So There Was a Difference of Opinion

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the idea that great change often creates controversy and confusion. 

During these times, we, the leaders, must be steadfast, immovable and grounded in the truth of Gods word. 

We may experience contrarian voices of opinion trying to redirect, divert or stop our momentum. 

We may even find those closest to us try and isolate us taking defensive postures out of fear – leaving us as prey amongst wolves. 

BUT GOD!

Scripture says: 

“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 ‭15‬:‭58‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Selah

I am grateful that the God we serve is faithful, just and true. He has given us authority to tread on serpents while also commanding us to walk in love and pray for those who persecute us:

“Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: The young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭44‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Thank you Lord!

As we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and be careful to “hear” and “do” all we are told to do. 

The Lord will grant us spiritual eyes to see how He is turning things around for our good if we just trust Him:

“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

“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“(for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen!

In conclusion, let us follow the example of the healed blind man below and be reminded to always stand on the side of truth – declaring the many good things that the Lord has done as our testimony!

In standing on truth, we recognize that the battle is not ours and bring every principality in subjection under Christ:

“He said, “Listen carefully, all [you people of] Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and King Jehoshaphat. The Lord says this to you: ‘Be not afraid or dismayed at this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭20‬:‭15‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“For He (the Father) has put all things in subjection under His (Christ’s) feet. But when He says, “All things have been put in subjection [under Christ],” it is clear that He (the Father) who put all things in subjection to Him (Christ) is excepted [since the Father is not in subjection to His own Son]. [Ps 8:6]”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15‬:‭27‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“Then they brought the man who was formerly blind to the Pharisees. 

Now it was on a Sabbath day that Jesus made the mud and opened the man’s eyes. 

So the Pharisees asked him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He smeared mud on my eyes, and I washed, and now I see.” 

Then some of the Pharisees said, “This Man [Jesus] is not from God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner (a non-observant Jew) do such signs and miracles?” So there was a difference of opinion among them. 

Accordingly they said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “[It must be that] He is a prophet!” 

However, the Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the man’s parents. 

They asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?” 

His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but as to how he now sees, we do not know; or who has opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him [and stop asking us]; he is of age, he will speak for himself and give his own account of it.” 

His parents said this because they were afraid of [the leaders of] the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone acknowledged Jesus to be the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue (excommunicated). 

Because of this his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 

So a second time they called the man who had been [born] blind, and said to him, “Give God glory and praise [for your sight]! We know this Man [Jesus] is a sinner [separated from God].” 

Then he answered, “I do not know whether He is a sinner [separated from God]; but one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.””

‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭13‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1588/jhn.9.13-25.AMP

Endure to the End

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

I was reflecting on these scriptures this morning and the present urgency we, the leaders, must have in developing our “finishing what we started” mindset – one focused and determined to ensure that the issues and challenges of life don’t deter us from our kingdom assignment. 

Sometimes situations may shake our foundations due to rapid successive events which create a feeling of destabilization and doubt – where we wonder if we are in the right place or whether we are making a difference. 

  • Yes, adversity will come. 
  • Yes, doubts will try to creep into our hearts and minds. 
  • And Yes, people may seem to be blinded by the truth and resist us, our ideas and our god. 

In times like these, we must hold steadfast to our trust in Jesus, believe that a heavenly solution is possible and pray until we hear His voice for direction as He is our good shepherd. 

He will shield us and hide us in His secret place so that we are hidden from the wiles of the devil. The Bible says:

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” [Gen 18:14; Job 42:2]”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭19‬:‭26‬ ‭AMP‬‬

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in him will I trust. 

Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, And from the noisome pestilence. 

He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭10‬-‭12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Selah

When we stand on the solid rock of Christ, we find purpose and strength in Him. 

The Bible says: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and the One who rescues me; My God, my rock and strength in whom I trust and take refuge; My shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower—my stronghold. [Heb 2:13]”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ ‭AMP‬‬

It also says: “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

We must choose today to lighten our loads to run our race and if we faint not, the Lord will be faithful to do all that He has promised:

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“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 ‭3‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

““If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the best of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭AMP‬‬

In conclusion, it is my prayer that we faint not but earnestly pray so that we may endure to the end:

“Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 

that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 

All these are the beginning of sorrows. 

Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 

And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 

And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 

But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭24‬:‭7‬-‭14‬ ‭KJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.24.13-14.KJV

Be Not Weary…

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

I was reflecting on these scripture this morning and the thought thot we, the leaders,  may suffer in silence questioning our leadership effectiveness and impact – wondering whether we truly add value daily. 

When we do this, a real danger exists if we permit these thoughts to fester unchecked by the Word of God. 

We risk allowing our hearts to become tainted, grieved and possibly hardened. 

God forbid!

Lord Help Us!

Scripture warns us that the enemy and his followers are here to try to kill, steal or destroy the purposes of God – including our assignments, our joy, our confidence and our hope. 

