Category: Encourage-Inform-Inspire

The holiday of Thanksgiving is approaching, there will be many blogs along with mine that will be provided about this annual day and there will be many sermons spoken before or after this national holiday. However, it is my sincere hope that as I write about this annual celebration that we all will forget the misconception of the pilgrims and Native Americans and the comradery of family and friends giving praise to the food and the sacrificial bird. I want to try and provide us all with a better focus on this keyword which is found in the Word of GOD and apply it to our lives not just once or twice a year but daily.

In the third book of the Law written by Moses, he wrote that we should offer, maybe we need to reacquaint ourselves with this word first. Offer: the original definition is of sacrifice; the presentation in action of devotion and worship. This definition has become archaic, outdated, and passe’ but should be put into use by everyone again especially the body of CHRIST.  The second definition is to offer prayers of thanksgiving. We all need to self evaluate ourselves by asking of ourselves the question; do we daily offer our sacrifice of thanksgiving to the FATHER in the name of the SON/JESUS for all that HE has done, is doing, and will do in our lives?

Our flesh nor the flesh of any animal can satisfy the FATHER better than the flesh of HIS Only Begotten SON/JESUS who is our Peace in the flesh. JESUS said that HE is the Bread of Life. Here is another self-examination that we all must ask of ourselves; Do we eat the flesh of Peace who is the Bread of Life as often as we think of HIM?

Our offering of thanksgiving to the FATHER in the name of our LORD/JESUS is to be done not out of the celebration of holidays, legalism and rituals but rather from our own daily free will. Remove all the customary practice of legality, rituals, and rules and we will find that our offering of sacrifice to the FATHER in the name of JESUS will be most wonderful.

When our hearts have been turned back to the FATHER we will come to recognize that we are to offer to HIM our sacrifice of thanksgiving as well as telling others what or why we have so much to give thanksgiving for.

I found in the book of Nehemiah that we can also offer to the LORD our sacrifice of thanksgiving in song. We do not need to find a song that has already been recorded or sing the songs of thanksgiving (that is if it is done at all) by the choirs of our local assembly where we gather to worship the FATHER and the SON/JESUS. We can simply make the words up from the joy that bubbles up in our hearts when we begin to think of all that JESUS means to us. If we keep a journal, why not write a poem dedicated to the LORD?

In the book of Psalms, we have over thirteen reminders to provide us with a kickstart if we are finding it difficult to bring to our own remembrance as to what we are to give thanksgiving to the FATHER for.

Prior to our believing in CHRIST JESUS, we were much like Mount Sinai, hopeless, prideful, a wasteland, just plain sinful were we in our heart. Now, for those of us who do believe in CHRIST JESUS and HIS Finished Works we are much like Mount Zion, comforted, our hearts are like Eden where the LORD has planted gladness and joy so that we can open up our mouths and rejoice in thanksgiving to HIM.

Be and give up our offering with our sacrifice of thanksgiving. We have a merry heart, so allow our voices to sing from that. Our FATHER is multiplying us and we are the more, we must take our focus off of those who are in and of this world and place our focus on CHRIST JESUS because with every soul who has and is escaping captivity the sinners are diminishing. We outnumber them we are not small in number. We are the congregation of the LORD not of whatever denomination we call ourselves.

Sacrifice, we have seen this throughout this blog because it is found among the scriptures that are being used. But just as I provided the definition to the word offer let us take a proper look at this word as well. Sacrifice: the action of our offering to our GOD and LORD the FATHER and to the SON CHRIST JESUS. Our willingness to surrender who we are and what we have. Not in observances to rituals and rules but in our remembrance of what CHRIST JESUS has done is doing and will do. CHRIST JESUS has paid in full the cost for us, nothing is owed due to borrowing, credit or loan, out debt and punishment is paid in full. Our Salvation is CHRIST JESUS.

Everything that I shared above is found in the Old Contract/Testament/Will. Now, let us take a look at how in the New Contract/Testament/Will we can continue to have and operate in our spirit of thanksgiving.

