to accomplish tasks. We must be selective with our energy allocation.

Feelings we experience are: a sense of overwhelm, a sense that we’re not good enough for the assignment, or maybe a sense that our current actions are not sufficient.

Deadlines are being missed, we are having issues fitting in the demands of leadership, family, health and or relationships.

It feels impossible to win in all areas.

But I hear the spirit of God saying to us:

“But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” [Gen 18:14; Jer 32:17]”

Luke 18:27 AMP

Amen

I am so grateful that we serve a true and living God that understands and helps us:

“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

Hebrews 4:15-16 AMP

So what do we do?

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) where you are going.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 AMP

What does that mean?

We must focus our minds, today, on doing the things of the greatest value and which are pleasing to god by faith – which is our best!

Let’s also not worry about tomorrow.

““So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 AMP

Yes, progress may feel circular where we make progress, digress or stagnate, study and pray to increase our faith and know how, then move forward to the next level.

We must be encouraged, keep plowing our ground and planting good seeds – keep fighting the good fight of faith.

In closing, we must remember:

“…under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the strong, and neither is bread to the wise nor riches to those of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of ability; but time and chance overtake them all. [Ps 33:16-19; Rom 9:16]”. Ecclesiastes 9:11 AMP

Let this mind be in us that we have all sufficiency in all things through Christ Jesus.

As we continue to pursue the mind of Christ and his purposes, we will see his kingdom revealed, what we do shall prosper and Christ will be glorified – by faith in Jesus name. Amen.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might; for there is no activity or planning or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead) where you are going.”

Ecclesiastes 9:10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ecc.9.10.AMP

God, Have Mercy on Me

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

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the thought that as leaders, we are constantly receiving feedback- whether from external sources or most likely, from our internal thoughts.

We have the responsibility to perform and to achieve results through people – ourselves and others, which can be challenging.

Even if we maintain the belief that “feedback is a gift”, we do realize that all feedback is not necessary nor edifying as we see with the Pharisees.

It is in this environment of constant feedback, we must navigate: humbling ourselves, praying to hear from God, making decisions, formulating action plans and achieving results.

Though things often are going well and our influence and authority grows, we must still guard our hearts against hurt as offense can come from many directions and in varying degrees.

Scripture helps prepare us by saying:

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:2-4 KJV

“Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

Hebrews 4:16 AMP

Amen

In closing, God’s mercy is released

when we keep our minds stayed on Christ and our blessing will flow when we dwell in and praise Christ:

““You will keep in perfect and constant peace the one whose mind is steadfast [that is, committed and focused on You—in both inclination and character], Because he trusts and takes refuge in You [with hope and confident expectation].”

Isaiah 26:3 AMP

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.”

Psalms 84:2, 4 NIV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.

The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””

Luke 18:9-14 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/luk.18.14.NIV

Patience

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

This morning I was reflecting on these scriptures and my heart became fixed on the subject of patience.

As leaders, when we study, learn and develop in the word we are challenged to be patient with others.

Being patient with others is critical in this Christian walk but more importantly, we need to be patient with ourselves.

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

James 1:2-4 KJV

Amen.

Oftentimes, as leaders, we don’t apply the same level of patience toward ourselves as it relates to our errors in judgement and our decisions.

We expect to be perfect – which is an aspirational goal but we soon realize that it is impossible to achieve without Christ.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 KJV

Spending time in God‘s word usually reveals areas of our life that require improvement.

Once identified, we then begin the work to change with prayer and practical application steps with the hope that we will grow to embody the new standard we desire.

But, what do we do when we fall short?

What do we do when our good intentions are not enough?

The work lies in learning to discipline our flesh and to be led by the spirit.

That’s not always easy!

Selah

I am so grateful this morning that the Lord is gracious and kind to help each of us on this journey.

He teaches us how to get incrementally better day by day, as we continue to study his word, pray and fast.

Yes, we are responsible to persist until we see that change, but, I am so grateful that His word says that his grace is sufficient and that he loved us so much to send His son Jesus.

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 NIV

“I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.” Isaiah 43:25 KJV

Let us recommit today to do the work, the necessary work, to pursue the mind of Christ!

“But the spiritual man [the spiritually mature Christian] judges all things [questions, examines and applies what the Holy Spirit reveals], yet is himself judged by no one [the unbeliever cannot judge and understand the believer’s spiritual nature].

For who has known the mind and purposes of the Lord, so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. [Is 40:13]”

1 Corinthians 2:15-16 AMP

In closing, let’s take time to give thanks and to let patience have her perfect work in us.

