Tag: perspective

Barriers to Abundance

The difference between Good and Great lies in obedience

I was reflecting on this reading today and my heart was heavy in that as leaders, though we start the day with the intent of emulating Christ, we may often question by the end of the day whether that is even possible. It is not, in our own strength but with Christ- it is possible.

As I was reading in this chapter, I was encouraged by how God demonstrates his faithfulness to Israel but at the end of the day, the disobedience of the leaders caused the journey to be prolonged and the promise to be fulfilled by someone else.

As leaders and as followers of leaders, growth or opportunities to grow for tomorrow often come at the decisions of others based on their observation of our behaviors today.

Disobedience, lack of execution, lack of attention to detail, or lack of emotional discipline can be behaviors that may derail our future from being Great to a comfortable and rewarding life of just “Good”.

I believe as leaders we desire to be Great but often faint on the daily execution to believe, to exhibit the characters of and to just obey Christ. His word instructs, guides and yes- corrects, those who he love and are called. We need to and must press in to peel away the layers of our old nature that may be a barrier or a hindrance at achieving the “Great” level.

Renewing our mind and soul daily yields dividends along with the redemptive power of forgiveness. I encourage us a leaders to be vulnerable with Christ and he has and will be faithful to take our insufficiency and to make us whole (nothin missing and nothing broken).

Be blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.”

Nehemiah 9:16-17 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/neh.9.16-17.KJV

Faithfulness Brings Favor

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and was reminded about the importance of being faithful, remaining steadfast in our work, and pursuing quality in our decisions.

As leaders, we:

⁃ Have to settle certain decisions in advance of adversity so that when the challenges come, we can make decisions faster and exude confidence and resolve for others to see. Ruth made the decision to follow Naomi.

⁃ Must choose daily to pursue Gods path for our lives and to allow him to order our steps. Ruth decided to also follow Naomi’s god.

⁃ Need to be faithful and diligent about serving those around us daily. People are observing and are extending favor / opportunities/ promotion toward us. Ruth’s effort and diligence was observed by others and supported.

⁃ Should remain humble , coachable and to prayerfully wait, watch and to see what the Lord is doing on our behalf. Ruth listened to advice and coaching from Naomi.

It is my sincere prayer that we will be faithful in our leadership and faint not.

Be blessed,

Be a blessing!

“And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.”

Ruth 1:15-18 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/rut.1.15-18.KJV

Cometh thou to me?

Problems yearn for solutions, not titles.

I was just reflecting on this passage in the literal sense where Jesus was showing us the path forward through the baptism and he also exhibited the leadership principle of never asking people to do something that we are not willing to do first.

The second principle that was revealed was that there are problems and needs that we have as leaders for which the solutions are already inside of our house, our team, our community, our church, our marriage, or our families – we just have to ask. We have all sufficiency in all things.

The best leaders not only seek out and ask for solutions/ help but we also must validate, empower and reinforce that those to whom we ask have the solution.

We must be prepared for disbelief, resistance and maybe overwhelm on their part due to the weight of the situation; however, as the leader, we need to encourage them and leave the demand on the table to just rest, marinate and stir up their creativity. They WILL rise up to the occasion AND deliver.

What’s awesome is that all the world will be blessed by their ideas and efforts for generations to come because Gods devine purpose will be fulfilled.

It is my prayer that we as leaders we will be humble enough to ask for help and vulnerable enough to wait for solutions as greatness will be manifested and God will get all the glory.

Be blessed,

Be a blessing!

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him.

But John protested strenuously, having in mind to prevent Him, saying, It is I who have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?

But Jesus replied to him, Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for [both of] us to fulfill all righteousness [that is, to perform completely whatever is right]. Then he permitted Him.”

Matthew 3:13-15 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.3.13-15.AMPC

Permission to be Powerful

I was reflecting on this passage this morning and the question in my mind was “Why don’t we give ourselves permission to be powerful ?”

As leaders in our homes, communities, churches, and business, we believe that we have received direction and a mandate from God, but we don’t act.

If we really stop and observe,we can see the hand of God displayed in our lives. Abundance and favor surround us; yet, we do not give ourselves permission to be powerful.

Perhaps one reason is that we may only be given the “next step” vs being shown the entire journey. We likely have a vision of the end game but there is still a significant amount of ambiguity about the journey.

Perhaps the reason is that we simply do not fully “trust God”. Maybe said in a different way, maybe our fears are bigger than our faith in what God can do “for us”.

There may be others- I don’t know.

I just wanted to send a note of encouragement for us and to be reminded that the Lord’s answer still is: “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.”