In our bodies of actions, we are to show the resurrected life of CHRIST JESUS. Regardless of our being mistreated by others, remember that our flesh is temporary and that our flesh is to die and we are to willingly starve it from all its desires that we in our sinfulness happily gave into. Our flesh which is dying daily is constantly screaming “ I want or give me” but we are to deny its worldly and lustful cravings and show the active life which is at work within us through CHRIST JESUS. Operate in the spirit of faith of CHRIST JESUS knowing with assurance that the FATHER raised CHRIST JESUS up from the dead so that HE can bring with HIM HIS bride which is the church (us). What is going on is for us to experience HIS grace and we too will offer HIS grace to people through our life which is our thanksgiving that increases not decreases in our glory of GOD.

We are enriched in all things from the FATHER through CHRIST JESUS and because we know this it is possible for us to be generous and in our generosity will be thanksgiving to GOD. GOD is the provider of the overflowing, not the GOD of the broke, busted, disgusted and not enough.

We have no cause to be concerned about the unknown because the FATHER has made all that we have need to know, known to us. We worry because we do not speak to the FATHER, we do not share with HIM the desires of our heart, we do not ask HIM for those things that we either have need of or want. If we did these things than we would offer up to GOD our sacrifice of thanksgiving in the name of CHRIST JESUS.

Instead of remaining rooted and grounded in ourselves, employment or others become grounded and rooted in GOD our FATHER. We should have established faith in HIM because we have been or are being taught about HIS great plenty/increase which will encourage us to give to HIM our great plenty/increase of thanksgiving. Have a vigilance of thanksgiving.

Stop pushing your abstaining from certain foods onto others. In other words, if you desire for your own personal dietary reasons not to indulge in eating certain foods, you should do so voluntarily. Not because of the faith in your denomination, and not because of your misinterpretation of the Bible. Abstain because it is your personal choice. GOD made every type of meat to be received and to be eaten with thanksgiving to HIM. Every animal, beast, and insect with flesh is made by GOD which means that it is good and good for human consumption. It is either our wrong beliefs, our misunderstanding of the Word of GOD, or our dislike for certain meats that we refrain from consuming.

Now, to wrap up all that has been shared with you so that you can participate in your annual celebration with family and friends, recall to remembrance the following.

Blessing, Glory, Honor, Might, Power, Wisdom and most affectionately Thanksgiving. Be to our GOD, the FATHER, the SON/CHRIST JESUS and HIS Holy Spirit, forever eternally. Amen.

Leviticus 7:12-15, 22:29; 1 Chronicles 16:8; Nehemiah 12:8, 27, 31, 38, 40, 46; Psalms 9:1, 26:7, 50:14, 69:30, 75:1, 95:2, 100:4, 107:1, 22, 116:1, 17, 136:1, 147:7; Isaiah 51:3; Jeremiah 30:19; Jonah 2:9, 2 Corinthians  4:15, 9:11-12; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 2:7, 4:12; 1 Timothy 4:3-4; Revelation 7:12

AMFBeM TM

Influential leaders lead well. How can we become leaders who influence others well? Simply put, being of help to them, encourage them, mentor and motivate them to succeed. When we instruct others we actually are pouring into them what we have to give.

Husbands and wives are the leaders in their home, parents are leaders to their children, employers are leaders to their employees. Do you realize that even when children are at play there is a leader among them that can influence the other kids to follow along with them?

In every association we spend quality time with a leader is there. Depending on the character and integrity that the leader has can motivate the followers to do that which should not be done. We see this a lot in the inner cities all over America.

Leadership begins in the home and those leaders must be filled with JESUS and HIS Holy Spirit, leaders should pray with their family, be an example setter rather than constantly speaking about what should be done, be honest about all things these daily qualities will mold the family to become one that has integrity. So, when we exercise being influential leaders at home and go out to where our assignments are the school or workplace there will be those who will be influenced by our character through our conduct and integrity.

People that are influenced by us will bring about friendships. You know that saying “birds of a feather flock together” well, what the Bible informs us is “iron sharpens iron”.

Philippians 2:3-4 Everyone who does not know how to live in and walk in love shows a spirit of rivalry and vanity towards others. It should not be so with us the children of the Living GOD.

