Tag: responsibility

But Jonah Ran Away

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that, as leaders, our faith journey requires courage and the need to being comfortable with feeling vulnerable – not in the sense that we are not protected or provided for but because of transparency.  

As we grow closer to God, we realize that our decisions made in secret will come to light. 

This can be a burden and a blessing in that through our example, others can grow; however, the accountability can be great. 

We see an example of this accountability with Jonah as the Bible says that the word of the Lord came to Jonah and instructed him:

““Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim [judgment] against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” [Gen 10:11, 12]”

“But Jonah ran away to Tarshish to escape from the presence of the Lord [and his duty as His prophet]…

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭2-3‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Now many of us, have at one time, felt the same way as Jonah in some area of our lives whether family, health, ministry, or with our community. 

Maybe we have even made a similar decision to simply “run away” from the responsibility of our callings for a variety of reasons – all valid in our minds. 

So the questions that we must answer are:

“How long will we run and at what cost?”

Are we or do we run because the task seems to great and we don’t feel prepared?

Do we run because we are afraid?

Do we run because we are disobedient or are rejecting our calling/ directive? God forbid!

Regardless of the reason, we must decide in our hearts to “Be Still” and “Stand Strong” in the power of His might. 

We must Rise Up oh mighty men of valor !

NOW is the time and NOW is the season to rise up to our greater calling in Christ to do the work that He has called us to do. 

Yes, we may feel unskilled for the daunting task but so did Moses. Let him be our example to emulate. 

We see with Moses a sense of vulnerability as it relates to leading the children of Israel out of Egypt:

“Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, and then bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

At the end of that conversation with God, Moses moved forward with a yes. 

We also see an example with Gideon where he felt inadequate and unskilled; yet, at the end of that conversation, the answer was yes. 

“And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O brave man.” 

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.””

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭12‬, ‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

Now the contrast comes with Jonah. He had a relationship with God in that the Bible states that he was a prophet. But Jonah’s response was to run – for a season with consequences:

“But Jonah got up and went the other direction to Tarshish, running away from God. He went down to the port of Joppa and found a ship headed for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went on board, joining those going to Tarshish—as far away from God as he could get.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ ‭MSG‬‬

We read where Jonah endured many hardships during his season of disobedience. 

In conclusion, as leaders, we become tired, weary, confused and maybe even discouraged; but, maturity requires us to grow up. 

Leadership will cost us something but the Lord is still faithful towards us. 

We will have to deny ourselves and to lay our emotions, feelings, and will at the feet of Jesus as we learn to just trust and obey Him – whole heartedly. 

When we do, we will see His glory revealed in our lives!

In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, “Go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim [judgment] against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” [Gen 10:11, 12] 

But Jonah ran away to Tarshish to escape from the presence of the Lord [and his duty as His prophet]. 

He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish [the most remote of the Phoenician trading cities]. 

So he paid the fare and went down into the ship to go with them to Tarshish away from the presence of the Lord. [Gen 4:16; Job 1:12; 2:7] 

But the Lord hurled a great wind toward the sea, and there was a violent tempest on the sea so that the ship was about to break up. [Ps 107:23-27] 

Then the men became extremely frightened and said to him, “How could you do this?” For the men knew that he was running from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them.”

‭‭Jonah‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭4‬, ‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jon.1.1-4.AMP

We Have Come to Know

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 continue to learn of Christ until we get to the wonderful place of knowing (with absolute certainty) that He is the way, the truth and the life – our all and all!

The Bible tells us:

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.””

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As leaders, we know that everyone who follows us does not always agree with us: sometimes because their understanding of the situation is at a different level or maybe they may feel that a different tactic is warranted to achieve the outcome. 

All said, they either choose to engage because of buying into the mission or your leadership position or not. 

We see in the Bible where some of the disciples chose to leave:

“But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.” 

For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 

And He was saying, “This is the reason why I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him [that is, unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.” 

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭64‬-‭66‬ ‭AMP‬‬

On the other hand, team or family dynamics really can shift and grow to the point where members are finishing each other’s sentences and thoughts because of a deeper understanding, respect and interconnectedness. 

Scripture says it this way:

“We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].””

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The truth is that conflict and adversity will reveal where the team or family or community really is!

Selah

The divinely given words we speak and decisions we make can serve as a two edged sword which will reveal truths and will likely cause conflict with what is believed, accepted  and practiced as operating norms today – but it does not negate their validity!

So how do we move forward?

We must first realize that people are not our enemy and strive to always speak the truth in love. 

“Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching.

We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Secondly, we recognize that leadership is ordained by God for the edifying of the saints, building strong homes and communities and making a kingdom impact.

The Bible say it this way:

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Furthermore, you shall select from all the people competent men who [reverently] fear God, men of truth, those who hate dishonest gain; you shall place these over the people as leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, it is my prayer that we recommit today to studying Gods word and seeking His heart until we can be like Peter and declare “we have come to know that Christ is the Son of the living God”!

“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

“…we have the mind of Christ [to be guided by His thoughts and purposes]. [Is 40:13]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭69‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But [still] there are some of you who do not believe and have faith.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 

And He was saying, “This is the reason why I have told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him [that is, unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.” 

As a result of this many of His disciples abandoned Him, and no longer walked with Him. 

So Jesus said to the twelve [disciples], “You do not want to leave too, do you?” 

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You [alone] have the words of eternal life [you are our only hope]. 

We have believed and confidently trusted, and [even more] we have come to know [by personal observation and experience] that You are the Holy One of God [the Christ, the Son of the living God].””

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭64‬-‭69‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/ljhn.6.66-69.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

Of Him to Whom Men Entrust Much

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Numbers 15:28-31 AMPC

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

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

Lastly, we must guard against complacency. We are advised: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:9-10 NKJV

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

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

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

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

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

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

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

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

Luke 12:42-48 AMPC

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