perspective – Page 4 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

The People I Love, I Call to Account

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭31‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

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

This is proof in the Word of God:

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

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

In Jesus Name, Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭15‬-‭22‬ ‭MSG‬‬

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

If You Say in Your Heart

I was reflecting upon this scripture this morning and my mind kept pondering the thought “if you say in your heart” and how do we, the leaders, handle “conversations of our hearts”.

As we walk this Christian journey, we are challenged to change and adapt daily – often in response to words spoken by those in positions of leadership and authority.

We desire to be obedient and in alignment but there is a question that many of us may struggle with as it relates to whether the word we receive is truly from the Lord or not.

Better put:

“If you say in your heart, ‘How will we know and recognize the word which the Lord has not spoken?’”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We must trust the process, test the spirit by the spirit and understand that time will reveal the truth by the manifestation of that which is spoken.

The Bible tells us that:

““He who comes from [heaven] above is above all others; he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks [about things] of the earth [his viewpoint and experience are earthly].

He who comes from heaven is above all. What He has [actually] seen and heard, of that He testifies; and yet no one accepts His testimony [as true].

Whoever receives His testimony has set his seal [of approval] to this: God is true [and he knows that God cannot lie].”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭AMP‬‬

This is good news!

We must find answers in the Bible as we do live in a world and time where many things we see and hear just do not reconcile or settle well within our hearts.

Because of our training, upbringing, values and environment we know in our hearts when something is not quite right!

In times like these, we have to be careful to observe, understand and pray that which is incorruptible knowing it will stand the test of time and that is the Word of God!

Concerning man, the Bible says that we are to know “them” by their fruit:

“Even so, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the unhealthy tree bears bad fruit.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.

Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Therefore, by their fruit you will recognize them [as false prophets].”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Mankind, who can be misguided, can be destructive if and when they stop listening to and stop being led by the Holy Spirit.

Let us, the leaders, find solice and strength in our knowing the sovereign creator and that His creation will last and stand the test of time.

He is not a god of confusion and He will give us the right words of faith to say at the right time:

“For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God [proclaiming the Father’s own message]; for God gives the [gift of the] Spirit without measure [generously and boundlessly]! [Deut 18:18]”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭34‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“A man has joy in giving an appropriate answer, And how good and delightful is a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“A soft and gentle and thoughtful answer turns away wrath, But harsh and painful and careless words stir up anger. [Prov 25:15]”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

It is my sincere prayer that as we seek answers to difficult questions in our hearts, that we are careful to only speak that which is written in the Word of God – words of faith.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me [Moses] from among you, from your countrymen (brothers, brethren). You shall listen to him. [Matt 21:11; John 1:21]

This is according to all that you asked of the Lord your God at Horeb (Mount Sinai) on the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear the voice of the Lord my God again, nor see this great fire anymore, so that I will not die.’

The Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well.

I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him.

It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him [and there will be consequences].

But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods—that prophet shall die.’

If you say in your heart, ‘How will we know and recognize the word which the Lord has not spoken?’

When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and the thing does not happen or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭18‬:‭15‬-‭22‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/deu.18.15-22.AMP

He Must Increase, But I Must Decrease

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how challenging it can be when we, the leaders, encounter difficult people or a difficult situation.

The challenge could be with our company, boss, coworker, church, neighbors, or even within our home.

No matter the source of the conflict, the solution is still the same- Christ in me the hope of glory!

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Though we may feel that we have reached our wits end, scripture reminds us that there is no end to the increase of Christ and His peace.

“the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

This is reassuring and comforting because the scripture lets us know that if we just lean on Christ, we will succeed!

When we lay the issue at the feet of Jesus at the cross, ask for forgiveness, wisdom, discernment, and forgive others, our hearts can be free.

We need to press into His presence until break through occurs within us as we are not designed to carry the burdens for which Christ has already paid the price. Christ has already resolved the issue when he said- “…it is finished” in John 19:30.