If you the reader are in the body of CHRIST and your character and integrity operate in being conceited, envious, or provoking another into anything negative. You are encouraged to ask the FATHER for HIS help in cleaning that out of you so that you can live in the Spirit of the living GOD and not the soul of self. Envy is bitter which causes us to only care about ourselves. We need to learn through CHRIST JESUS how to truly be humble in thinking that others are better than yourself. Not to the point of causing ourselves to invite that demonic spirit of low self-esteem but when someone admonishes us and we say thank you inform them that they too can do the very same thing. Be willing to share the knowledge that we have. Believe me when I write this that no person is an island to him/herself. There are others who can do what we do and possibly better. We get further ahead when we are willing to help others in the area they need help in. For example, I just shared with my friend how I have noticed throughout the carer of Mr. Eddie Murphy once he truly arrived in his craft that he is one who is willing to be a helper. Whenever he is working on a project he reaches out to those that he admired before he began to be a success and he helps those that will like to reach their goal as Mr. Murphy has. In some of his movies, you may find entertainers that have not worked in a generation or two. I believe that if he does this in the open I am positive that while we do not see or hear from him in a while that he is helping others.

 It does not take great financial gain to help anyone all it takes is our willingness to share what we have. No one is the only author, entertainer, chef, clergy, doctor, IT specialist, nurse, sports figure, teacher, and the list goes on. So lookout for the interest of others as well as your own but not just your own.

Gal. 5:26; James 3:14

AMFBeM TM

Good leaders will always encourage others and help cause that which is unknown to someone to rise to the top and come out. True leaders cause others to grow so that they too can reach their potential in the hopes that they too will help develop others to become empowered also.

True leaders are trustworthy, they will challenge us to become better. Sometimes when we are being developed it becomes uncomfortable and we do not like unconformability. We love the comfort and the familiar.

Matthew 19:16-22 Leaders counsel others and will be honest with them about what is required to either live or work well. Leaders will not breastfeed anyone but what we will do is demonstrate and inform in our mentoring. This young and rich ruler/lawyer after running to speak with JESUS first called JESUS good. This was an acknowledgment of truth yet, the ruler/lawyer did not exactly know what he was saying to JESUS because he did not recognize JESUS as being the ONE True GOD. How do we know or rather yet, how should we know this? JESUS answered the lawyer saying “why do you call ME good, why do you ask ME about what is good, why do you ask ME about the essential and perfect good?”JESUS continued in HIS answer that no one is good but the ONE True GOD. No one is essential and perfect but the ONE True GOD. And, yet, the lawyer still did not understand. When JESUS said to the lawyer to keep HIS Commandments what was HE informing him to do?

Here are some questions that we should use to take self-inventory.

• Do we obey the rules set by JESUS so that we will bring pleasure to HIM or do we obey our own set of rules so that we can continue to bring pleasure to ourselves?
• Do we obey the decree [forordaining will] and rule set by JESUS so that all will be well with us and our children?
• Are we being careful to obey all that JESUS has requested of us by knowing HIS rules?
• Are we obeying the rules?
• Do we realize that everyday that we are breathing that we must obey the rules that JESUS has given to us?
• Do we realize that we must obey the rules set by JESUS? Do we realize that those rules that HE has given to us will help us?
• Do we realize that when we obey the rules set by JESUS that they help us to remain healthy and alive?
• Do we realize that when we error, [an error is a mistake, not a lifestyle] most of us fall back into condemnation because we believe that in our disobedience [mistake not lifestyle] that GOD will punish us because we did not obey all the rules?
• Do we know what is the essential rule that was given to us by JESUS that will tie up all the rules into one pretty and neat package?

My question to you is; do you know what the rules are? Most likely the answer is no if we are truthful with ourselves. Here they are for us to know, not through remembrance but through faith in CHRIST JESUS in our living.

1. LOVE the LORD your Most Holy GOD
2. Do all that HE has commanded of us
3. Stay close to HIM
4. The Ten Commandments/the ten rules of morality.
5. Believe/Trust/have Faith in the name of the LORD CHRIST JESUS and HIS finished works on the cross
6. Love people

 

The quickest understanding of the top three rules is the last two which will cause us to live by the fourth rule without our having to memorize them.