“…In the last days there will be scoffers, following after their own ungodly passions.” [2 Pet 3:3, 4]  These are the ones who are [agitators] causing divisions—worldly-minded [secular, unspiritual, carnal, merely sensual—unsaved], devoid of the Spirit. 

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit, 

and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously and looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [which will bring you] to eternal life. ”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭18‬-‭21 ‭AMP‬‬

The Bible also warns us to guard our hearts as if our lives depended on it:  

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭4‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭45‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Let us therefore meditate on and follow the below biblical roadmap for success:

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 

Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭29‬-‭32‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Amen

In closing, I declare and decree that we will never grow weary being the sowers who ONLY sow The Word of God according to Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭14‬ – encouraging, comforting and building up each other according  to 1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬. 

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”

‭‭Jude‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭9‬-‭10‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

https://bible.com/bible/114/gal.6.9-10.NKJV

Press On

I was reflecting on these scriptures and just how much energy and focus we need as leaders to be able to just “press on”.

There are always mountains to climb, land to acquire, goals to meet and issues to resolve but one thing that is required to navigate through these storms is our ability to pursue peace and to just “press on” – keep it moving!

We must realize that our greatest challenges and resistance often lives right at the door of our breakthroughs and success’s.

In the military, there is often an event called the “crucible” – a cumulative rigorous exercise which requires demonstrated mastery of recent learnings. The second objective of the “crucible” is often to test your ability to “press on” !

Each of us are living through our own “crucible”. To us, I share these thoughts:

⁃ Yes there is discomfort. So what, “press on”.

⁃ Yes there is disappointment. So what, “press on”.

⁃ Yes there are fears, doubts, and limited beliefs. So what, “press on”.

Yes, progress comes with a price. It demands more time of us in study, prayer and consecration.

We are in a season where breakthroughs will surface out of the chaos for those of us who choose to rest in Christ, have peace and “press on”.

We may see resistance of various kinds; but, we will have to just take the ground that has been promised to us.

We will take these hills only with the faith and belief in the promise that god has given us. This is the mindset we must develop as the whole earth is groaning and awaiting the manifestation of the sons of god.

Thank you Lord for this word!

It is my prayer and decree that , we your people, this year will just take you at your word and move forward in faith so that your kingdom comes and that your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen

Be Blessed!

Be a Blessing!

Press on!

“I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.”

Philippians 3:14-15 AMP

“We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.”

2 Corinthians 4:8-10 AMP

“You [my enemy] pushed me violently so that I was falling, But the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation.”

Psalms 118:13-14 AMP

The Lord Still Reigns

When I was reflecting on this scripture this morning, my heart just started to rejoice when I read that “the Lord reigns”. I then realized that the verb is in the present tense which means…He Still reigns.

As leaders, we are impacted, grieved, amazed, troubled, and maybe astonished by what we see and experience in this life. Many times, things in our society, community, and relationships just don’t make sense to our natural minds.

What is true and real is that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, and rulers of the darkened, and spiritual wickedness.

What is also true is that we serve a true and living god – THAT STILL REIGNS. He is the same God that created us in his image and his likeness.

As we continue to press in, to know him, to learn of him, to trust him, to lean on and depend on him, to hide under his wings for protection, we can and shall be reassured and stabilized for the leadership battle for this season and this time.

When we look at the outcomes of our time and energy spent drawing closer to God, we will begin to see that when adversity comes, we will faint not because our strength will be strong.

Gods purpose will be revealed and all the people will see His glory and brilliance.

It is my prayer that we will be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might as we put on the whole armor of God.

Be Blessed,

Be a Blessing!

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands and coastlands be glad.

Clouds and thick darkness surround Him [as at Sinai]; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.

Fire goes before Him And burns up His adversaries on all sides.

His lightnings have illuminated the world; The earth has seen and trembled.

The mountains melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, At the presence of the Lord of the whole earth.

The heavens declare His righteousness, And all the peoples see His glory and brilliance.”

Psalms 97:1-6 AMP

True Strength

This morning, I was reading and ran across these words which broke something in my heart – “My grace is sufficient.”

It was the scripture that was needed at this time and it made me reflect and think about how often as leaders, we have many demands, competing priorities, strategic planning sessions, tactical execution tasks and the need to put out fires.

We may internalize all these responsibilities and they can just be overwhelming.

Often we just need a word from God to cut through it all to give us clarity on “what to do, right now.”

Many days, we have to move forward even as we may be hurt or bruised by the “unexpected challenges” of life or “reactions from the people for which we are responsible”.

So when we read or hear- “my grace is sufficient”, we are able to exhale and rest in the grace of God realizing that we don’t have to carry the load by ourselves- or at all.

Wow!

There is a feeling of freedom and reassurance in this scripture because He Jesus has it and He Jesus has us.

He is our strength, redeemer and our portion.

Be encouraged

Be blessed

Be a blessing !

“Because of the surpassing greatness and extraordinary nature of the revelations [which I received from God], for this reason, to keep me from thinking of myself as important, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan, to torment and harass me—to keep me from exalting myself!

Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might leave me; but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.”

Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God’s strength].”

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 AMP