Selah

When thoughts try to thwart our progress and suggest that “we can’t take it any more” or “we don’t have capacity for the situation”, we must declare that we have the Holy Spirit within us, have been given delegated authority for dominion, have angels encamped around us and have the Word of God to speak in faith, so we are well equipped and able to address any situation!

We must remember, recognize and use the tools we have available to us!

Us and God are a majority because God is sovereign, rules over all the earth and have given us power to effect change in this earthly realm by faith and prayer.

Amen

In closing,as a sign of our releasing the burden to Christ, we can just walk in the spirit of praise:

“We have an altar from which those who minister at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account.

Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬, ‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

And let us decrease and let Christ increase in our lives today so that:

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“He must increase, but I must decrease.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭30‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.30.KJV

Therefore I Say, Listen to Me

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, are often given the solution to a pervasive problem that others cannot see.

When this occurs, we are able to create significant value which brings glory to God!

The Bible says:

“A man’s gift [given in love or courtesy] makes room for him And brings him before great men. [Gen 32:20; 1 Sam 25:27; Prov 17:8; 21:14]”. ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

The assumption is that when we are presented before great men, we are equipped for the moment and are to bring kingdom solutions to problems that have never been resolved.

How we achieve results is through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the revelation that is given to us by God.

God is so awesome, relevant and timely in helping us to perform the work of our assignment!

Whether we are in a meeting with those in authority during a strategic or tactical debate, by our asking God for a solution in faith, we are provided answers that gains agreement.

Whether we are navigating the challenges of life with family members and there is disagreement, by our asking God for a solution in faith, we are provided the right words to say which bring peace and restores love.

Either way, we know and believe that every problem has a solution because of the Christ that lives inside us, and we are able to bring the solution to any and all problems by faith in Christ!

We must also be careful to give God the glory as we will know:

“This is from the Lord and is His doing; It is marvelous in our eyes. [Matt 21:42; Acts 4:11; 1 Pet 2:7]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118‬:‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

I am grateful that Christ gave us his Holy Sprit to lead us and to guide us into all truth.

The scripture reminds us:

“But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future].”

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us therefore recognize that when our natural solutions have been exhausted, we just need to be available to hear with our spiritual ears as the Bible says:

“But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭8‬ ‭ASV‬‬

It is in moments like these that we can see and experience the truth of the Word being manifested!

“For the Lord gives [skillful and godly] wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren….,”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬A KJV‬‬

Amen

In closing, it is my sincere prayer that we, the leaders, spend time with God so that our tongues are like a ready writer to speak what “thus said the Lord” in its season.

“For I am full of words; The spirit within me constraineth me.”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭18‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Elihu’s anger burned against Job’s three friends because they had found no answer [and were unable to determine Job’s error], and yet they had condemned Job and declared him to be in the wrong [and responsible for his own afflictions].

Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were years older than he.

And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men, he burned with anger.

Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said, “I am young, and you are aged; For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.

“I thought age should speak, And a multitude of years should teach wisdom.

“But there is [a vital force and] a spirit [of intelligence] in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding. [Prov 2:6]

“Those [who are] abundant in years may not [always] be wise, Nor may the elders [always] understand justice.

“Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I also will give you my opinion [about Job’s situation] and tell you plainly what I think.’”

‭‭Job‬ ‭32‬:‭3‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/job.32.3-10.AMP

You Will See It With Your Own Eyes, But…

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, must always walk in the posture of “expectant” faith.

Our level of expectation either accelerates or deters our outcomes.

Simply put, we have to see good outcomes, believe for good outcomes with our hearts and confirm the good outcomes with our words.

The Bible puts it this way:

““ Ask and keep on asking and it will be given to you; seek and keep on seeking and you will find; knock and keep on knocking and the door will be opened to you. [Luke 11:9-13] For everyone who keeps on asking receives, and he who keeps on seeking finds, and to him who keeps on knocking, it will be opened.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Many of us, as leaders, have questions before the Lord where we may be asking for wisdom to see root causes for our behaviors, solutions to extreme challenges, or strengthening of our faith for the manifestation of the Word.