Here are a couple of scriptures to help:

“This [day in which God has saved me] is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalms 118:24 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

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”

2 Corinthians 2:14 AMP

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.12.9-13.NIV

But You Must Master It

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how God reacted differently to Cain and Abel’s offerings and what is the leadership lesson.

Scripture tells us clearly how God felt:

“And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.]

But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.”

Genesis 4:4-5 AMPC

I was amazed at the intensity of Gods response, had questions and found at least one answer in Hebrews, which says:

“[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking. [Gen. 4:3-10.]”

Hebrews 11:4 AMPC

God clearly was not pleased with Cain but still lovingly spoke to him saying:

“And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?

If you do well, will you not be accepted?

And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Genesis 4:6-7 AMPC

Maybe Cain was dealing with anger because of being the first born, his assignment to work the fields, strife, or maybe envy? Whatever the driver, something was preventing Cain from honoring God appropriately.

We also see that Cain did not effectively manage or resist the sin at his door. Scripture tells us in verse 8: “And Cain said to his brother, Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. [I John 3:12.]”. Genesis 4:8 AMPC

As leaders, we must guard our hearts against the seeds of sin lying at our doors. We must watch and pray – without ceasing!

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. “

John 10:10a AMPC

God Has Made A Way of Escape:

He then said:

“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”

John 10:10b AMPC

“Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear].

But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.”

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 AMPC

It is my prayer that we, the leaders, strive to have clean hands and pure hearts.

“Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully. [Matt. 5:8.]

He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

Psalm 24:3-5 AMPC

In closing, let us proactively seek and surround ourselves with advisors and mentors “our spiritual success circle” who can help us develop and manage our guard rails so that we successfully accomplish that which God has given us to do in Jesus name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“AND ADAM knew Eve as his wife, and she became pregnant and bore Cain; and she said, I have gotten and gained a man with the help of the Lord.

And [next] she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground.

And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.]

But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.

And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Genesis 4:1-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.4.1-7.AMPC

Indifferent to God

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

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

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

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

Scripture describes it as:

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

Revelation 3:15-16 AMPC

But God also gives us an action plan for restoration:

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

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 4:20-27 AMPC

God desires that we dwell in him. Scripture says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Chronicles 7:14 AMPC

Amen!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

Luke 17:26-29 AMP

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

Because of My Presence

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that the very things we are seeking are already present.

With God’s presence, we have no lack!

Often times, as leaders, we fight against thoughts and limiting mindsets telling us we don’t have “enough” of something: these can be energy, ideas, healing, peace, customers, resources, access, favor or love.

The truth is that with faith in the word of God and the presence of the holy spirit, we have more than enough!

Maybe, like the Pharisees, we are looking for signs of the Kingdom of God; but, we see Jesus telling them that with His presence the Kingdom is there!

Scripture tells us that they did not recognize or know Him:

“He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognize Him [did not know Him].”

John 1:10 AMPC

So let us get to know Him so we can recognize His kingdom. We have a foundational scripture which helps us:

“IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Isa. 9:6.]

He was present originally with God.

All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.

In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.

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].

And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth. [Isa. 40:5.]”. John 1:1-5, 14 AMPC

We, the leaders, have the responsibility, to invest the time (the necessary work) in studying the Word and to quiet other outside influences:

“You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me! John 5:39 AMPC

As we become doers and pursue God, we will find:

“It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it].

The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.”

John 6:63 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed or with a visible display;

nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you [because of My presence].””

Luke 17:20-21 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.17.20-21.AMP

We Are Well Able

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

I was reading the scripture this morning and the thought of how critical, as leaders, we must train ourselves to have “spiritual eyes” as we continue to grow in stature, influence and authority.

We see in this passage that the children of Israel were on the edge of claiming and possessing the land which God had promised them.

Moses was told, by God, to send out the leaders from each tribe to spy out the land. These leaders represented the best of the best.

They went and did what was commanded but when they returned, most had an “evil report” that success was impossible as they measured their success ability by “their” capabilities vs God’s capabilities.

Alternatively, there were two leaders (Caleb and Joshua) who saw the same conditions but had a “good report” that success is possible! Their sight was solely focused on God’s capabilities.

Scripture shows us:

“…Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among the scouts who had searched the land, rent their clothes,

And they said to all the company of Israelites, The land through which we passed as scouts is an exceedingly good land.

If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Only do not rebel against the Lord, neither fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense and the shadow [of protection] is removed from over them, but the Lord is with us. Fear them not.”

