Tag: preparation

Spiritual Ignorance

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought that, as leaders, being in a place of spiritual ignorance can be extremely costly. 

The Bible says it this way:

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” Hosea‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, And he who hurries with his feet [acting impulsively and proceeding without caution or analyzing the consequences] sins (misses the mark).” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

The solution is for us to choose to study and apply Gods word in our daily lives:

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

And by developing simple success behaviors, we make our way prosperous:  

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

As we continue on this journey, our partial understanding becomes clearer as Christ reveals the mysteries unto us.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer and decree that we are and remain diligent students of His Word!

“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. 

Keep thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Let us fight the good fight of faith against spiritual ignorance. 

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“As He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it [and the spiritual ignorance of its people], 

saying, “If [only] you had known on this day [of salvation], even you, the things which make for peace [and on which peace depends]! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. 

For a time [of siege] is coming when your enemies will put up a barricade [with pointed stakes] against you, and surround you [with armies] and hem you in on every side, [Is 29:3; Jer 6:6; Ezek 4:2] 

and they will level you to the ground, you [Jerusalem] and your children within you. They will not leave in you one stone on another, all because you did not [come progressively to] recognize [from observation and personal experience] the time of your visitation [when God was gracious toward you and offered you salvation].””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭41‬-‭44‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.19.41-44.AMP

For I Believe God, That It Shall Be

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the reality that, as leaders, we often face storms – winter storms as soon as we declare we desire to grow and elevate our plans.

According to the National Weather Service, in the natural:

“Winter storms are often called the “deceptive killers” since many deaths can be attributed to indirect causes of adverse weather.”

This would suggest that our new visions and dreams are at the risk of “deceptive killers” called unbelief, fear and doubt.

But in the scriptures, we are reminded that “winters” are divinely orchestrated and therefore must serve a purpose for our good.

”While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.“

Genesis 8:22 AMPC

We must guard our hearts and not be deceived when we experience these winter storms.

We must not allow ourselves to be distracted because it is possible for us to be standing in the field of blessings; yet have a heavy and ungrateful heart – lacking understanding.

Winter seasons and storms are a vital component of our growth process and affords us the opportunity to hear from God; to jettison unproductive habits, relationship structures and beliefs; and to acquire new biblical skills, beliefs , strategies and boundaries.

There is an abundance of new wine available to us – scripture tells us that we just need to prepare our vessels:

”Neither is new wine put in old wineskins; for if it is, the skins burst and are torn in pieces, and the wine is spilled and the skins are ruined. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved.“ Matthew 9:17 AMPC

Paul gives a glimpse of how to prepare:

”But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].“

1 Corinthians 9:27 AMPC

Let us therefore do the work to read the Word, believe the Word, pray the Word, do the Word, and repent when we fall short. In doing so, we shall unleash unlimited capacity for growth.

It shall be! In Jesus Name!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.

For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.

And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.“ Acts 27:21-25, 43-44 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/act.27.22-43.KJV

Be Dressed and Ready for Active Service

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

I was reading this scripture this morning and my mind began thinking about required changes this year that we, the leaders, need to focus on to release the king in us. My question:

”..Is there no king in you?” Micah 4:9 ESV

We have god given vision boards, strategic plans, and enthusiasm , now is the time for action! We must prepare for the harvest from our seeds sown.

Now is the time to move forward like David and Pursue! When we do, we will be covered by grace like Noah.

”David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this band [of raiders]? Will I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you will certainly overtake them, and you will certainly rescue [the captives].”“

1 Samuel 30:8 AMP

”I pursued my enemies and overtook them; And I did not turn back until they were consumed.“ Psalms 18:37 AMP

”But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.“ Genesis 6:8 KJV

Success is ours as we prepare and move forward in Faith!

Scriptural Gives Us Steps for Preparedness:

”Keep your loins girded and your lamps burning,“ Luke 12:35 AMPC

”So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed.“ 1 Peter 1:13 AMPC

”The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going. A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident.“ Proverbs 14:15-16 AMPC

”A man’s mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.“ Proverbs 16:9 AMPC

”Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand” Proverbs 19:21 AMPC

We Are Empowered by Christ to Succeed:

”Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.“ Proverbs 22:29 ESV

”Divinely directed decisions are on the lips of the king; his mouth should not transgress in judgment.“. Proverbs 16:10 AMPC

Opportunity abounds with the Blessing:

”Therefore see that you walk carefully [living life with honor, purpose, and courage; shunning those who tolerate and enable evil], not as the unwise, but as wise [sensible, intelligent, discerning people],

making the very most of your time [on earth, recognizing and taking advantage of each opportunity and using it with wisdom and diligence], because the days are [filled with] evil.