We desire to hear from the Lord on what to do and how to make godly decisions.

No matter the ask, we believe that the Lord will be faithful to answer all of our questions and to give us godly wisdom and counsel.

But, when the answer arrives and we see it, we will receive it and will take action in and by faith! That is the conclusion of the whole matter.

Amen

In the scripture we see an example of what not to do – respond in unbelief:

“The attendant on whom the king leaned for support said to the Holy Man, “You expect us to believe that? Trapdoors opening in the sky and food tumbling out?” …..,””

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭2‬ ‭AMSG‬‬

Even if our minds do not understand the “how will it happen” component in the Word from the lord, we should be careful to rid ourselves of doubt and unbelief:

“And Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do what is done to the fig tree, but even if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou taken up and cast into the sea, it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭ASV‬‬

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”

‭‭I Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Amen

As students of godly leadership, we can be inspired by examples in scriptures of great leaders who spoke truth and simplified complexity. It is poetry in motion.

I believe that if we focus on learning of God and serving his people, we will be blessed beyond measure like Solomon.

“And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense at the high places.”

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

“Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?””

‭‭I Kings‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Lastly, as we grow, we are learning the power of the words we speak- whether idle, based out of ignorance or designed for impactful.

“And the tongue is [in a sense] a fire, the very world of injustice and unrighteousness; the tongue is set among our members as that which contaminates the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life [the cycle of man’s existence], and is itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna).”

‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I believe that we, the leaders, will receive the insights from the Lord and will do everything that He says we should do so that He gets all the glory!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. Thus says the Lord, ‘Tomorrow about this time a measure of finely-milled flour will sell for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, at the gate of Samaria.’ ”

Then the royal officer on whose arm the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “If the Lord should make windows in heaven [for the rain], could this thing take place?” Elisha said, “Behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but [because you doubt] you will not eat of it.”

They went after them to the Jordan, and all the road was entirely littered with clothing and equipment which the Arameans (Syrians) had thrown away when they hurriedly fled. And the messengers returned and told the king.

Then the people [of Israel] went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. So [goods were so plentiful that] a measure of finely-milled flour [was sold] for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in accordance with the word of the Lord [as spoken through Elisha]. [2 Kin 7:1]

Now the king had appointed the royal officer on whose arm he leaned to be in charge of the [city] gate; and the [starving] people trampled him at the gate [as they struggled to get through for food], and he died, just as the man of God had foretold when the king came down to him.

It happened just as [Elisha] the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley will be sold for a shekel and a measure of finely-milled flour for a shekel tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.”

The royal officer had answered the man of God and said, “Now behold, [even] if the Lord should make windows in heaven, could such a thing happen?” And Elisha had answered, “You will see it with your own eyes, but [because of your doubt] you will not eat it.” [2 Kin 7:2]

And so it happened to him; for the people trampled him at the gate, and he died.”

‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭15‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/2ki.7.1-20.AMP

There He Spent Time With Them and Baptized

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

As I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, my heart was drawn to the insights that there comes a point in leadership where we, the leaders, have to elevate our thinking and time allocation to do less physical work and pivot to focus our energies on strategic work.

Though both are critical to a missions success, leaders who fail to make this transition can find their efforts diluted and ineffective – causing the entire team to suffer.

We see an example in the Bible with Jesus:

“So when the Lord learned that the Pharisees had been told that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), He left Judea and returned again to Galilee.”

‭‭John‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

I like how the scripture brought clarity as to the roles and responsibilities of Jesus and that of His disciples – “…although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were…”.

Jesus serves as the King and the disciples served as the Lords as it relates to the task of baptizing the multitudes.

Research demonstrates that lords have authority over their own territories and are responsible for the faithful execution of their office; however, the ultimate power to make decisions that affect the entire kingdom is that of the king.