We need to be mindful of the zeal that we have to please CHRIST JESUS so that we do not offend not only our siblings in CHRIST JESUS but CHRIST JESUS HIMself. Sometimes our zeal can cause trouble and pain by pointing the finger at someone who is immature in CHRIST JESUS. Many people have walked away from attending worship service weekly or will not come into the place of worship because many believe that they have been recruited to be the fault-finding detective/inspector/police. Stay out of GOD’s way and allow HIM to teach and train up HIS own children.

Be a leader/mentor, in demonstrating to others that when it comes to our attention and we have in our possession the means to be a help to our siblings in CHRIST JESUS that we actually help. It burns my biscuits when I hear someone speaking to another about how someone is in need of help and they reply with a lousy “I will pray for them”. Do not get me wrong prayer is wonderful but the action is better. If we do not have the means to help then, of course, pray for the person who is in need. If we are not willing to relinquish our money or possessions to help others than those things have us not the other way round. Our true treasures are located in heaven not here on earth, nothing that we possess will be taken with us when we die. Are we following JESUS or are we following the Jones?

Matt. 19:16–29; Mk. 10:17–30; Lk. 18:18–30, 10:25; Ps. 25:8; 34:8; Nah. 1:7; Rom. 2:4; Lev. 18:5; Deut. 4:40; 6:17, 7:11, 11:22, 28:9; Neh. 9:29; Ezek. 20:21; Gal. 3:10; 1 Jhn. 3:23; Phil. 3:6-7; 1 Tim. 6:18-19

AMFBeM TM

Influential leaders lead well. How can we become leaders who influence others well? Simply put, being of help to them, encourage them, mentor and motivate them to succeed. When we instruct others we actually are pouring into them what we have to give.

Husbands and wives are the leaders in their home, parents are leaders to their children, employers are leaders to their employees. Do you realize that even when children are at play there is a leader among them that can influence the other kids to follow along with them?

In every association we spend quality time with a leader is there. Depending on the character and integrity that the leader has can motivate the followers to do that which should not be done. We see this a lot in the inner cities all over America.

 Leadership begins in the home and those leaders must be filled with JESUS and HIS Holy Spirit, leaders should pray with their family, be an example setter rather than constantly speaking about what should be done, be honest about all things these daily qualities will mold the family to become one that has integrity. So, when we exercise being influential leaders at home and go out to where our assignments are the school or workplace there will be those who will be influenced by our character through our conduct and integrity.

People that are influenced by us will bring about friendships. You know that saying “birds of a feather flock together” well, what the Bible informs us is “iron sharpens iron”.

Philippians 2:3-4 Everyone who does not know how to live in and walk in love shows a spirit of rivalry and vanity towards others. It should not be so with us the children of the Living GOD.

If you the reader are in the body of CHRIST and your character and integrity operate in being conceited, envious, or provoking another into anything negative. You are encouraged to ask the FATHER for HIS help in cleaning that out of you so that you can live in the Spirit of the living GOD and not the soul of self. Envy is bitter which causes us to only care about ourselves. We need to learn through CHRIST JESUS how to truly be humble in thinking that others are better than yourself. Not to the point of causing ourselves to invite that demonic spirit of low self-esteem but when someone admonishes us and we say thank you inform them that they too can do the very same thing. Be willing to share the knowledge that we have. Believe me when I write this that no person is an island to him/herself. There are others who can do what we do and possibly better. We get further ahead when we are willing to help others in the area they need help in. For example, I just shared with my friend how I have noticed throughout the carer of Mr. Eddie Murphy once he truly arrived in his craft that he is one who is willing to be a helper. Whenever he is working on a project he reaches out to those that he admired before he began to be a success and he helps those that will like to reach their goal as Mr. Murphy has. In some of his movies, you may find entertainers that have not worked in a generation or two. I believe that if he does this in the open I am positive that while we do not see or hear from him in a while that he is helping others.