Selah

We are guaranteed success, if we continue to let the Lord be with us, guide us, carry us, and protect us.

He wants to see His Kingdom come and His will be done so that He gets all the glory!

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this strength of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?”

But Gideon said to Him, “Please Lord, how am I to rescue Israel? Behold, my family is the least [significant] in Manasseh, and I am the youngest (smallest) in my father’s house.”

The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you, and you will strike down the Midianites as [if they were only] one man.”

Gideon replied to Him, “If I have found any favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who speaks with me.”

Judges 6:14-17 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jdg.6.14-17.AMP

A More Excellent Way

I was reflecting this morning and searching for biblical answers to questions as well as looking for truths that can serve as a counter measures or filters for the many thoughts that come into my mind.

As leaders, we are blessed to be creative/ innovative beings and to have many thoughts that bombard our minds.

The challenge comes with creating “systems” to capture, validate, connect and shape these thoughts into a vision, strategy, action plan , guidance and or precautionary warnings.

Thoughts are creative but they also must be filtered through the lens of the Word of truth to determine if they qualify for further actions.

Once the thought passes the truth test, then there is the question of whether it is the seed of something great or possibly a component of another or previous thought – “the garnishment”.

Next comes the question of timing. Is this a jewel that must be held and protected for future use or is this a “right now” solution or answer?

Everything we see in the natural started with a thought and therefore, I want to encourage us as leaders to ensure that we have a system for improving the quality of our thoughts, capturing them and shaping them for release at the right time.

Why?

For maximum impact on the earth and as our way of honoring God so that he receives all the glory.

It is my prayer that this helps you grow in your leadership.

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! [Ps. 37:4.]

Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].”

Philippians 4:4-8 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/php.4.4-8.AMPC

Who is like you, Lord?

Oh my God, this passage just made my heart full.

Who, or I would add what, is like the Lord?

There is nothing or no one who has the depth or the width of God as he is all present and all knowing. There is no end to him or his majesty.

This is just an awe inspiring thought.

He is faithful to take care of his chosen and he has a history of defeating our enemies and bringing them to their knees despite how powerful they may appear. Why?

Because we are a chosen generation – a royal priesthood. He is faithful to do his part to take care of us so that we can execute our devine purpose with maximum impact. Why?

So that the earth will know and see his glory manifested here. He deserves all the glory and all the praise for who he is and for what he has done.

The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof and they that dwell in it.

Let thy Kingdom come!

As leaders, there are times where our leadership is challenged and our pursuits may appear to be thwarted.

Sometimes the burden of the vision can seem impossible in the natural and the path from here to there may feel circular or ridden with obstacles.

But, be encouraged and let’s elevate our line of sight to above the trees towards heaven and not focus on what we see with our eyes.

We need to allow our hearts and minds to think on the history of our predecessors in Egypt that were protected as they crossed over the Red Sea and their enemies were consumed.

Let’s also consider the generations since then that have faced obstacles much greater than what we face today – yet they prevailed because they maintained God as their source and existence.

History can and will repeat itself if we maintain and hold onto the same foundations that provided strength and guidance – from above.

Holding onto the Great I AM is the greatest success strategy that HAS and WILL EVER exist in this earth.

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“The enemy said, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; My desire shall be satisfied against them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall dispossess them and drive them out.’

You blew with Your wind, the sea covered them; [Clad in armor] they sank like lead in the mighty waters.

Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in splendor, working wonders? You stretched out Your right hand, The sea swallowed them. You in Your lovingkindness and goodness have led the people whom You have redeemed; In Your strength You have guided them with care to Your holy habitation.”

Exodus 15:9-13 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/exo.15.9-13.AMP

True Strength

This morning, I was reading and ran across these words which broke something in my heart – “My grace is sufficient.”

It was the scripture that was needed at this time and it made me reflect and think about how often as leaders, we have many demands, competing priorities, strategic planning sessions, tactical execution tasks and the need to put out fires.

We may internalize all these responsibilities and they can just be overwhelming.

Often we just need a word from God to cut through it all to give us clarity on “what to do, right now.”

Many days, we have to move forward even as we may be hurt or bruised by the “unexpected challenges” of life or “reactions from the people for which we are responsible”.

So when we read or hear- “my grace is sufficient”, we are able to exhale and rest in the grace of God realizing that we don’t have to carry the load by ourselves- or at all.

Wow!

There is a feeling of freedom and reassurance in this scripture because He Jesus has it and He Jesus has us.

He is our strength, redeemer and our portion.

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing !

“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2co.12.7-10.AMP

Keeping Watch

I was reading this morning and came across this scripture that I have read often and in the context of the birth of Christ as the shepherds kept watch.

As leaders we say that we want to expand our territories – which is admiral and good.

We also may hear this same desired outcome from many on our teams and/ or within our circles of influence.

However, we need to be vigilant about consistently doing the right work at the right time and ensuring the same for those for which we lead. This is the responsibility of being a shepherd over a region.

A couple questions we can ask ourselves to gauge our preparedness for “promotion” are:

⁃ How well is your region performing, today? Is it in order or is it chaotic?

⁃ How well are your sheep doing in your flock? Is there harmony, shared purpose, are needs being met, is there strife or confusion?

⁃ What crucial conversations are you waiting to have with certain sheep but you are waiting for the “right time”? Are there issues that need to be addressed or encouragement and guidance that needs to be communicated?

⁃ What are things (loose ends) that you have in your mind frustrating you that need to get moved to the “done” column? These are the things that require emotional energy and focused effort but are critical to success.

As leaders, our value truly grows to the degree we show proficiency and consistency in how we manage our region and the flock or flocks therein.

We are not perfect and the headwinds that we must grow through may cause us to pause or delay on that “one” thing that we know must get done to move forward.

I encourage you today to make and execute a plan to get that vital “one” thing off your plate as it is likely draining the energy out of your life or the air out of your sail.

Leadership is for those of us who accepted the call and all associated pain and discomfort required to achieve that glorious end. It is a price well spent to achieve something great!

Be strong in the Lord

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“In the same region there were shepherds staying out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

Luke 2:8 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.2.8.AMP

Little boats

Recognize that we each have other little ships in our convoy.

I was reading this passage and I was intrigued at the leadership principles that just jumped off the page.

There is a significant amount of references to the events of this passage which included Jesus being awakened and rebuking the wind with the words “Peace, be still”.

Those closest to him showed utter amazement when they said that “even the wind and the sea obey him. ”

Think about that.

What stuck with me was:

⁃ After they launched to go to the other side,

⁃ and After the crowds went away,

⁃ There were still other little boats that followed.

This is not the dignitary boat full of disciples and Jesus but other little boats.

We do not know much about them or how many there are but they are mentioned – which is not by happenstance.

This got me to thinking about all the “little boats” that are watching and following us a leaders because they just want to study us, emulate us, support us, or maybe hope to be a part of something great and impactful.

These are not the folks that leave at the end of the meeting or event and go home. They want to be a part of the “after meeting” conversations.

They just want to be amongst the group of leaders to just soak up the vision, just hear the discussions, or to just be in the room.

Now today, you may be the little ship to someone else trying to get that nugget of wisdom or that glimpse of glory – which is fine.

I also want to encourage us a leaders to recognize that we each have other little ships in our convoy.

They are not satisfied with just the “message for the masses” but they desire and need a word, insights and strategies for differentiation – a nugget from us.

Let’s ensure that we recognize and invest into them.

Be blessed.

Be a Blessing!

“On that [same] day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side [of the Sea of Galilee].”

So leaving the crowd, they took Him with them, just as He was, in the boat.

And other boats were with Him.”

Mark 4:35-36 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mrk.4.35-36.AMP

Why me Lord?

This morning I started my reading when a verse dropped into my heart- in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.

A couple of cross references later, I landed on this set of passages and just could not let them go.

Here is a great warrior David processing the question many of us may ask. In short the question comes down to – Why me?

Out of billions of people and souls that exist in this vast universe and God chose him and his house to execute a Divine purpose.

As leaders, we may never have battles as great as David but we see a glimpse of his thought process and his adoration.

Why me?

The answer for each of us may just simply be:

⁃ Because I AM the sovereign god and I chose you.

⁃ Because I saw you before the beginning of time and I see the end as I am all knowing and all present.

⁃ Because he sees his magnificent work and says- it is good.

⁃ Because he says that we are beautifully and wonderfully made.

⁃ Because he is not a God that makes mistakes.

⁃ Because he loves us and trusts us with his precious vision.

If we just surrender and say:

As for me and my house, we choose to serve you.

And

Nevertheless, according to your word, we will execute the order.

Be blessed

Be a blessing!

“However, the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me before all my father’s house to be king over Israel forever. For He chose Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah he chose the house of my father; and among the sons of my father

He was pleased to make me king over all Israel; And of all my sons, for the Lord has given me many sons, He has chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel.

And He said to me, Solomon your son shall build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he loyally and continuously obeys My commandments and My ordinances, as he does today.”

1 Chronicles 28:4-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1ch.28.4-7.AMPC