The Bible tells us in the book of Revelations that Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords:

“They will wage war against the Lamb (Christ), and the Lamb will triumph and conquer them, because He is Lord of Lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him and on His side are the called and chosen (elect) and faithful.” [Dan 2:47; 1 Tim 6:15; Rev 19:16]”

‭‭Revelation‬ ‭17‬:‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

As kings, we must focus on visions, strategies and plans – which translate the vision into reality. By doing this work, we demonstrate our faith in God – knowing that he will cause the plan to come to pass.

With our plans written, we can then declare, decree and pray for the manifestation by faith in Jesus Name – dispensing our angels ( the ministering spirits) and causing all heavenly forces to work on our behalf according to Mark 11:24.

“For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭11‬:‭24‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

In any case, we must learn to be comfortably uncomfortable with making this critical transition.

We must humble ourselves and learn the mind of Christ so that we can elevate our vision and line of site “to see” farther and farther until we see the glory of the lord and what “can be”!

This level of clarity often occurs during times of despair and chaos.

Our success as an elevated leader into greater authority is dependent on this critical transition.

Lastly, our new role then allows us, the leaders, to relentlessly focus on building leaders who are trained in “the way” – culturally or spiritually.

This would include leadership and process development- helping the organization be successful for years to come.

This is the space where exponential/ multigenerational impact is created!

Selah

This transition may not be easy because it requires us to change; however, we must learn to resist the desire to “do”.

The success of the mission is dependent on our making this change!

Thank you Lord for elevating us in this season!

Amen

Be Blessed!!

Be a Blessing!

“After these things Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea, and there He spent time with them and baptized. [John 4:1, 2]

Now John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was an abundance of water there; and people were coming and were being baptized—

for John had not yet been thrown into prison.

Therefore there arose a controversy between John’s disciples and a Jew in regard to purification (ceremonial washing).

So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi (Teacher), the Man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan [at the Jordan River crossing]—and to whom you have testified—look, He is baptizing too, and everyone is going to Him!”

John replied, “A man can receive nothing [he can claim nothing at all] unless it has been granted to him from heaven [for there is no other source than the sovereign will of God].

You yourselves are my witnesses that I stated, ‘I am not the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed),’ but, ‘I have [only] been sent ahead of Him [as His appointed forerunner and messenger to announce and proclaim His coming].’ [Mal 3:1]

He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens to him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. So this pleasure and joy of mine is now complete. [Song 5:1]

He must increase [in prominence], but I must decrease. [Is 9:7]”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭30‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.22-30.AMP

Whoever Practices Truth

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

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

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

Scripture tells us:

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

‭‭John‬ ‭13‬:‭35‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭4‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

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

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

The Bible says it this way:

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

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭11‬, ‭17‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

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

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Amen

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

Paul illustrates it well when he says:

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

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

‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Selah

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

We are equipped to bring comfort to people through the power of prayer.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to solve real problems,which are spiritual, versus symptoms which are physical.

We are equipped to enter any room and perform well because Christ lives on the inside of us. He gives us utterance and wisdom for the moment.

Selah

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

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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

Believe and Decide to Trust

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how we, the leaders, must continually make three fundamental decisions to successfully follow Christ and to maximize our effectiveness in the kingdom- believe, know and trust.

We must also know that various areas of our lives could be in different stages at different times.

Because of this faith growth journey we study the Word of god to build up our most holy faith in all areas.

BELIEVE

The Bible tells us that:

“But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Now I hear the word of the Lord saying:

“…“Do not be afraid any longer; only believe and trust [in Me and have faith in My ability to do this], …””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭8‬:‭50‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

KNOW

The second decision step occurs as we walk with Christ and experience a level of truth and understanding where certain issues or questions are just settled – truth is revealed and accepted.

Below are just some scripture to help manifest our “knowing”:

“For I know that my redeemer liveth, And that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”

‭‭Job‬ ‭19‬:‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me; Your [unwavering] lovingkindness, O Lord, endures forever— Do not abandon the works of Your own hands. [Ps 57:2; Phil 1:6]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.”

‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: For thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

TRUST

Our measure of success is getting to the place where we say, “ Lord, I trust you and you alone!” This milestone is liberating and creates a deeper relationship that man cannot understand.

It is a place where favor and the blessing are activated and our eyes see His wondrous works and new mercies everyday.

“Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not regard the proud nor those who lapse into lies.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““Blessed [with spiritual security] is the man who believes and trusts in and relies on the Lord And whose hope and confident expectation is the Lord.

“For he will be [nourished] like a tree planted by the waters, That spreads out its roots by the river; And will not fear the heat when it comes; But its leaves will be green and moist. And it will not be anxious and concerned in a year of drought Nor stop bearing fruit.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion

“It is because of the Lord’s lovingkindnesses that we are not consumed, Because His [tender] compassions never fail. [Mal 3:6] They are new every morning; Great and beyond measure is Your faithfulness. [Is 33:2]”

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, And Your thoughts toward us; There is none to compare with You. If I would declare and speak of your wonders, They would be too many to count.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭40‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Let us say: Thank you Lord for your love, kindness, and mercy towards and anointing in me!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Whoever believes and has decided to trust in Him [as personal Savior and Lord] is not judged [for this one, there is no judgment, no rejection, no condemnation]; but the one who does not believe [and has decided to reject Him as personal Savior and Lord] is judged already [that one has been convicted and sentenced], because he has not believed and trusted in the name of the [One and] only begotten Son of God [the One who is truly unique, the only One of His kind, the One who alone can save him].

This is the judgment [that is, the cause for indictment, the test by which people are judged, the basis for the sentence]: the Light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. [Is 5:20]

For every wrongdoer hates the Light, and does not come to the Light [but shrinks from it] for fear that his [sinful, worthless] activities will be exposed and condemned.

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

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.3.18-21.AMP

Then He Expected It to Produce

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭46‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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

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

The scripture said this concerning God:

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

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭80‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭2‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Selah

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭32‬:‭7‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

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

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

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

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

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭7-8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

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

The Wind Blowest

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought of how important it is that we, the leaders, live our lives in such a way that we are lead by and flow in the holy spirit – like the wind.

It is fascinating to me how something that is formless, invisible, unassuming and gentle as the wind is can also be so powerful and destructive at times. It’s almost as if it has no limits or boundaries – unstoppable.

The scripture tells us: “…so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ B KJV‬‬

Selah

The Bible tells us how the journey with the holy spirit began at Pentecost:

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place, and suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit].

And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately]. ‘

And it shall be in the last days,’ says God, ‘That I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,

And your young men shall see [divinely prompted] visions, And your old men shall dream [divinely prompted] dreams; Even on My bond-servants, both men and women, I will in those days pour out My Spirit And they shall prophesy.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

As leaders, when the holy spirit moves in any situation, those without the trained eye will only see the results we achieve but will not be able to discern how we achieved the results. But we will know that it is all the Lords doing!

Because we believe in Christ and are led by the Holy Spirit, so shall be our effectiveness and impact.

Like the wind, the spirit will change our thinking, transform our planning and energize us for achievement.

We are the solution for the plagues and issues facing our community, our nation and our world.

We have to be just like the wind: formless yet steadfast in the word of God.

We must be invisible (undetected) so that we can disrupt the plans of the enemy and can provide the breeze of encouragement and hope.

When necessary, we must be the destructive solution and bind any forces that are hinderances – breaking the chains of bondage, lack, apathy, disbelief, ignorance and stagnation.

For according to Deuteronomy 28:13, we are the heads and not the tails; always above and never beneath.

No matter what was our starting point, we can still walk in this divine privilege today by faith:

“for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And

“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.

He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

We are the mighty wind of change for the kingdom because we stand for righteousness and truth while walking in love.

Amen

“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In Jesus name

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/jhn.3.8.KJV