 It does not take great financial gain to help anyone all it takes is our willingness to share what we have. No one is the only author, entertainer, chef, clergy, doctor, IT specialist, nurse, sports figure, teacher, and the list goes on. So lookout for the interest of others as well as your own but not just your own.

Gal. 5:26; James 3:14

AMFBeM TM

It takes time to become a leader of strength. A leader in our schools, home, and workplace.  Those of us who have been placed into leadership responsibilities were done so based on knowledge and maybe as well skills. All leaders must face difficult challenges, it is apart of the responsibility we have taken on. Such as unpleasant conversations, decisions, rebuking and taking the responsibility for failures. That task must not be our normal but something that we must do when need be. Our norm should be to offer praise to our team (family, school-mates, and co-workers) often, this will be their encouragement.

When we choose a hero who has exhibited great leadership it should be one who has balanced his or her strength with grace and mercy. Our leadership skills must be that of mentor not dictator and this is done in the form of first shaping our own character and our own integrity in supporting others when needed. Be a help to others in our team, help those within our team to rise to the top and not settle or do just enough. For those of us who are children of the KING magnify the CHRIST within through how we live our lives and how we show others what compassion is through grace and mercy.

Learn to be a leader that knows how to show his or her assertion of influence rather than cause people to be repelled by us. After all, it was GOD that has placed us in authoritative leadership roles and we must do all to bring glory to HIM rather than ourselves.

Understand that it is okay to agree to disagree, however, the decision that we think best must be the decision that we are willing to own up to. Communicate clearly as to why we disagree, however, should we step out on faith to do what we consider to be the best way of doing anything or instructing our team to carry out our decision. Do not place the blame on anyone else except ourselves. Keep in mind that it was GOD who has placed us in the authoritative leadership role, not the authoritative dictatorship role.

Always, be approachable, compassionate, friendly, and kind. Keep the doors of communication open and be clear about what it is that we want to relate to others in what we show to others by the example of our actions because that is our character, our body language as well as verbally. I find myself reminding others that people learn from what they see more than what they hear. So, if what they hear does not line up with what they see we have failed. Leaders who know how to lead well will have teams that will follow well. Teams look up to leaders who know how to not only carry themselves with integrity but will influence their team members to become one of integrity as well. When a team member fails the leader fails and when this happens, be sure to carefully research as to why you as the leader failed which caused the team member to fail. After carefully doing our research begin a dialogue with that team member or team members listen to why our team failed. If it truly is not the leaders’ fault be sure to speak with the team member or team regarding the decision to go against what was communicated. If a correction is required do so gracefully and mercifully. Our role as a leader is to continually build a home of trust within our team.

And finally, always magnify the LORD JESUS in the home, with school-mates if possible before class or during the lunch break, with co-workers before the beginning of our shift, during those fifteen-minute breaks or during the lunch break offer praise, worship, and prayer.

Acts 15:37-38 I really like this scripture because any scripture that will encourage us even when we fail should drive us towards becoming a person of grace and mercy.

