scripture – Page 3 – Vision Multiplier International, LLC

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

Let There Be…and There Was…and It Was Good

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that many of us are prayerfully creating vision boards for the new year which will serve as our blueprints for this season.

The good news is that scripture instructs us:

”And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.“

Habakkuk 2:2-3 KJV

As leaders, our having a clear picture of the end game at the beginning, starts our creative process.

Next, in Genesis, we see God’s creative process in action when he said, “Let there be…”!

”In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.“ Genesis 1:1 KJV

”And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.

And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.“ Genesis 1:2-3 KJV

”God made the earth by His power; He established the world by His wisdom and by His understanding and skill stretched out the heavens.“ Jeremiah 10:12 AMPC

”And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…” Genesis 1:31 KJV

Now, is our time!

”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval.

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.“ Hebrews 11:1-3, 6 NASB1995

Our Success is Guaranteed as we Sow the Word into our Hearts:

”The sower soweth the word.“ Mark 4:14 KJV

”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

”The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.“ Psalm 37:23-24 KJV

Now is the time to create something glorious for the kingdom of god.

Let us pray, study and declare the Word to build our faith which allows the Supernatural ANNOINTING to flow:

”(as it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.“ Romans 4:17 KJV

”The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion.“ Proverbs 28:1 KJV

Happy New Year!

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. [Heb. 11:3.]

The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.

And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.

And God saw that the light was good (suitable, pleasant) and He approved it; and God separated the light from the darkness. [II Cor. 4:6.]

And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

And God said, Let there be a firmament [the expanse of the sky] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters [below] from the waters [above].

And God made the firmament [the expanse] and separated the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse. And it was so.

And God called the firmament Heavens. And there was evening and there was morning, a second day.

And God said, Let the waters under the heavens be collected into one place [of standing], and let the dry land appear. And it was so.

God called the dry land Earth, and the accumulated waters He called Seas. And God saw that this was good (fitting, admirable) and He approved it.“

Genesis 1:1-10 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/gen.1.1-10.AMPC

For Such a Time as This

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the idea of how we are created, prepared and positioned by the “I AM” to achieve a heavenly mandate. Our only question is “What does the master want us to do?”

We see areas in this world that grieves us and we quietly desire to “fix it” knowing the current state conflicts with our understanding of what is “possible”.

God’s wisdom and grace uniquely prepares us to be the solution and He would not ask us to do anything more than we are “well able” to do with His leading.

Unfortunately, many are living beneath the promises of God due to the lack of knowledge and understanding. Deliverance for their pain is awaiting for our faith to alignment with Gods plan.

There is still a real enemy that desires to steal, kill and to destroy mankind; but, Christ has come that we all may have life and have it more abundantly.

We all must be taught the truth through observation or instruction to expose our minds and hearts to the sun of “possibilities”. This intersection creates a burning desire to pursue our higher standard and noble calling.

Scripture provides a tangible example with Queen Esther. She was uniquely positioned by God to thwart the evil plan of Haman against the Jews.

Ester was afraid and understood the rule of law and that the resolution path was a high risk and, if done, without the grace, wisdom and the provision of God could lead to death.

Mordecai, Esther’s uncle provided clarity on her options challenging her to understand her purpose while placing a demand on her to press beyond her comfort zone for gods purposes.

She decided to take action by faith at great personal risk.

She then prepared herself by fasting, to get direction on what to do.

As leaders, we will all face our individual giants. My prayer is that we will take the step of faith towards God plans like Queen Ester.

Let us:

1. Decide to Answer the Call

2. Consecrate ourselves to purge our hearts so we can be lead by the spirit

3. Pursue/ Move forward by faith

For “who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion? “

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

”And Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews to be destroyed.

[Mordecai] also gave him a copy of the decree to destroy them, that was given out in Shushan, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king, make supplication to him, and plead with him for the lives of her people. And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that any person, be it man or woman, who shall go into the inner court to the king without being called shall be put to death; there is but one law for him, except [him] to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live.

But I have not been called to come to the king for these thirty days. And they told Mordecai what Esther said.

Then Mordecai told them to return this answer to Esther, Do not flatter yourself that you shall escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from elsewhere, but you and your father’s house will perish.

And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion?

Then Esther told them to give this answer to Mordecai, Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast for me; and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I also and my maids will fast as you do.

Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish. So Mordecai went away and did all that Esther had commanded him.“

Esther 4:7-17 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/est.4.7-17.AMPC

When Your Eye (your conscience) is Sound

A Leadership Insight

I was reflecting on these scriptures and the thought that as leaders, we must see the world through multiple sets of “eyes”: Our eyes of personal desires, the eyes of our vision for the future, the eyes of our team and the eyes of our customers. To achieve this, we rely heavily on our conscience to be our moral compass.

This can be difficult and often there is misalignment which can lead to failure or missed opportunity if handled in our own strength.

As believers, scripture reminds us that we “are the light of the world.” And we are instructed to: “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14,16 AMPC

We are responsible for performing our daily heavenly adjustment because:

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs and tries the hearts” Proverbs 21:2 AMPC

“Haughtiness of eyes and a proud heart, even the tillage of the wicked or the lamp [of joy] to them [whatever it may be], are sin [in the eyes of God].” Proverbs 21: 4 AMPC

“Does not [God] see my ways and count all my steps? If my step has turned out of [God’s] way, and my heart has gone the way my eyes [covetously] invited, and if any spot has stained my hands with guilt, Then let me sow and let another eat; yes, let the produce of my field or my offspring be rooted out.”

Job 31:4, 7-8 AMPC

We must be authentic with God and realize that our destiny is based on how well we yield to the spirit and are obedient to the Word.

“Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (your conscience) is sound and fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound and is not fulfilling its office, your body is full of darkness.

In closing, there is hope as we lay our petition before the Lord:

“Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart throbs, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me.”

Psalm 38:9-10 AMPC

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. [Prov. 6:23.]”

Psalm 119:105 AMPC

“Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live; and I will observe Your word [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. [Ps. 119:97-101.] Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of Your law.”

Psalm 119:17-18 AMPC

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or crypt or under a bushel measure, but on a lampstand, that those who are coming in may see the light.

Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (your conscience) is sound and fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light; but when it is not sound and is not fulfilling its office, your body is full of darkness.

Be careful, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness.

If then your entire body is illuminated, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright [with light], as when a lamp with its bright rays gives you light.”

Luke 11:33-36 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.11.33-36.AMPC

Martha, Martha

I was reflecting on this scripture this morning and the life lesson that should be reviewed yearly as our responsibilities and accountabilities increase.

We see the story of Martha who the scripture says “Martha welcomed Him [Jesus] into her home.” She was a gracious and attentive host – having casual conversations with Christ.

Meanwhile, Mary, her sister “seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.”

Their relationship mattered to Jesus as the scripture tells us in the book of John: “It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, “Lord, he [our brother and Your friend] whom You love is sick.” Now Jesus loved and was concerned about Martha, her sister and Lazarus [and considered them dear friends].” John 11:2-3, 5 AMP

Relationships like this are built through the measuring stick of “time” and it is clear that Mary, Martha and Lazarus had a viable relationship with Christ which was built by spending time with Him.

The warning in the story for us as leaders is that Martha “was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities..”

Martha felt frustrated and overwhelmed because she had a perceived need for assistance from Mary to just “keep up”! She asked the Lord to convince her sister to assist but was provided a heavenly response instead.

The Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”

That is so powerful. No greater love is this.

Today, I leave you with these thoughts to consider:

“Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.

And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” Philippians 4:6-7 AMP

Lastly, fullness of joy comes when we stay in gods presence (psalms 16:11) and like Mary, let us sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of Him. He says:

““Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened [by religious rituals that provide no peace], and I will give you rest [refreshing your souls with salvation].

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [following Me as My disciple], for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest (renewal, blessed quiet) for your souls.

For My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”” Matthew 11:28-30

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now while they were on their way, Jesus entered a village [called Bethany], and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.

She had a sister named Mary, who seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.

But Martha was very busy and distracted with all of her serving responsibilities; and she approached Him and said, “Lord, is it of no concern to You that my sister has left me to do the serving alone? Tell her to help me and do her part.”

But the Lord replied to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered and anxious about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part [that which is to her advantage], which will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:38-42 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.10.38-42.AMP

If Two Believers

I was reflecting this morning on these scriptures and was encouraged as I was reminded that with God, the solution to a problem is often simple.

It is awesome to realize the sheer power that IS manifested when two believers come into “agreement”.

The Word says that when we do come into agreement: “about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.”

Anything?

Yes, anything!

Wow and Amen!

There are a couple of criteria that must be met for the promise to flow:

⁃ They must be of “one mind”.

⁃ They must be in “harmony”.

That’s it. So simple.

As we do the work to identify and associate with another believer, determine what we truly want/desire, become one mind concerning the desired outcome while ensuring it aligns with the will of God (it is helpful to use a scriptural basis), and be in harmony; then we can ask and EXPECT RESULTS!

