scripture – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

And You Did Not Abandon Them

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, serve an awesome god who is loyal, faithful, trustworthy, dependable and reliable.

His unwavering consistency and dedication towards us remains true, despite how we react or respond.

The Bible tells us:

““For I am the Lord, I do not change [but remain faithful to My covenant with you]; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, have not come to an end.

“Yet from the days of your fathers you have turned away from My statutes and ordinances and have not kept them.

Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you say, ‘How shall we return?’”

‭‭Malachi‬ ‭3‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

The answer is “Seek my face”:

“…Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O Lord, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].”

Do not hide Your face from me, Do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my help; Do not abandon me nor leave me, O God of my salvation!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭27‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭AMP‬‬

2. And know that His Word will prevail:

“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For I assure you and most solemnly say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke [of the pen] will pass from the Law until all things [which it foreshadows] are accomplished.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen and Amen

Because God is sovereign and knows us intimately, we can rest in His presence:

“You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And You are intimately acquainted with all my ways.

Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all. [Heb 4:13]

You have enclosed me behind and before, And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.

Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭3‬-‭7‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Thank you Lord!

He loves us so much that He often shares mysteries and secrets with us as we draw nearer to Him. What a privilege!

““Before I formed you in the womb I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” [Ex 33:12; Is 49:1, 5; Rom 8:29]”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“…To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. [Mark 4:11]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭13‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

So let us get to the place where we resolve in our hearts that it is all about Christ and Christ alone:

“be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Lastly, let us be courageous and walk in the confidence that all things are working together for our good:

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble in dread before them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.””

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen and to God be the Glory!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, And brought water for them out of a rock for their thirst, And You told them to enter and take possession of The land that You swore to give them. [John 6:31-34]

“But they, our fathers, acted arrogantly; They stiffened their necks and would not heed Your commandments.

“They refused to listen and obey, And did not remember Your wondrous acts which

You had performed among them; So they stiffened their necks and [in their rebellion] appointed a leader in order to return them to slavery in Egypt.

But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and merciful and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not abandon them. [Num 14:4]”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/neh.9.16.AMP

Diligence

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how vital it is that we, the leaders, not only focus on our strategic objectives but truly enjoy the “daily grind” of work. Being diligent in our work will cause others to notice and to aide in our success.

The Merriam- Webster dictionary defines diligence as: “ showing steady and earnest care and effort “

The scripture tells us:

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

How we sow the seeds of our time, our talents, and our treasures will determine the levels of our elevation.

The Bible reminds us:

“The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]. [2 Cor 9:6-10]”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

and whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When we commit our ways to the Lord, He will bless it:

“Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in Him also and He will do it. He will make your righteousness [your pursuit of right standing with God] like the light, And your judgment like [the shining of] the noonday [sun].”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we commit our ways to the Lord, He will multiply our seeds sown:

“Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. [Is 55:10; Hos 10:12]

You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

When we commit our ways to the Lord, He will be on our side:

““If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,” Let Israel now say,

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side When men rose up against us,

Then they would have [quickly] swallowed us alive, When their wrath was kindled against us;

Then the waters would have engulfed us,

The torrent would have swept over our soul;

Then the raging waters would have swept over our soul.””

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭124‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Amen

It is my prayer that we will remain diligent and be about our father’s business.

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.22.29.KJV

For the Lord is a Great God

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning with a heavy heart for this has been a difficult season for many of us, as leaders.

We are expected to be strong yet empathetic with those we lead while personally adjusting to the demands (challenges) of our lives.

So, this morning, let us hit pause and just reflect on all that Christ has done for us in this season – gathering as many examples of His faithfulness as possible.

When we just consider His love, grace, protection and provisions, we will begin to feel the joy of the Lord starting to rise on the inside.

Here are a couple more scriptures we can leverage to find that joy:

“I will bless the LORD at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Psalm‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Enter His gates with a song of thanksgiving And His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, bless and praise His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Know ye that the LORD he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭100‬:‭3‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Oh come let us adore Him!

For He alone is worthy of all the praise, glory and adoration.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Merry Christmas!

“O come, let us sing joyfully to the Lord; Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.

Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with songs.

For the Lord is a great God And a great King above all gods,

In whose hand are the depths of the earth;

The peaks of the mountains are His also.

The sea is His, for He made it [by His command];

And His hands formed the dry land. [Gen 1:9]

O come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker [in reverent praise and prayer].

