Tag: perspective

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord…?

When I was reflecting on this passage, I was reminded of the power of relationships in that the most fruitful relationships require giving of ourselves to benefit someone who we value highly.

Not so much the case with Christ in that if we give of ourselves (trust), we will reap a better version of ourselves if we would just obey (or simply take action on his guidance).

As leaders, one of the most frustrating challenges is when those whom we are selected to lead may ask for advise or solutions to their challenges and then they take actions which are contrary to the guidance. When they receive unexpected results, they are upset.

I am sure that I have frustrated a many mentors and managers because of such behaviors. Though my intentions may have been honorable, my execution may have been flawed.

“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?”

Fair question. Why don’t we practice what we are told? Here are a few ideas:

⁃ Lack of a decision to commit to authority and to trust the person or the process.

⁃ Lack of Discipline. We make a decision to commit but we achieve consistently inconsistent outcomes.

⁃ Lack of know how and the resolve to press through being imperfect until achieving mastery.

⁃ Not counting up the cost. It was simply harder than we thought. Now what?

“Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place.”

Thank God for grace!

We have an opportunity to begin again,today, to lay a solid and secure foundation in Christ.

He is always ready to receive us.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not practice what I tell you?

Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and obeys them, I will show you whom he is like: he is like a [far-sighted, practical, and sensible] man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and yet could not shake it, because it had been securely built and founded on the rock.

But the one who has [merely] heard and has not practiced [what I say], is like a [foolish] man who built a house on the ground without any foundation, and the torrent burst against it; and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.””

Luke 6:46-49 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.6.46-49.AMP

Have you not heard?

When I was reading this morning, I was amazed at the fact that the Bible specifically states that the Lord never becomes tired or weary.

That is almost beyond my natural comprehension as the scripture tells us to not be weary in well doing.

We are in a season where rhetoric is increasing and lies are being spoken as truths to confuse the people.

There is a growing anger, distrust and discord amongst brethren.

Many followers need a standard against which to measure for truth or they have possession of the truth but not the understanding,

As leaders, it is comforting to know that the one who we are following is battle ready and will not waiver because of fatigue.

It is also comforting to know that the Lord has an unlimited supply of hope, clarity, encouragement, ideas, creative solutions, resolve, and energy for us- when we are in need.

Our daily work must be to first prepare ourselves and then to prepare those within our inner circles. This will provide the exponential affect that is lasting.

When we rise and before we engage in battle, we must tap into the unlimited supply only provided by the Lord thru Christ Jesus.

Through prayer, we can tap that unlimited supply of grace, mercy, wisdom, courage, strength, resolve, encouragement,love, direction, guidance, hope and peace.

It is my prayer that we will continue to grow in the Lord and the power of his might so that we will have the power that is needed to achieve the purpose we are called to achieve. In Jesus Name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become tired or grow weary; There is no searching of His understanding.

He gives strength to the weary, And to him who has no might He increases power.

Even youths grow weary and tired,

And vigorous young men stumble badly,

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] Will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; They will run and not become weary, They will walk and not grow tired.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/isa.40.28-31.AMP

No Recovery Time Required

When I read this familiar scripture, it really stayed with me what was the value and impact of the word “immediately”.

Anyone who has had a fever or a major procedure knows that under normal conditions, there is usually a time from when the fever breaks until a person is back to 100% physically.

Even with an operation or procedure, there is usually post operation/ procedure recovery and maybe even rehabilitation that is required to return to the activities of daily living.

Lastly, besides, the physical process of recovery, there may also be emotional recovery that is needed.

But we see here where Jesus entered the scene and not only cured the mother in law of her issue but there was no recovery time or delay. I really like how the account was a bit more prescriptive in that Jesus held her hand, raised her up and the fever left.

As leaders, there are certain ailments (worries/situations/ assignments/ obstacles) that we may be struggling thru that simply need the authoritative yet gentle touch from Jesus and his interference/ rebuking of the forces that are coming against us ( our family, bodies, minds, purpose, assignment , project, marriage).

I suspect that there may be one in many areas of our lives.

It is my prayer that we take the time to identify those areas of struggle and hopelessness and that we simply humble ourselves to invite (ask for) the touch of the master.