Amen

This means that “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” Mark 9:23 KJV

The challenge with us, as leaders, is we sometimes struggle with the sheer simplicity of the message.

The Word also warns us about those who teach a message contrary to the scripture:

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.”

Romans 16:17-19 KJV

In closing, it is my prayer that these scriptures will settle in your spirit and give you peace, reassurance and confidence:

⁃ “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 1:2 KJV

⁃ “Have faith in God.” Mark 11:22 KJV

⁃ “Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.” John 14:10 KJV

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

““Again I say to you, that if two believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.””Matthew 18:19-20 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/mat.18.19-20.AMP

My Son, Attend to My Words

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the importance of our having a strategic plan ( or battle plan for war) and the power in effectively communicating that plan to our current teams.

The best prepared teams for battle are those who have been trained on the plan before the engaging event. This minimizes the element of surprise for the team and allows for rapid actions for success.

So for today, we are in a battle for the Kingdom and our rapid action for success is found in the Word of the Lord:

“DO NOT let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated). You believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely on God; believe in and adhere to and trust in and rely also on Me.” John 14:1 AMPC

Because we are seeing the things foretold revealed before our eyes:

“And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not get alarmed (troubled and frightened); it is necessary [that these things] take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines and calamities. This is but the beginning of the intolerable anguish and suffering [only the first of the birth pangs].

And the good news (the Gospel) must first be preached to all nations.”

Mark 13:7-8, 10 AMPC

As leaders, we are not afraid of the fight. We must recognize it for what it is and arm the appropriate weapon to dominate:

⁃ “For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.” Ephesians 6:12 AMPC

⁃ “men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1 KJV

Prayer is that weapon!

Lastly, let us “consider well the path of [our] feet, and let all [our] ways be established and ordered aright.

We are the generation for this dispensation in time and we just need to humble ourselves, turn from our wicked ways, pray, and seek Gods face.

When we do this we will see the power of the anointing flow and we will see the healing of our land.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“My son, attend to my words; consent and submit to my sayings.

Let them not depart from your sight; keep them in the center of your heart.

For they are life to those who find them, healing and health to all their flesh.

Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out of it flow the springs of life.

Put away from you false and dishonest speech, and willful and contrary talk put far from you.

Let your eyes look right on [with fixed purpose], and let your gaze be straight before you.

Consider well the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established and ordered aright.

Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:20-27 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/pro.4.20-27.AMPC

Let Me Go

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the thought how one idea revealed to us, downloaded from heaven AND acted upon, can transform our lives forever. We may be given the foundation for a new industry, product line or strategy.

Many times we may view ourselves in our jobs or businesses as “I am just”; but the word of the Lord reminds us that we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. We are greater than any current position or role we are fulfilling because we have Christ in us – our hope of glory.

As leaders, the question we face is will we answer the call when the idea is revealed as well as the plan?

Scripture says that:

“I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 AMPC

Scripture gives us an example with Jacob and this strategy:

Let me pass through your entire flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every dark or black one among the lambs and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and those shall be my wages.

The good news is that Jacob was and remained faithful in serving and prospered Laban:

Jacob served Laban for many years and endured his fair share of deception and broken promises.

Despite all of the wage adjustments, deception in giving him the wrong bride, Jacob continued to serve. “And Laban said to him, If I have found favor in your sight, I pray you [do not go]; for I have learned by experience and from the omens in divination that the Lord has favored me with blessings on your account.”

Genesis 30:27 AMPC

This example reinforces that our jobs are not our source in the kingdom -Christ is. He has given us the economic model of sowing and reaping.

Lastly, as leaders, we must remember that results come from execution. Jacob received and acted on the strategy and was blessed.

“So Jacob became exceedingly prosperous, and had large flocks [of sheep and goats], and female and male servants, and camels and donkeys.” Genesis 30:43 AMP

In closing, we cannot discount the fact that the ways of Jacob pleased the Lord and the Lord provided for him:

“And the Angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Look up and see, all the rams which are mating [with the flock] are streaked, speckled, and spotted; for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar, and where you made a vow to Me; now stand up, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’ ”” Genesis 31:11-13 AMP

As we strive and grow, this is my prayer that we continue to honor those in authority to create the conditions for revelation and success strategies.

“First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,” 1 Timothy 2:1-3 AMP

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Now when Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go back to my own place and to my own country.

Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know the work which I have done for you.”

But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, stay with me; for I have learned [from the omens in divination and by experience] that the Lord has blessed me because of you.”