Therefore do not be foolish and thoughtless, but understand and firmly grasp what the will of the Lord is.“. Ephesians 5:15-17 AMP

When we do this, we will be prepared and experience the overflow of abundance and favour of God.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”“Be dressed and ready for active service, and keep your lamps continuously burning.

Be like men who are waiting for their master when he returns from the wedding feast, so that when he comes and knocks they may immediately open the door for him.

Blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired) are those servants whom the master finds awake and watching when he arrives. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he will prepare himself to serve, and will have them recline at the table, and will come and wait on them.

Whether he comes in the second watch (before midnight), or even in the third (after midnight), and finds them so [prepared and ready], blessed are those servants.“

Luke 12:35-38 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.12.35-38.AMP

The Disciple is not Above His Master

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the idea that we, as leaders, must change first to affect change for our households, businesses and ministries. Others will not or cannot change until we do. If we expect greater outcomes, it is on us to drive the change.

We must prepare ourselves for the battle; here are a couple of ways:

Dream Bigger to See Farther!

We must dream bigger dreams and think bigger thoughts according to the limits of God. This causes his super to be added to our natural by faith.

”for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.“

Genesis 13:15 KJV

”And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, and houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.“

Deuteronomy 6:10-12 KJV

Desire Bigger to Create Capacity , Hunger and Thirst!

”The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: But the desire of the righteous shall be granted.“ Proverbs 10:24 KJV

”Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.“

Matthew 5:6 KJV

Get greater Joy for Strength for the Journey!

”Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.“

Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

Break up our fallow ground:

”Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.“ Hosea 10:12 KJV

Gird our loins:

”Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them.“ Jeremiah 1:17 KJV

Find instructions in the Word:

”Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight.“ Psalm 119:33-35 KJV

”Blessed be the LORD my strength, Which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:“Psalm 144:1 KJV

Take Action for Now is the Time:

”(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, And in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)“

2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV

In closing:

As we commit to soaking ourselves in the Word this year, we will see our wounds healed and an abundance of wealth, riches, favour, peace and clarity in our lives.

At the end, we will testify of the transformation that occurred.

Thank you Lord that you said in your word:

”Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.“. Genesis 13:17 KJV

We receive it by faith, in Jesus name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his Lord.

It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his Lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?“

Matthew 10:24-25 KJV

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.10.24-25.KJV

And God Granted His Request

I was reflecting on this scripture about Jabez and the importance of periodically reviewing our progress toward goals.

As leaders, we can be so focused on execution that we forget to just reflect, pray and meditate to ensure we are still on the right road.

Questions we can ask are:

⁃ Have we allowed “life” and business to steer us off track as it relates to our Family, our Faith, our Friends, our Finances, and our Fitness objectives ?

⁃ How should we recalibrate our energy to ensure that we do not lose the zeal, fervor and spice for the kingdom?

As leaders, we are achieving much and making an impact in the serving of others.

God allows us the opportunity to ask Him to increase our territory and to enlarge are borders; however, the assumption is that we are mentally, spiritually, physically and emotionally ready for promotion.

We will need to make adjustments to ensure we are enjoying the journey.

We must guard our hearts and not lose hope.

We believe, It is still possible to have it all but not without a plan.

We must be ready to run toward the battle understanding that greater is He who is in us than he who in the world.

Just like Jabez, we must ask for the blessings and seek the protections of god to keep us so that evil does not harm us.

We must humble ourselves and create patterns of obedience as the scripture states that Jabez was honourable above his brothers.

We have a responsibility to pursue righteousness as we interact and serve others.

It is my prayer that our borders are enlarged and our witness is impactful in this season.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Jabez was honorable above his brothers; but his mother named him Jabez [sorrow maker], saying, Because I bore him in pain.

Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.”1 Chronicles 4:9-10 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/1ch.4.9-10.AMPC

God Instructs Him Correctly and Teaches Him

As I was reflecting on this passage this morning, I was reminded where the scriptures states “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph…”. The question is how much we will allow him to do so.

In this example story of the farmer, the interesting fact was even though each seed he was planting required soil to grow, each had unique soil preparation and planting requirements to grow successfully.

This is also true for each of our “vision” seeds that we have been given.

Practically, there are certain processes/ tasks that must be completed to harvest a successful businesses, ministry, community, family and marriage.

