Tag: rest

ABIDE

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

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and my mind just kept returning to and processing the word “Abide” as there is a certain peace that can embrace us, as leaders, when we allow that Word to settle into our spirits. It’s as if our concerns, issues and challenges just dissipate. 

Merrrian- Webster defines abide this way:

“to remain stable, continue in a place, or bear patiently, with key connotations of endurance”

In short, resting in Gods presence!

Thank you Jesus. 

There are many benefits that accompany our “abiding” in Gods word and therefore His presence. Scripture says it this way:

“Remain in Me, and I [will remain] in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself without remaining in the vine, neither can you [bear fruit, producing evidence of your faith] unless you remain in Me. I am the Vine; you are the branches. 

The one who remains in Me and I in him bears much fruit, for [otherwise] apart from Me [that is, cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

““If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the best of the land;”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“If you remain in Me and My words remain in you [that is, if we are vitally united and My message lives in your heart], ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. 

My Father is glorified and honored by this, when you bear much fruit, and prove yourselves to be My [true] disciples.”

‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭AMP‬‬

OMG and Thank You Lord!

“Abiding” is a place where inner strength is developed and cultivated. 

“Abiding” is a place where the world slows down and clarity is achieved – clear strategies for moving forward are revealed and crystallized. 

“Abiding” is a place where our minds and souls are renewed and refreshed with the washing of the Word. 

“Abiding” is a place where the toil and tension of striving in battle are able to cease. 

In conclusion, it is my sincere desire, prayer and declaration that, we the leaders on this day shall “Abide”, be complete, comforted and at peace in Christ – completely aligned with the Bible which says:

“… Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. 

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

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬, ‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

And Amen!

Be blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“So Jesus was saying to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you abide in My word [continually obeying My teachings and living in accordance with them, then] you are truly My disciples. 

And you will know the truth [regarding salvation], and the truth will set you free [from the penalty of sin].””

‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.8.31-32.AMP

Emotional Bankruptcy 

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

I was reflecting on these scripture this morning and the thought of how do we, as leaders, cope when we feel like we are emotionally bankrupt?

Emotional bankruptcy can surface in many forms:

  • Our calling may start to feel like a weight
  • Our assignment may start to feel like a job
  • Our mission success has unleashed an abundance of waggling tongues
  • Our battle has endured longer than anticipated

Emotional bankruptcy is almost a taboo subject as we, the leaders, are always to watch and pray – being vigilant to put on the whole armor of God. 

Yet….we see a real life biblical example, in  Elijah, a successful leader that experienced this tender moment and how God responded- giving us hope and guidance.  

The good news is that feeling drained is not a sign of failure but a signal for us to rely on God for strength. 

Selah

Also, as long as our why (the desire to serve Christ) is still present, there is hope! The work that remains is to recover from our emotional pains. The scripture shows us the way as we embrace the Word:

“Hear my cry, O God; Attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, When my heart is overwhelmed: Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭61‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

We see in the Bible where Elijah has reached a place of emotional exhaustion, despair, and depression.

We also see Gods love in action as He sent an angel to minister to Elijah (Heb 1:14): demonstrating compassion , providing rest and sustenance rather than a rebuke. 

Scripture describes it this way:

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Divine strength stands in the gap when personal strength fails. The Bible say it this way:

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Thank you Lord!

In closing, let us be reminded that He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies ( Psalms 23:5) and we shall declare that:

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40‬:‭29‬-‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers. 

And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat. 

And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again. 

And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.”

‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭4‬-‭8‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/1ki.19.4-8.KJV