He said, “Name your wages, and I will give it [to you].” Jacob answered him, “You know how I have served you and how your possessions, your cattle and sheep and goats, have fared with me.

For you had little before I came and it has increased and multiplied abundantly, and the Lord has favored you with blessings wherever I turned. But now, when shall I provide for my own household?” Laban asked, “What shall I give you?”

Jacob replied, “You shall not give me anything. But if you will do this one thing for me [which I now propose], I will again pasture and keep your flock:

So my honesty will be evident for me later, when you come [for an accounting] concerning my wages.

Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and dark among the young lambs, if found with me, shall be considered stolen.” And Laban said, “Good! Let it be done as you say.””

Genesis 30:25-34 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/gen.30.26-34.AMP

Many Prophets and Kings Longed to See What You See

When I was reflecting on these scriptures, I was reminded about of the urgent need for a deeper level of leadership development for these turbulent times. As leaders, multiplying our effectiveness is in direct proportion to our ability to recognize, prayerfully select and enter into covenant relationships with others.

By granting this access or being granted this access, there is a level of trust that, if broken, can really be catastrophic and cause significant pain.

The relationship can include giving a part of our or receiving a part of someone else’s anointing, reputation and good name, so covenant relationships should not be viewed lightly.

The size and magnitude of the commission determines the model chosen from those revealed in scriptures. There are at least four:

⁃ The 70 Appointed: “Now after this the Lord appointed seventy others, and sent them out ahead of Him, two by two, into every city and place where He was about to go. He was saying to them, “The harvest is abundant [for there are many who need to hear the good news about salvation], but the workers [those available to proclaim the message of salvation] are few. Therefore, [prayerfully] ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest. Go your way; listen carefully: I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:1-3 AMP

⁃ The 12 disciples: “Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority and power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Jesus sent out these twelve, instructing them: “Do not go among the Gentiles, and do not go into a city of the Samaritans; but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” Matthew 10:1, 5-7 AMP

⁃ The 3 disciples: “Then they went to a place called Gethsemane; and Jesus said to His disciples, “Sit down here until I have prayed.” He took Peter and James and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and troubled [extremely anguished at the prospect of what was to come]. And He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved and overwhelmed with sorrow, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch.”” Mark 14:32-34 AMP

⁃ Joseph: “Now the plan seemed good to Pharaoh and to all of his servants. So Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this [a man equal to Joseph], in whom is the divine spirit [of God]?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since [your] God has shown you all this, there is no one as discerning and clear-headed and wise as you are. You shall have charge over my house, and all my people shall be governed according to your word and pay respect [to you with reverence, submission, and obedience]; only in [matters of] the throne will I be greater than you [in Egypt].” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you [in charge] over all the land of Egypt.” Then Pharaoh took off his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and dressed him in [official] vestments of fine linen and put a gold chain around his neck. He had him ride in his second chariot; and runners proclaimed before him, “[Attention,] bow the knee!” And he set him over all the land of Egypt. Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet without your permission shall no man raise his hand [to do anything] or set his foot [to go anywhere] in all the land of Egypt [all classes of people shall submit to your authority].”” Genesis 41:37-44 AMP

We should not despise, discount or cheapen the value of “access” for “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see”. These relationships can be one of the greatest source of growth and maturity resulting in our ability to think and plan at a greater level of depth. Often, access is granted to rooms, conversations and experiences that are sacred and private – exponentially propelling our growth, understanding, influence, power and authority.

A warning: we must use discernment and wisdom in choosing relationships for many desire the benefit but have not yet developed their character to thrive well in a covenant relationship. If they are not tested and prayerfully vetted, things can go wrong rather quickly.

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Choose well!

“Listen carefully: I have given you authority [that you now possess] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and [the ability to exercise authority] over all the power of the enemy (Satan); and nothing will [in any way] harm you. Nevertheless do not rejoice at this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.”

In that very hour He was overjoyed and rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit, and He said, “I praise You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things [relating to salvation] from the wise and intelligent, and have revealed them to infants [the childlike and untaught].

Yes, Father, for this way was [Your gracious will and choice, and was] well-pleasing in Your sight.

All things have been transferred and turned over to Me by My Father and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son, and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal Him.”

Then turning to His disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed [joyful, spiritually enlightened, and favored by God] are the eyes which see what you see, for I say to you that many prophets and kings longed to see what you see, and they did not see it; and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.””

Luke 10:19-24 AMP

https://bible.com/bible/1588/luk.10.21-24.AMP