Some of the tasks may be: regulatory, personnel, finances, product or services, customers/ client relations, communications – provision.

As the leaders, what is most important are the instructions we download from God daily on how to prepare our soil for these provisions as each seed requires different soil preparation and handling techniques for success.

God knows what our soil needs, when it is needed and he is faithful to order our steps – day in and day out, if we let him lead, guide and teach us. We need God’s revelations and wisdom.

As we listen and make adjustments, we will see our harvest yield fruit of its kind- some 30, some 60 and some 100 fold.

The results will be in direct proportion to our faith and growth in these areas: Prayer, Praise, Worship, Fasting, Reading and Meditating on the Word and Communing with the Holy Spirit.

It is my prayer that we will hear with clarity “What the Lord is Saying” for us this season. All we know and believe is that it will be edifying and good for us.

Be Blessed!!

be a Blessing!

“Give ear and hear my [Isaiah’s] voice; listen and hear my words.

Does he who plows for sowing plow continually? Does he continue to plow and harrow the ground after it is smooth?

When he has leveled its surface, does he not cast abroad [the seed of] dill or fennel and scatter cummin [a seasoning], and put the wheat in rows, and barley in its intended place, and spelt [an inferior kind of wheat] as the border?

[And he trains each of them correctly] for his God instructs him correctly and teaches him.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/isa.28.23-26.AMPC

“Pay close attention to what I am saying. Farmers don’t just plow and break up the ground.

When a field is ready, they scatter the seeds of dill and cumin; they plant the seeds of wheat and barley in the proper places and sow other grains around the edges.

They learn this from their God.”

Isaiah 28:23-26 CEV

https://bible.com/bible/392/isa.28.23-26.CEV

Making the very most of the time

I was reflecting this morning on this year and all of the many blessings that the Lord has done- even during the times of loss, mistakes and hurt.

As leaders, we need a Word to help us to prepare for next year and beyond as I believe that each year is a building block- a stepping stone in this journey called “life”.

Since we are here, we have a responsibility- a duty to press forward and upward for Gods glory.

As leaders, we should perform an annual assessment – the process of strategic planning. This is less about goal setting but more around energy allocation planning:

⁃ How are we directing our seeds of life- our time, our talents and our treasures?

⁃ How do we effectively position ourselves to receive not just the 30 folds or 60 fold return on our energies but the 100 fold return?

⁃ How do we achieve Maximum Impact?

One thought that comes to mind is that we have to recognize the season that we are in spiritual, emotionally, and physically:

⁃ What are the tools and resources that we currently have available to us?

⁃ What are the tools and skills we need to study and meditate on in the word and acquire to aggressively pursue what god has placed on our hearts to achieve?

⁃ What are the the habits, thoughts and behaviors that we need to purge/ let go of to draw closer to Christ?

My second thought surrounds the need to “Checkin” on our relationships to ensure that they are thriving and are still fruitful.

Some may need rearranging and others may need an investment of time as relationships are all that matter as they provide the spice and richness of life.

My third thought surrounds achieving the I00 fold return mindset – the true desire to live as the scripture states: purposefully, worthily and accurately.

How do we accomplish something great and transformational in this season as we want to flow with the Holy Spirit. We just want to be in the center of gods will/ his word.

Lastly, we must do the work of committing our thoughts, dreams and action plans to paper- no matter how small or comprehensive.

This brings clarity and power when we find a reinforcing scripture.When we are in agreement with the Word, Christ will be in the midst of the plan and his presence, multiplication, grace, mercy, revelation, peace, confidence, rest and provision exists. OMG, thank you Lord!

It is my sincere prayer that in this season that we will write the vision, come into agreement with the Word and flow into our devine appointment where there is no lack but all sufficient in all things in Christ Jesus.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Dream Bigger!

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil.”

Ephesians 5:15-16 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/eph.5.15-16.AMPC

“And the Lord answered me and said, Write the vision and engrave it so plainly upon tablets that everyone who passes may [be able to] read [it easily and quickly] as he hastens by. For the vision is yet for an appointed time and it hastens to the end [fulfillment]; it will not deceive or disappoint. Though it tarry, wait [earnestly] for it, because it will surely come; it will not be behindhand on its appointed day. [Heb. 10:37, 38.]”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/hab.2.2-3.AMPC

“Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain–some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty. He who has ears [to hear], let him be listening and let him consider and perceive and comprehend by hearing.”

Matthew 13:8-9 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/mat.13.8-9.AMPC

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