• Regarding Barnabas: Luke spoke of him as being a good man. He was known to be one of the prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch. As a leader, he led with dignity and strength. He was a man known to be full and led by the Holy Spirit. Barnabas is written about in three books Acts, 1 Cor., and Gal. It was Barnabas that went in search of Saul at Tarsus being led by the Holy Spirit knowing that Saul had become converted. He befriended Paul after witnessing his conversion through CHRIST JESUS which also provided Saul with a new name and took him to the apostles. Paul remained and worked with Barnabas for one year. This is due to the fact that this was the beginning of Paul being in disagreement with Barnabas and Peter regarding gentiles. Barnabas and Peter shrank back from the gentiles pretending that they wanted nothing to do with them in the hopes that those who worked closely with James would not find out that they enjoyed the company of the gentiles. Paul made it very clear that we are to live in the freedom of the finished works of CHRIST and not expect anyone to live in bondage when we ourselves find it difficult to perfect according to the laws of Moses. No one is to deny anyone from knowing CHRIST and HIS finished works. And no one is to deny the friendships that they have with non-believers. The final disagreement recorded between Barnabas and Paul was when Mark, it is not written as to why and we should not speculate. When Mark returned, Barnabas did not want Mark to accompany himself and Paul on their missionary journey. This caused the breakup of a team that GOD had put together but because there was still a wee bit of Saul left within Paul, he did not exercise compassion, grace or mercy in this situation. We will not understand all that GOD is doing in the lives of others, we really do not understand all that HE is doing in our lives. But take this as needed information, do not allow a  misunderstanding to break up what GOD has instructed us to do as a team. We will accomplish greater as the team GOD puts together all though without being apart of the team GOD will still anoint and bless us to do well.  
• John Mark is the nephew of Barnabas. We know him better as simply Mark. Mark is the one that wrote the book of Mark and is an evangelist. Mark is the one that Paul had a problem with having him accompany Barnabas and himself on another missionary journey. This evangelist was actually the minister to Barnabas and Paul. However, it is made evidently clear that Mark the apostle and Paul the apostle reconciled and we see him with Paul when Paul was first imprisoned. We can find Mark with Peter and Timothy as well. Mark held one of the chief seats of Jewish learning.

Psalms 78:72 In this scripture, again we are encouraged because we see David who was chosen by GOD to come out from the sheepfolds to be a Shepherd/a Servant to HIS/JESUS people Jacob and Israel HIS/JESUS inheritance. David did so being led by the integrity of his own heart [entire and unimpaired state of the mind, moral soundness, pure, incorrupt, upright, honest]. David operated himself through unselfish devotion through his leadership and used the skills of his hands to be of help.

Unlike JESUS unless we are led by the Holy Spirit to do so, it would be better if we would not begin with Moses to show others the CHRIST. JESUS, when HE spoke to Cleopas, expounded fully in that manner by opening up the scriptures but when JESUS dined with Cleopas and others, they did not see JESUS until after they dipped their bread and in the twinkle of the eye JESUS disappeared. There was no argument of debate and in like manner, we too must not argue our position, instead try to reason and if what we share with others is disagreeable it is perfectly okay to leave a situation as it was in the original.

Acts 8:34-35 In the book of Isaiah, the CHRIST can be seen very clearly among HIS children but difficult to find as with all the other books with the exception of the gospels by those who still have scales on their eyes. As Philip did we should be able to reveal the CHRIST to anyone who asks the questions that come from the scriptures? Better yet, when people see us and hear us speak, in other words just being ourselves, does our life prompt people to wonder why we are not like so many others? Does our life attract people to want to know why or what makes us so very different? When at work, not that you broadcast to those around us, but are they aware that you have chosen to listen to the Word of GOD softly playing on a radio in your office, at your desk or station or when you are on a break? At home do we set aside some quiet time to study the scriptures? If so, then we should be able to share with those who question us about the Bible, or about GOD/JESUS by showing what the Glad Tidings, the Good News, the Finished Works about CHRIST JESUS tell us. If anyone disagrees, it is okay for them to not accept what we have clearly shared with them. We should never be disagreeable or pushy because those that we share JESUS with have not repented (changed their mindset) and received the free gift of salvation for them. Do not feel bad as though you could have done more, you did your best, you hopefully answered their questions, now it is up to JESUS to continue with having that person question himself within, possibly place another individual in his/her path. Know that seeds have been planted and GOD will get the increase.  

 Acts 12:12, 25, 13:13, 17:2, 18:28; Col. 4:10; 2 Tim. 4:11; Philem. 24; 1 Ki. 9:4; Lk. 24:27

AMFBeM TM

No one is as compassionate as CHRIST JESUS and it will take our life to grow into being one who is compassionate rather than one who exhibits compassion from time to time. A compassionate leader does not pick and choose who to be compassionate with nor does a compassionate leader only show compassion when they are having a good day. A compassionate leader must meet the needs of his or her people. When we show others our compassion for them they are more apt to follow us. We must learn or recall that genuine compassion towards others is a motivator in others.

