Tag: perspective

Of Him to Whom Men Entrust Much

This morning I was still reflecting on stewardship and the accountability continuum that we, as leaders, must traverse if we are to have enduring success. Growth must happen in us to continue to lead, be innovative, and to make corrections where needed.

Ultimately, we are created by God to steer the ship: “For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” Ephesians 2:10 AMPC

As stewards of Gods kingdom, God’s expectations of us increases as we grow and as illustrated in the Old Testament law:

“And the priest shall make atonement before the Lord for the person who commits an error when he sins unknowingly or unintentionally, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.

You shall have one law for him who sins unknowingly or unintentionally, whether he is native born among the Israelites or a stranger who is sojourning among them.

But the person who does anything willfully and openly, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one reproaches, reviles, and blasphemes the Lord, and that person shall be cut off from among his people [that the atonement made for them may not include him].

Because he has despised and rejected the word of the Lord, and has broken His commandment, that person shall be utterly cut off; his iniquity shall be upon him.”

Numbers 15:28-31 AMPC

We are grateful that in the New Testament, “Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); [Deut. 21:23.] To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit.” Galatians 3:13-14 AMPC

There is still a maturation expectation that we will put away childish things and “If we are willing and obedient, we shall eat the good of the land; But if we refuse and rebel, we will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” Isaiah 1:19-20 AMPC

Lastly, we must guard against complacency. We are advised: “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

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose].” 1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC

“Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah).” Colossians 3:23-24 AMPC

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful steward, the wise man whom his master will set over those in his household service to supply them their allowance of food at the appointed time?

Blessed (happy and to be envied) is that servant whom his master finds so doing when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will set him in charge over all his possessions.

But if that servant says in his heart, My master is late in coming, and begins to strike the menservants and the maids and to eat and drink and get drunk,

The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour of which he does not know, and will punish him and cut him off and assign his lot with the unfaithful.

And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act as he would wish him to act shall be beaten with many [lashes]. But he who did not know and did things worthy of a beating shall be beaten with few [lashes]. For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required; and of him to whom men entrust much, they will require and demand all the more. [Num. 15:29, 30; Deut. 25:2, 3.]”

Luke 12:42-48 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.12.48.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

Open His Eyes That He May See

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea of the importance of seeking and having wise anointed counsel.

The scriptures tells us that if we seek wise counsel, we will find it. “For everyone who keeps on asking receives; and he who keeps on seeking finds; and to him who keeps on knocking, [the door] will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 AMPC

One benefit of wise counsel, once found, is that they bring insights that are relevant and profound and they can come into agreement with us and our vision.

When they do, the scripture reminds us that God then joins to create a three strand cord – that can not easily be broken!

It says: “…if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them. [Exod. 3:14.]” Matthew 18:19-20 AMPC

Selah

A second benefit is that wise counsel can pray and provide a shield of protection in trouble by declaring that:

⁃ “the Angel of the Lord encamps around us who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe] and each of us He delivers. [Ps. 18:1; 145:20.]” Psalm 34:7 AMPC

⁃ “A thousand may fall at our side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but it shall not come near us.” Psalm 91:7 AMPC

⁃ “For He will give His angels [especial] charge over us to accompany and defend and preserve us in all our ways [of obedience and service].” Psalm 91:11 AMPC

Amen!

A third benefit of wise counsel is they help us to mature and to no longer be like “children, tossed [like ships] to and fro between chance gusts of teaching and wavering with every changing wind of doctrine, [the prey of] the cunning and cleverness of unscrupulous men, [gamblers engaged] in every shifting form of trickery in inventing errors to mislead.” Ephesians 4:14 AMPC

We appreciate them being “instant in season, out of season; reproving, rebuking, exhorting us with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2 KJV

They uphold us by speaking life into our situation reminding us of what God has said: “My son, attend to my words; Incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; Keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, And health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22 KJV

It is my prayer that we, as leaders, don’t let pride be a hinderance to our seeking wise counsel for this season of our lives.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Therefore the mind of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this thing. He called his servants and said, Will you show me who of us is for the king of Israel?

One of his servants said, None, my Lord O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber.

He said, Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him. And it was told him, He is in Dothan. So [the Syrian king] sent there horses, chariots, and a great army. They came by night and surrounded the city.

When the servant of the man of God rose early and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was around the city. Elisha’s servant said to him, Alas, my master! What shall we do?

[Elisha] answered, Fear not; for those with us are more than those with them.

Then Elisha prayed, Lord, I pray You, open his eyes that he may see.

And the Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

2 Kings 6:11-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/2ki.6.11-17.AMPC

They were Longing

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the burden that comes along with the change associated with losing someone who is precious.

This can be in both business and our personal lives: however, what is clear is that the person’s presence had an impact on us.

At moments like these, we can search the Word of God for solid ground to stand, reflect, recalibrate and muster the courage to press forward.

Leaders find solid ground by having faith in god and his consistency:

⁃ “Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly].” Mark 11:22 AMP

⁃ “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”John 14:1 AMP

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

⁃ “In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it or overpower it or appropriate it or absorb it [and is unreceptive to it].” John 1:1-5 AMP

A leader’s ability to reflect and recalibrate is based on the belief that God’s promises will still come to pass:

⁃ “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

In closing, it is my prayer that today, we can muster up the courage to press forward continuing the good work of the kingdom – remembering but never looking backwards.