For He is our God And we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice, [Heb 3:7-11]

Do not harden your hearts and become spiritually dull as at Meribah [the place of strife], And as at Massah [the place of testing] in the wilderness, [Ex 17:1-7; Num 20:1-13; Deut 6:16]

“When your fathers tested Me, They tried Me, even though they had seen My work [of miracles].

“For forty years I was grieved and disgusted with that generation, And I said, ‘They are a people who err in their heart, And they do not acknowledge or regard My ways.’

“Therefore I swore [an oath] in My wrath, ‘They absolutely shall not enter My rest [the land of promise].’ ” [Heb 4:3-11]”

‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭95‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/psa.95.1-11.AMP

Proportionally More

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

I was reflecting this morning on this familiar scripture and my mind pondered, as leaders, what does it mean to be “all in”?

We see the example with the widow woman giving all she financially had but this principle also can be applied to other areas of our lives.

There is an expectation that leaders must be “all in” for the mission, purpose and cause!

Leaders must invest proportionately more thought, energy and effort than others – to be that example for others to follow.

Scripture reminds us of the benefits of being diligent about our fathers business:

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; He shall not stand before mean men.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭22‬:‭29‬ ‭ASV‬‬

“And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭49‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Being “all in” requires that we invest in:

Think time for planning and strategizing.
Personal time to keep our mind, body and spirit strengthened and energized.
Relationship building time with our inner circle and customers as relationships are the glue.
Execution time: ensuring we are getting the right things done by the right people!

In short, our levels of contribution are the difference maker!

Our mindset and belief should be:

“We must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.”

John‬ ‭9‬:‭4‬AMP‬‬

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth:”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I love them that love me; And those that seek me early shall find me.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭8‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It is an awesome responsibility and burden to be called “leader”; we can receive comfort and strength knowing that Christ understands us and meets us where we are:

“For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4‬:‭15‬-‭16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, our success is guaranteed as we:

“…become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];”

Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬ AMP‬‬

“and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. [Ezek 20:41]”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Thank you Lord that your Word says the righteous will be remembered forever [Prov 10:7] and we will not fear bad news as we steadfastly trust [confidently relying on and believing] in the you! [Psalms‬ ‭112‬:‭7‬]

Amen!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Looking up, He saw the rich people putting their gifts into the treasury. [Mark 12:41-44]

And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins.

He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in [proportionally]more than all of them;

for they all put in gifts from their abundance; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.21.1-4.AMP

Certainly I Will Be With Thee

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and began thinking on the idea that we, as leaders, sometimes need periodic reassurance while we do our work unto the Lord.

It is my prayer and goal today to encourage us leaders to not slow down, become timid or deterred from doing the work the Lord has called us to do.

We may feel that our purpose or mission is daunting and much greater than our individual ability to achieve; however, we know that we are dependent upon God’s supernatural power being the driving force.

We can be reassured that the work the Lord has called us to do is ordained by Him and predestined to be successful and that success in this time and season requires first spending time with and hearing from the Lord in prayer on what to do and when.

Then we will have confidence that truly all things are possible and failure is not an option because we believe!

Next, we leaders must work extremely hard to manage and cast down the negative narratives that enter our minds – thoughts of doubt, fear, inadequacy or insufficiency!

Scriptural truth declares that we have all sufficiency in all things through Christ Jesus:

“And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That is what we must meditate on until it becomes our mantra!

Lastly, when feel the sense of overwhelm, solace can be found as we declare scriptural truth:

“Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Time fear tries to grip us with thoughts of: “I will not be able to get it done in enough time”, or “I don’t have enough time to do all the things that I would like to do.”

But I hear the spirit of the Lord saying that if we sow our time seed with Him, His word and His spirit, He will multiply our time seeds so that there is sufficient time to accomplish His work.

“Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We already have provision and solutions through Christ to our perceived time constraint:

“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in Me? What I am telling you I do not say on My own authority and of My own accord; but the Father Who lives continually in Me does the (His) works (His own miracles, deeds of power). Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me; or else believe Me for the sake of the [very] works themselves. [If you cannot trust Me, at least let these works that I do in My Father’s name convince you.]”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭AMPC‬‬

Creating the plan for “today” and living intentionally for “today”, we will be able to successfully prioritize, and then execute our plans.

Having daily thought discipline, action discipline and belief discipline is critical knowing that there is sufficient time -even as we execute with a sense of urgency and purpose!

We just have to trust and believe knowing that He is with us.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses.

And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. And

Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.”

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/exo.3.12.KJV

Do Not Grieve

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the thought that we, the leaders, have a constant pressure to perform.

