Be not Dismayed by Unbelief

The road to revelation even for the inner circle takes time.

The road to revelation even for the inner circle takes time.

When I was reading this passage, I was simply amazed at the reactions of those that were closest to Jesus but the more I pondered the situation it really provided a principle that is worth noting.

We see people who spent significant amounts of time with Jesus simply amazed and perplexed when the vision he talked about over the years truly materialized.

A few remembered, were excited, and tried to share the good news with the inner circle; but to my amazement, the inner circle did not believe what they heard.

This is not a new phenomenon but an example and reminder that as leaders, we often wonder whether our vision or message is resonating with the masses; however, in reality, it may not even be fully appreciated or internalized by those that are closest to us.

We can cast the vision, we can execute the vision, we can engage our inner circle, we can have them by our sides when we have critical meetings but at the end of the day, those closest to us will get a revelation at different times- if ever.

Wow.

Our jobs as leaders is to be consistent in performing the tasks and doing the necessary work while praying for those inside our inner circle that our vision moves from head knowledge to capturing their hearts. This is a process and a journey.

Stay committed to your divine vision.

Stay the course in executing your plan.

Communicate the vision and plan early and often.

Love the people where they are and realize that they are each walking down their personal revelation journey.

“And they remembered His words. And having returned from the tomb, they reported all these things [taken together] to the eleven apostles and to all the rest.

Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who reported these things to the apostles.

But these reports seemed to the men an idle tale (madness, feigned things, nonsense), and they did not believe the women.”

Luke 24:8-11 AMPC

Tender moments

When I was reading this passage, my heart just became full as it truly demonstrates a glimpse of a tender moment in just how personal and personable Jesus was in that he even allowed one disciple close to him to lean on his chest just as a child.

There are many moments in life when the world did not make sense, there was a yearning to just be comforted and we needed something precious that could not be met or resolved by simple proximity or through words.

Maybe we were seeking understanding from someone in the natural that loved and cared deeply for us and we could just lean in and rest against their chest – and the world was good again.

These are tender moments that never expire.

As leaders, we have moments where we need answers to serious issues that our Circle of influence either cannot answer or from whom we have not sought counsel because of the sensitivity of the matter – maybe the need we have may impact a decision concerning them.

We don’t have to work through the issue alone. We always have the bosom of Jesus readily available. It is there for those who seek him and the fullness of his relationship.

This is not a place or a privilege reserved for those that seek an idle or casual relationship.

This access comes to those who have a reciprocal relationship developed over time- a relationship forged through the joys of being with him and likely through adversities.

Precious moments may be few or they may be oftern but they are impactful and meaningful exchanges.

It is my prayer that you will receive tender moments.

It is also my prayer that you will give tender moments when there just are no words.

Be blessed.

Be a blessing!

“But Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved, following–the one who also had leaned back on His breast at the supper and had said, Lord, who is it that is going to betray You?”

John 21:20 AMPC

Even the strong need support

These are the times as leaders that we need to be open to receiving support so that our faith fails not.

When I read this passage this morning I was moved by the thought of the pain that was being experienced by Jesus.

I was amazed at how the strongest person to ever walk the earth just struggled with agony to the point he needed strength and support to achieve his devine purpose.

There are and will be times as leaders that we are placed in a devinely appointed assignment to fix.

The personal consequences will never be at the same level as those Jesus faced but rest assured- our outcomes will be consequential.

Our situation may seem impossible and one we have been battling to understand, to discern a plan and path forward, and to execute that plan against unheard of resistance.

We may even be weary in our faith and all we have left is the promise from God.

These are the times as leaders that we need to be open to receiving support so that our faith fails not.

Accepting help is not a sign of weakness but I believe that this example was provided as revelation and reassurance that even the strongest among us need help and support.

Be blessed!

Be encouraged!

“Saying, Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but [always] Yours be done. And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him in spirit. And being in an agony [of mind], He prayed [all the] more earnestly and intently, and His sweat became like great clots of blood dropping down upon the ground.”

Luke 22:42-44 AMPC

Uncommon results thru common people

Extraordinary miracles will be performed that all will see and cannot deny

When I was reading this passage, the thought that crossed my mind was how the people marveled at and were perplexed by how these common men could achieve uncommon results.

This is EXPONENTIAL IMPACT where the results (fruits) are so overwhelming, undeniable and far above what we (as leaders) could ever think or to ask.

Just imagine when, not if, this day comes for us as leaders, we will have to be prepared for moments like these to be able to give an account and to give glory and honor to Jesus because of his mighty works and for empowering and equipping us for our devine purpose.

It shall come to pass as I remember reading that if we harken diligently to the voice of the Lord our God and to observe and do his commandments, we will be set on high.

We will be blessed in the city and in the field and everything we do shall prosper.

Be encouraged today.

Be bold.

And to God be the glory for the things that he has done.

“Now when they saw the boldness and unfettered eloquence of Peter and John and perceived that they were unlearned and untrained in the schools [common men with no educational advantages], they marveled; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been cured standing there beside them, they could not contradict the fact or say anything in opposition. But having ordered [the prisoners] to go aside out of the council [chamber], they conferred (debated) among themselves, Saying, What are we to do with these men? For that an extraordinary miracle has been performed by (through) them is plain to all the residents of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.”

Acts 4:13-16 AMPC

You cannot give what you do not have

Make Peace an imperative.

You cannot give what you do not have

“Whatever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this household! [Freedom from all the distresses that result from sin be with this family]. And if anyone [worthy] of peace and blessedness is there, the peace and blessedness you wish shall come upon him; but if not, it shall come back to you.”

Luke 10:5-6 AMPC

https://bible.com/bible/8/luk.10.5-6.AMPC

When I was reading this passage this time, I realized that there was an assumption to this mandate – that the disciples that were going ALREADY HAD PEACE.

This was so powerful yet so simple to me. We can not give out of an empty vessel. We cannot give what we do not have- what we do not own.

What made me to question and to be convicted was that I must make having and maintaining peace one of my imperatives as a leader. Whether in the family, in the church, in the community or in business.

We the Leaders MUST pursue peace as an imperative.

How do we do this is as unique as our fingerprints; however, we must first DECIDE that peace is our priority. Not just with god but also with our fellow man. Flowing in peace allows our power to flow and for us to have maximum IMPACT.

Will this be easy, NO!

There are so many distractions to try and rob us of peace that I just can’t name them all nor to give them credit. BUT we have the power, authority and tools available to achieve daily peace.

We must be vigilant in recognizing when we have allowed kinks in our armour to rob us of this most precious place.

Lastly, we are not in a place of utopia where we are not aware of challenges. We just have the confidence to know that we are the chosen generation to solve the “impossible” through gods Grace, leading and revelation.

Pursue peace as an imperative regardless of the intense storm (s).

The effort (it is work), is worth it.

As we learn better, we do better.

Be blessed.