By doing so, we come into agreement with the word and he is able to and desires to make the situation whole – without the required recovery time.

In Jesus name amen.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Be free!

“Then Jesus got up and left the synagogue and went to Simon’s (Peter’s) house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they asked Him to help her. Standing over her, He rebuked the fever, and it left her; and immediately she got up and began serving them [as her guests].”

Luke 4:38-39 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.39.AMP

Consistent Leadership

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and several thoughts just stuck with me:

1. Despite doing good and showing grace, Jesus was still sought out to be killed.

2. Despite the harmful intentions of others, there is a miraculous way of escape available for us so that the will of the father is still achieved.

3. Despite opposition and threats (personal harm), Jesus demonstrated consistent leadership by being faithful in performing the required task and doing it with authority and power (maximum impact).

As leaders, there is an ever present price that we must pay to achieve devine results.

By Gods grace and the direction of the Holy Ghost, we will and must “show up” and execute His plan with authority. This is not easy but this is why it is called leadership.

To be clear, we will and are often misunderstood.

We will and are often speaking, living and sharing biblical truths with Jesus’ authority that are unpopular and could place us in harms way (whether verbal, reputational, or physical), but to God be the glory for providing us with ways of escape- unscathed.

It is my prayer that, today, our hearts are not troubled and that our strength fail not.

We have all sufficiency in all things by Christ Jesus.

No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper.

We will accomplish that which God has sent us to do- it shall come to pass!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As they heard these things [about God’s grace to these two Gentiles], the people in the synagogue were filled with a great rage; and they got up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the crest of the hill on which their city had been built, in order to hurl Him down the cliff.

But passing [miraculously] through the crowd, He went on His way.

Then He came down [from the hills of Nazareth] to Capernaum, a city of Galilee [on the shore of the sea], and He was teaching them on the Sabbath; and they were surprised [almost overwhelmed] at His teaching, because His message was [given] with authority and power and great ability.”

Luke 4:28-32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.32.AMP

Devine Appointments

I was reflecting on this passage and just kept reading it over and over.

I believe that we, as leaders, are set up with devine appointments where people are placed into our lives so that we can prepare them for life’s journey.

Sometimes, by simply being a sounding board or sharing our experiences, we are able to open up others eyes so that they might see a path forward, receive encouragement and hope again as they experience pain and challenges.

It is my prayer that we are open to seeing and recognizing these devine appointments and are able to ease the pain of others.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.”

Psalms 34:19 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.34.19.AMP

Provision During Famine

I was reflecting on this passage today because it reminded me of how God is faithful to provide forbid through the famine (droughts of life) if we would only listen to his voice.

What was so moving about this passage is that it reinforces the fact that solutions are not always found in the places of familiarity but only at the place – people and geography- where God leads us.

As leaders, we will face famines as we move forward in battle. We just need to ensure that we have set time aside to be able to hear the word of the Lord as to what to do, where to go, when to go and with whom we should partner. Then take action.

We have to choose to believe that God is orchestrating our steps and is commanding others to meet our needs so that we can also be a blessing to them – even in the famine there is supernatural provision.

Lastly, as leaders, we have a responsibility to articulate our needs through prayer and to trust the process of the Lord.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Trust God!

“Then He said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, no prophet is welcome in his hometown.

But in truth I say to you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was closed up for three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land; and yet Elijah was not sent [by the Lord] to a single one of them, but only to Zarephath in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.”

Luke 4:24-26 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.4.25-26.AMP

“After a while the brook dried up because there was no rain in the land.

And the word of the Lord came to him: Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there.

Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”

1 Kings 17:7-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1ki.17.7-9.AMPC

Transitions

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was reminded at how uncomfortable life can be when we lose something precious.

It could be a change of a job, the family life and routines, the loss of a loved one or even some new strategic initiative.

As leaders, we are not immune to, nor are afraid of change. It is constant and expected as we pursue our divine visions that will impact the world and give God the ultimate glory.

The emotional/ human side of change is that it requires some sort of loss for ourselves and for those who choose to walk this journey with us and we must choose to recognize the reality of this wilderness experience. It may be short lived or it may be generational- but they do exist.