We are measured by outward results (the harvest) of our faith walk but no one knows or understands the level of our toil “the faith work” that was required to achieve the results.

Similar to the people listening to Ezra teach the law (the word), we often find ourselves weeping when our hearts are exposed to the Son:

“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.” ‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Selah

A leaders “Faith work” mandates our learning how to starve our doubts, fears and inadequacies – replacing them with prayers, meditation and being vulnerable before the Lord.

All of this activity is necessary for our development and growth in Christ:

“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!

They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Amen

Next, our path to greatness begins when we learn to surrender all to Christ:

“ …My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.””

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭5b- 6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Lastly, it is my sincere prayer that we do not grieve because of the growth process.

We must remember that this day is holy to the Lord our God. In Jesus name. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

‭‭Nehemiah‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/111/neh.8.12.NIV

Be Steadfast

A Leadership Insight from Vision Multiplier International https://atomic-temporary-196791482.wpcomstaging.com/

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and the thought that, we leaders, often struggle with making decisions whether to accept/ decline new roles/ responsibilities or with having steadfast confidence whether a related decision we made was the right one.

Some of this anxiety may result from the lack of sufficient decision making discipline or the lack of sufficient maturity in hearing, recognizing and acting upon the voice of God.

Whatever the cause, the result can be the same: our experiencing turmoil and anxiety versus being in a place of calm and rest.

We are not alone in having internal feelings of inadequacy but I am grateful that we serve a true and living god who is touched by our infirmaries. In Him we are made strong and he will always be with us as he was with Moses and Gideon:

“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 ‭3‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“And God said, “Certainly I will be with you…

Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭12‬A AMP‬‬

“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 ‭6‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“The Lord answered him, “I will certainly be with you….”

‭‭Judges‬ ‭6‬:‭16‬ A AMP‬‬

“For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

We must be encouraged and believe that like Abraham, we will not stagger at the promises of God.

“But he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God, being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In closing, let us focus on meditating and becoming doers of these scriptures so that we may become steadfast in our leadership and follower-ship of Christ:

“The sheep that are My own hear My voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His [own] life for the sheep. [Ps 23; Is 40:11]”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭11‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.

Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you.

Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].

Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose].”

‭‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬, ‭10‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin [by which it brings death] is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory [as conquerors] through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose].”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭56‬-‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/1co.15.57-58.AMP

That Your Faith May Not Fail

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

I was reflecting this morning on this scripture and my heart just keeps settling on “just trust god”!

“When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

Proverbs 16:7 AMP

We can be encouraged by this excerpt from Jeremiah which reminds us of gods commitment to perform his word:

“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see the branch of an almond tree.”

Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I am [actively] watching over My word to fulfill it.””

Jeremiah 1:11-12 AMP

Amen

We are living in a season of rapid and successive conflicts yet my spirit keeps reminding me that we just need to “trust god”.

“Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].”

Proverbs 3:5-6 AMP

God alone is our place of refuge!

“I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust [with great confidence, and on whom I rely]!”

For He will save you from the trap of the fowler, And from the deadly pestilence.

He will cover you and completely protect you with His pinions, And under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and a wall.”

Psalms 91:2-4 AMP

Regardless of the quantity and severity of the challenges, our hearts keep telling us-“just trust God”.

“Many hardships and perplexing circumstances confront the righteous, But the Lord rescues him from them all.”

Psalms 34:19 AMP

We, leaders, must prioritize Him with our time in prayer, study, meditation and worship to achieve the best results.

““I love those who love me; And those who seek me early and diligently will find me. ”

Proverbs 8:17 AMP

We must believe that all of his magnificent wisdom will make things OK.

“Yes, You are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me.

You will draw me out of the net that they have secretly laid for me, For You are my strength and my stronghold.

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness. [Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59]”

Psalms 31:3-5 AMP

We must believe that god is working it all out for our good:

Romans 8:28 AMP

““The Lord will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you; they will come out against you one way, but flee before you seven ways.”

Deuteronomy 28:7 AMP

Lastly, the Lord’s mercy endurerh forever so we just need to trust, believe and call out to Him:

“When you are in trouble, call out to me. I will answer and be there to protect and honor you.”

Psalms 91:15 CEV

It is my prayer that our faith fail not!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“but I have prayed [especially] for you [Peter], that your faith [and confidence in Me] may not fail; and you, once you have turned back again [to Me], strengthen and support your brothers [in the faith].””