I am hard-wired from birth to lead rather than to follow. Yet, there were and still are many things that I must learn to continue to be an effective leader not only in life but in my life in the gospel of CHRIST JESUS. I still have that irritating feeling within when my perception of others seems to wonder how is it that they are not equipped to know basic things in life or have a basic education as old as they are. I still feel that sense of irritation when I do not see people using basic common sense. But I am always reminded by the words of my godmother who is now asleep in the LORD that we are not to assume that those we are coming in contact with have learned those things that we believe to be basic knowledge. Have compassion and just be a gentle helper to those in need. I used to hate hearing those words from her, however, it finally got a hold of me and though inwardly I still feel that rumbling of irritation based on my worldly perception I override that with compassion.

Mark 6:34;When I look out or on the people in my travels I now not only see their humanness/humanity but am reminded that I too am human and in this I exercise by choice to be and to show kindheartedness/kindliness/kindness, mercy, pity, soft-heartedness, and warm-heartedness just to name a few. I want to build a rapport with people, I want to be sensitive and understanding toward them, after all, I am not a genius and I still make mistakes. As a leader in life and as a leader in the gospel of CHRIST JESUS I cannot afford to be lack in any of these qualities and I must possess the will to grow in them.

As a CHRISTian filled with CHRIST JESUS and knowing that everyone that I meet is not one who knows/believes that they are forgiven and loved by the FATHER through CHRIST JESUS, it is understood that they are sheep without a shepherd.

Those who are in leadership roles must pray not only for themselves but for other leaders that they lead and command with compassion as a shepherd does with his or her sheep. Sheep/people who do not have a compassionate leader are scattered here and there.

The LORD GOD has a plan for HIS own people and that is that HE alone is able and willing to save HIS people. HE has sent to us HIS Holy Spirit who is our teacher of all things good and holy which will give us direction in the way that we are to go. Be the type of leader that people want to follow, be approachable, compassionate, communicate openly, lovingly, and mercifully. See their needs and tend to them. After all, we all have special needs.

Mt. 9:36, 14:14; Heb. 5:2; Num. 27:17, 1 Ki. 22:17; Zech. 10:2; Is. 48:17, 61:1-3; Lk. 9:11

AMFBeM TM

Those who are in leadership roles or desire to be so must also have the following qualities that are to be exhibited.

• You must be Approachable
• You must be Authentic
• You must possess Clarity of Communication
• You must be able to Influence Positively

These are the characteristics that also resided in CHRIST JESUS. No matter how many self-help books are read or seminars that are intended, it will be impossible to have all of these qualifications without JESUS living within you and you living within HIM. Sure we may be able to operate in one or more of these qualifications but to live out all is impossible without JESUS.

Most often leaders will not have a team that they 100% will like due to character conflicts. However, as a leader, we are to like those that we are leading and in JESUS we are to go above liking to loving those that we have a personality conflict with or vice versa. As leaders, it is a requirement that we are able to influence those that we have authority over to follow us. When we do not like a member of our team it shows in our body language and in the mannerism in which we speak to that individual. When this happens with a CHRISTian our prayer is not to have GOD change that person but our prayer must be that GOD will change us to reflect HIS character within us more and more. I personally know that this prayer will be answered because it happened to me when I was once employed in Corporate America. It has always been my character trait to befriend the ones that most will consider unfriendly. Though at the beginning with one individual I tried to find many things about the person to focus on and instead magnified what I considered to be a phony personality. Professionally, I spoke politely with her because we had to work together and I also, would greet her as I did with everyone else that I would pass by on my journeys from one location of various offices to another. Then the day finally came when the LORD GOD spoke to me and I listened, I did all HE asked of me and the result was overwhelming from her. Though I have been retired for twenty years now I still acknowledge her birthdays and other important days that come up in her life that I am aware of. I began to be one that she found approachable, we began to see within each other our authenticity, I communicated with her clearly about how I once perceived her and asked that she forgive me and she did and finally with her I was able to be an influence within her life.

Luke 5:27 Leaders must lead which means people should want to follow willingly.

Mt. 9:9-13; Mk. 2:14-17; 8:34; Lk. 9:59-62; Jn. 12:26, 21:19, 22

AMFBeM TM