By discern where we are on the mourning journey, we can help shepherd the team and ourselves to a place of rejoicing (new beginnings).

Usually, in the wilderness, we can and often grow closer to God and gain clarity on what is truly important and what we need to let go – the baggage or barnacles – so that we can run the race for Christ.

We are not alone as we have the promise of where two or three are gathered, He will be in the midst and a three stranded cord is not easily broken.

Commit to being there for your team as a seed sown – the harvest will come.

Lastly, as leaders, we can focus on just renewing our minds and trusting the process. Christ will give us the manna and grace to travel each day and the Wilderness will come to an end.

Joy must and shall come in the morning.

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

““Hear, O Lord, be gracious and show favor to me; O Lord, be my helper.”

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have taken off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.”

Psalms 30:10-12 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.30.10-12.AMP

He is All We Need

Oh Lord, I am grateful for your clear and present Word.

When I was reflecting on this passage this morning my heart became full at the beauty and clarity of God’s word.

The passage starts with “keep and protect me, O God, for in you I have placed my trust and found refuge”.

We are living in a season and time when external events could cause us to live in a constant state of fear but we, as leaders, have an obligation to learn of, believe in and to act on the Word of God to combat these fears. Yes, this is the work.

We also have a responsibility to carefully select the words that we say to remain in line with the Word because what we decree shall be established! In Proverbs 18:21 AMP we are reminded that : “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.”

Lastly, trouble can and often is at every hand but we can find comfort in Psalms 34:19 AMP that “Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the LORD rescues him from them all.”

At the end of the day or at the conclusion of the whole matter; He is all we need.

We choose to say and believe: “You, LORD, are all I want! You are my choice, and you keep me safe.” CEV

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing,

Fear not!

“Keep and protect me, O God, for in You I have placed my trust and found refuge.

I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good besides You.”

As for the saints (godly people) who are in the land, They are the majestic and the noble and the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.

The sorrows [pain and suffering] of those who have chosen another god will be multiplied [because of their idolatry]; I will not pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, my cup [He is all I need]; You support my lot.”

Psalms 16:1-5 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.16.1-5.AMP

The Lord Still Reigns

When I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, my heart just started to rejoice when I read that “the Lord reigns”. I then realized that the verb is in the present tense which means…He Still reigns.

As leaders, we are impacted, grieved, amazed, troubled, and maybe astonished by what we see and experience in this life. Many times, things in our society, community, and relationships just don’t make sense to our natural minds.

What is true and real is that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkened, and spiritual wickedness.

What is also true is that we serve a true and living god – THAT STILL REIGNS. He is the same God that created us in his image and his likeness.

As we continue to press in, to know him, to learn of him, to trust him, to lean on and depend on him, to hide under his wings for protection, we can and shall be reassured and stabilized for the leadership battle for this season and this time.

When we look at the outcomes of our time and energy spent drawing closer to God, we will begin to see that when adversity comes, we will faint not because our strength will be strong.

Gods purpose will be revealed and all the people will see His glory and brilliance.

It is my prayer that we will be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might as we put on the whole armor of God.

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands and coastlands be glad.

Clouds and thick darkness surround Him [as at Sinai]; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Fire goes before Him And burns up His adversaries on all sides.

His lightnings have illuminated the world; The earth has seen and trembled.

The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory and brilliance.”

Psalms 97:1-6 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.97.1-6.AMP

Restore to me the Joy

When I was reflecting on the scripture, I was draw to these words, “Restore to me the Joy of your salvation”.

At times our journey through life can become difficult.

As leaders, we face and accept the realities and expectations that we have to process our issues while we guide others on how to address theirs – which can be difficult.

When we are at that emotional/ spiritual crossroad, I would encourage us to think on these things as:

⁃ We don’t have to carry the load as the scripture says, “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.

⁃ We have provision for the thorn in our flesh as the scripture says, “But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness.

⁃ We can come before the throne of grace and be restored with the Joy of His salvation.

It is my prayer that no matter the challenge, the difficulty or the sin that we will decide today to trust only in and pursue God. He will restore us, if we simply ask.

Be blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.

Cast me not away from Your presence and take not Your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and uphold me with a willing spirit.”

Psalm 51:10-12 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/psa.51.10-12.AMPC