Luke 22:32 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.22.32.AMP

There Is Nothing Too Difficult

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and the thought that we serve a great god but we also serve a jealous god. So, as leaders, when we walk into our “Canaan” and enjoy many of gods blessings and deliverance, we must be careful to keep Him as our top priority.

We see several warnings in the scripture:

“Watch yourself so that you do not make a covenant (solemn agreement, treaty) with the inhabitants of the land into which you are going, or it will become a [dangerous] trap among you. But you shall tear down and destroy their [pagan] altars, smash in pieces their [sacred] pillars (obelisks, images) and cut down their Asherim —for you shall not worship any other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]—”

Exodus 34:12-14 AMP

As leaders, we must be ever sensitive to the reality that we are not in this fight alone and we have the god who is the giver of knowledge and understanding with us always. As long as we have God, we can achieve anything.

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You…”

Many of us face mountains that seem insurmountable but I am here to remind us that there truly is nothing to difficult for God and he is well able to do it! He says:

““Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is there anything too difficult for Me?””

Jeremiah 32:27 AMP

The Lord was faithful to fulfill his promise to deliver the children of Israel with mighty works of signs and miracles, but they were not equally faithful and consistently built idols to worship. This grieved the Lord.

Scripture says:

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

“You brought Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and wonders, with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror; and gave them this land, which You swore to their forefathers to give them, a land [of plenty] flowing with milk and honey.

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Today, we know that we will take possession of our lands and we know that we will prosper in Christ Jesus.

We must also remember that we are always at risk of losing our zeal for god and letting “distractions of life” to be our idols – if we are not careful.

It is my prayer and decree that we will be forever faithful to God!

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“”…I prayed to the Lord, saying,

‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—

You who show lovingkindness to thousands, but repay the wickedness (sin, guilt) of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them [that is, calling the children to account for the sins of their fathers], O great and mighty God; the Lord of hosts is His name;

great [are You] in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to reward or repay each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds;

who set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and even to this day [continues to do so] both in Israel and among mankind; and You have made a name for Yourself, as at this day.”

They entered and took possession of it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law; they have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do.

Therefore You have caused all this disaster and suffering to come upon them.”

Jeremiah 32:16-20 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jer.32.16-23.AMP

But You Must Master It

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought of how God reacted differently to Cain and Abel’s offerings and what is the leadership lesson.

Scripture tells us clearly how God felt:

“And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.]

But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.”

Genesis 4:4-5 AMPC

I was amazed at the intensity of Gods response, had questions and found at least one answer in Hebrews, which says:

“[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought God a better and more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, because of which it was testified of him that he was righteous [that he was upright and in right standing with God], and God bore witness by accepting and acknowledging his gifts. And though he died, yet [through the incident] he is still speaking. [Gen. 4:3-10.]”

Hebrews 11:4 AMPC

God clearly was not pleased with Cain but still lovingly spoke to him saying:

“And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?

If you do well, will you not be accepted?

And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Genesis 4:6-7 AMPC

Maybe Cain was dealing with anger because of being the first born, his assignment to work the fields, strife, or maybe envy? Whatever the driver, something was preventing Cain from honoring God appropriately.

We also see that Cain did not effectively manage or resist the sin at his door. Scripture tells us in verse 8: “And Cain said to his brother, Let us go out to the field. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. [I John 3:12.]”. Genesis 4:8 AMPC

As leaders, we must guard our hearts against the seeds of sin lying at our doors. We must watch and pray – without ceasing!

“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. “

John 10:10a AMPC

God Has Made A Way of Escape:

He then said:

“I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows).”

John 10:10b AMPC

“Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall [into sin].

For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear].

But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.”

1 Corinthians 10:12-13 AMPC

It is my prayer that we, the leaders, strive to have clean hands and pure hearts.

“Who shall go up into the mountain of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His Holy Place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted himself up to falsehood or to what is false, nor sworn deceitfully. [Matt. 5:8.]

He shall receive blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”

Psalm 24:3-5 AMPC

In closing, let us proactively seek and surround ourselves with advisors and mentors “our spiritual success circle” who can help us develop and manage our guard rails so that we successfully accomplish that which God has given us to do in Jesus name.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“AND ADAM knew Eve as his wife, and she became pregnant and bore Cain; and she said, I have gotten and gained a man with the help of the Lord.

And [next] she gave birth to his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground.

And in the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground.

And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, [Heb. 11:4.]

But for Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed.

And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected?

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Genesis 4:1-7 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.4.1-7.AMPC