“….. now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel.” Joshua 1:2 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now those who say such things make it clear that they are looking for a country of their own.

And if they had been thinking of that country from which they departed [as their true home], they would have had [a continuing] opportunity to return.

But the truth is that they were longing for a better country, that is, a heavenly one.

For that reason God is not ashamed [of them or] to be called their God [even to be surnamed their God—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]; for He has prepared a city for them.”

Hebrews 11:14-16 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/heb.11.14-16.AMP

But Jesus

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and I just could not stop thinking about these life and hope sustaining words – But Jesus!

There are so many real life applications that come along with these words that It is impossible to express them all.

As leaders, we face many ups and downs as we pursue our objectives and purposes and our needs change.

Despite where we are, we know that we can call on and rely on Jesus to be our source as in him we have all sufficiency in all things.

When we need reassurances, we can meditate on these scriptures:

⁃ “WHEN ABRAM was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete). And I will make My covenant (solemn pledge) between Me and you and will multiply you exceedingly.” Genesis 17:1-2 AMPC

⁃ “And He said to him, “I am the [same] Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land as an inheritance.” But Abram said, “Lord God, by what [proof] will I know that I will inherit it?”Genesis 15:7-8 AMP

⁃ “Contend, O Lord, with those who contend with me; Fight against those who fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler (small shield), And stand up for my help.” Psalms 35:1-2 AMP

The question today is what is your need? He says:

“Ask of Me, and I will assuredly give [You] the nations as Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth as Your possession.” Psalms 2:8 AMP

In closing, whatever the ask or challenge, we must remember that our “x” factor happens when we declare – “But Jesus”!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now they were all weeping loudly and mourning for her; but He said, “Do not weep, for she is not dead, but is sleeping.”

Then they began laughing scornfully at Him and ridiculing Him, knowing [without any doubt] that she was dead.

But Jesus took hold of her hand and spoke, saying, “Child, arise!” And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He ordered that she be given something to eat.

Her parents were greatly astonished [by the miracle]; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened.”

Luke 8:52-56 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.8.52-56.AMP

Go in Peace

I was reflecting on this familiar passage and my mind considered the sea of people surrounding Christ and how one can feel lost in the masses.

We leaders, who are called by God, sometimes erroneously forget to recognize our differentiating ingredient in the marketplace – faith in Christ.

We are searching for customers/ partnerships who have a yearning, a need, that cannot be met but by a faith connection. That is who we are called to serve.

When our faith and obedience to pursue what God has called us to do matches with the faith of the consumer, there is immediate success. Virtue is exchanged.

Scripture reminds us that we are created by God to do His works:

“For You formed my innermost parts; You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalms 139:13-14 AMP

Everyone will not nor is expected to buy our products or to receive our solution today. We just need to focus our efforts on finding the one in the crowd that has the need, today!

By faith, we must see them, trust Gods process and press forward knowing that devine connections shall and must happen so that God will get all the glory.

It is possible at times to doubt and wonder if what we desire will materialize. The women in this passage likely experienced that emotion as well – but she pressed forward doing the work to stay in faith and believe.

Here is a word of encouragement for those moments: “”Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”John 14:1 AMP

Go in peace and rest in:

⁃ Knowing whom god sends he qualifies

⁃ Knowing that as we seek wisdom and understanding that our paths will be lit

⁃ Knowing that divine appointments are being orchestrated by the Lord

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” While they all were denying it, Peter [and those who were with him] said, “Master, the people are crowding and pushing against You!”

But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, because I was aware that power [to heal] had gone out of Me.”

When the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came up trembling and fell down before Him.

She declared in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed.

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith [your personal trust and confidence in Me] has made you well. Go in peace (untroubled, undisturbed well-being).”” Luke 8:45-48 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.8.45-48.AMP

For They were Taken with Great Fear

I was reflecting on this passage this morning. The thought that crossed my mind was how we, as leaders, have the potential to prevent continual miracles from being performed in our lives and businesses by allowing fear to grip us. The superior response is that of faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him [God]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 KJV

We see where Jesus came to this region walking in his anointing and authority. He just rebuked the storm on the trip. He then casted a legion of devils out of a man who was possessed.

He clearly came so that he could set the people free from all manor of sickness and disease and meet their needs, IF THEY WERE WILLING, OPEN AND IN EXPECTATION BY FAITH.

What we see is that for whatever reason, the whole region was gripped by their fear and REJECTED their deliverance opportunity.

As leaders, we have the ability to shut down continued blessings, deliverance from our issues as well as prevent receiving revelations because of our fear. Sometimes fear can arise from lack and sometimes fear can come from being overwhelmed by abundance and favour.

The scripture tells us that we can create the conditions where blessings are pouring out:

“Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Malachi 3:10 KJV

When the blessings come, FEAR NOT BUT FLOW IN FAITH.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV

Let’s continue to just diligently seek him.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked.

When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed.

Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes round about besought him to depart from them; for they were taken with great fear; and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee.

And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him.

And it came to pass, that, when Jesus was returned, the people gladly received him: for they were all waiting for him.”

Luke 8:33-40 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/luk.8.33-40.KJV

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