Numbers 14:6-9 AMPC

Selah

As leaders, our faith is and will continue to be tested with greater and greater “mountains”. We will always need to lean on, rely on and depend on God! We must get comfortable being uncomfortable, understanding that God’s plans require us to grow.

Scripture challenges us to build up our faith:

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up [founded] on your most holy faith [make progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], praying in the Holy Spirit;”

Jude 1:20 AMPC

Like taking medicine, meditating on the Word should be our action multiple times per day.

In closing, this is our prayer:

“Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; let Your good Spirit lead me into a level country and into the land of uprightness.”

Psalm 143:10 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“AND THE Lord said to Moses, Send men to explore and scout out [for yourselves] the land of Canaan, which I give to the Israelites. From each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader or head among them.

So Moses by the command of the Lord sent scouts from the Wilderness of Paran, all of them men who were heads of the Israelites.

Moses sent them to scout out the land of Canaan, and said to them, Get up this way by the South (the Negeb) and go up into the hill country,

And see what the land is and whether the people who dwell there are strong or weak, few or many,

And whether the land they live in is good or bad, and whether the cities they dwell in are camps or strongholds,

And what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is timber on it or not. And be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes.

And they returned from scouting out the land after forty days. They came to Moses and Aaron and to all the Israelite congregation in the Wilderness of Paran at Kadesh, and brought them word, and showed them the land’s fruit.

They told Moses, We came to the land to which you sent us; surely it flows with milk and honey. This is its fruit.

But the people who dwell there are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large; moreover, there we saw the sons of Anak [of great stature and courage].

Amalek dwells in the land of the South (the Negeb); the Hittite, the Jebusite, and the Amorite dwell in the hill country; and the Canaanite dwells by the sea and along by the side of the Jordan [River].

Caleb quieted the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once and possess it; we are well able to conquer it.

But his fellow scouts said, We are not able to go up against the people [of Canaan], for they are stronger than we are.”

Numbers 13:1-3, 17-20, 25-31 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/num.13.2-31.AMPC

We Have Done Our Duty

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

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

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

I am grateful for Apostle Paul when he wrote:

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

Philippians 3:14 AMPC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We learn lessons like:

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

Revelation 12:11a AMPC

And

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

Matthew 13:23 KJV

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

Luke 17:7-10 AMPC

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

All That is Mine is Yours

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that, like the eldest brother, if we allow the comparison spirit (envy) to occupy our minds and hearts, we can easily lose sight of our blessings that surround us every day.

Scripture shows us the destructive nature of envy: “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: But envy the rottenness of the bones.“

Proverbs 14:30 KJV

As leaders, we are often given or assume additional responsibilities with the goal of ensuring that the company/ ministry/ family is successful; however, often others appear to have a different selfish agenda.

I am reminded: “…For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.“. Luke 12:48 KJV

Though we see evidence that others are making self centered decisions, we must be encouraged and focus on doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord.

As owners- joint heirs, we cannot afford to lose (defer) hope and sight of our abundance.

”Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: But when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.“

Proverbs 13:12 KJV

Scripture also reminds us:

”Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve.“

Colossians 3:23-24 AMP

”[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].“

Hebrews 12:2 AMP

Amen

In closing, it is my prayer that our eyes may be opened to see the wiles of the enemy, to guard our hearts and to not stagger at the promises of God.

How much more will our Heavenly Father give us:

”If you then, evil (sinful by nature) as you are, know how to give good and advantageous gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven [perfect as He is] give what is good and advantageous to those who keep on asking Him.“. Matthew 7:11 AMP

Eyes have not seen what God has in store for us:

”but just as it is written [in Scripture], “Things which the eye has not seen and the ear has not heard, And which have not entered the heart of man, All that God has prepared for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, who obey Him, and who gratefully recognize the benefits that He has bestowed].”“. 1 Corinthians 2:9 AMP

Others may get their portion but we own it all!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”“Now his older son was in the field; and when he returned and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.

So he summoned one of the servants and began asking what this [celebration] meant.

And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has received him back safe and sound.’

But the elder brother became angry and deeply resentful and was not willing to go in; and his father came out and began pleading with him.

But he said to his father, ‘Look! These many years I have served you, and I have never neglected or disobeyed your command. Yet you have never given me [so much as] a young goat, so that I might celebrate with my friends;

but when this [other] son of yours arrived, who has devoured your estate with immoral women, you slaughtered that fattened calf for him!’

The father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

But it was fitting to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was [as good as] dead and has begun to live. He was lost and has been found.’ ”“

Luke 15:25-32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.15.32.AMP