For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Romans 12:3-8
Great leadership starts with integrity and honesty. They should be trustworthy and strong decision makers. They should not be intimidated by the opinions of others and have the ability to stand alone confidently. They should know how to delegate and negotiate.
They should have empathy for others and lead with compassion. They should be sensitive to their environment and evaluate issues that arise. Leaders should have wisdom on how to handle and resolve conflicts. Having a great sense of humor is an asset. They should be aware of changes and not be afraid to pivot or change direction, if needed. They are accountable for their actions.
They should listen and observe and never make assumptions.They should lead with resilience, perseverance and determination. They should face fear with courage and not be afraid to take risks. They should not micro-manage their team or staff but encourage and support their associates and develop their strengths.
These are just a few characteristics of strong leadership.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Phil 2:3-4
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6
What does it mean to be in the Christmas spirit? I often think of a child-like wonder and awe of the anticipation and curiosity of unwrapping Christmas gifts. It’s the warm feeling of giving to others and the special moments of sharing love, laughter and joy.
Although we do not know the exact date that Jesus was born, some Christians do not desire to celebrate Christmas anymore. It’s considered a pagan holiday with the rise of commercialism and consumerism with the representation of Christmas trees, snowman, reindeers and Santa Claus instead of honoring the true meaning of the birth of Jesus.
The pagan Santa Claus is even being sexualized as a sex symbol as they re-invent the image of Santa and transform him into the Hot New Target Santa.
Christ is also being taken out of the word “Christmas” or being replaced by Happy Holidays. Unfortunately, there is controversy around the whole celebration of Christmas.
As the world grows darker, I feel it’s important to keep this tradition alive even though we do not know the real date that Jesus was born. If you notice, Halloween extends from late August to October. The new acclaimed featured movie “Wicked” opened during the Thanksgiving holiday season which has introduced witchcraft and sorcery into the masses as they flock to the theatres. It grossed $114 million nationally and fifty million internationally totaling $164 million in revenue.
This attraction will also extend into the Christmas season as little girls dream of the “Wicked” dolls under the Christmas tree. This movie will continue to gross more dollars in revenue as people head to the movies during the holiday season.
Not to mention, Taylor Swift seems to have collaborated in her efforts to dress as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz and highlight the yellow brick road and Emerald City which will only produce more hype around the movie.
There is an agenda to captivate the minds of the innocent youth and introduce them to witchcraft and sorcery just like Harry Potter, Charm, and the Lord of the Rings, just to name a few.
There seems to be another spirit being introduced to the Christmas season and it’s not the Holy Spirit. Slow and gradual change is happening right before our eyes, yet many are so blinded that they don’t realize it.
When you celebrate wickedness, portals are opened to the demonic realm. Nothing good comes out of evil. Evil is evil. Light cannot stand where evil dwells. Many people may believe that watching a movie is harmless, but minds and hearts are heavily influenced by what we consume on a regular basis. As a Christian, we must protect our eye, ear, and mouth gates. Our lifestyle must match what we confess to be as a Christian. We cannot have one foot in the world and the other quoting scriptures on social media. Our heart, mind and actions should align with God.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”. Psalm 119:105
Unfortunately, this is not a typical Christmas message, but we are not living in a typical world. The world is changing quickly, and we must be aware of the changes that have taken place. As we enter this holiday season, let us hold onto the traditions of Christmas. We do not have to participate in overspending or exhaustion but enjoy the simplicity, love, and beauty that Christmas brings.
May the peace of God be with you this Christmas season!
In the Bible, light is a symbol of goodness, holiness, knowledge, wisdom, grace, hope, and God’s revelation. God is the source of all light and life, and created light to dispel the darkness and chaos on earth. excerpt here
Related Bible Verses
Matt 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). NIV “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”)
Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests'”
Psalm 98:4-6
Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, With the harp and the sound of a psalm, 6 With trumpets and the sound of a horn; Shout joyfully before the Lord, the King.
John 8:12
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life”.
1 John 1:5
“This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”.
We’re living in some pivotal and turbulent times and it’s going to require a higher level of faith to get through the challenges coming upon the earth.
Faith requires extreme patience. Just because prayers are not answered on your time schedule does not mean God’s word will not come to pass.
We must continue to build our faith on a firm foundation that does not shake in times of turmoil and tribulations. Changes are happening swiftly and unexpectedly, so adaptability, wisdom, resilience, and self-control are in high demand, especially on how you handle situations and current circumstances.
You need to know when to move swiftly or slow down. Faith requires you to move in tune and in alignment with the Holy Spirit. Taking time to be still in the secret place with the Lord as well as reading the Word of God will equip you to build and maintain a strong relationship with the Lord.
Most people live in a tangible world, so they panic when they do not have the latest gadgets or when they don’t have enough or lack the physical or material things that are needed for survival. However, God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. Phil 4:19
Living in the supernatural requires a different perspective and belief. In Hebrews 11, there are countless events that took place that required faith.
The basic principle of faith requires us to stand in the unknown and to move forward even if you do not know or understand the outcome.
“Faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.”
Heb 11:1
The world was created by the Word of God so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Heb 11:3
“The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Gen 1:2 It was through the breath of God that He made something out of nothing.
“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, “This is the way; walk ye in it.” when ye turn to the right hand and when ye turn to the left. Isaiah 30:21
Faith Requires Action
Faith is based on relationship, not on religious practices or legalism. “By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death and was not found because God had taken him for before he was taken, he had this testimony that he pleased God.”Heb 11:5
“But 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 diligently seek Him.” Heb 11:6
We simply cannot claim we have faith and sit back and wait for God to give us what we need or want. God does not move in vain prayers. Our true motives and intentions are revealed through our heart.
Although there will be distractions and obstacles thrown in our path, we must actively move forward despite feelings of fear, weariness, or doubt. We must be obedient to move according to the specific instructions that the Lord has given us.
There are endless events that took place which provided the evidence of God manifested.
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”Heb 11:7
Sometimes, the Lord will tell you to do something that you do not understand but you should not question but move in obedience even though you may not understand. It will all unfold in God’s divine timing.
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he would receive an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. Heb 11:9
Faith is a terrifying process. It is not easy. It is like walking on a tight rope blind-folded on a high-rise building. Despite how many times the Lord reveals himself as faithful, there are times when you will still question if He will come through in a time of need. You must reflect on the times that He carried you through difficult situations and your faith will be strengthened through every trial.
Faith Triumphs in Trouble
I am a witness of the active presence of God moving in my life. Through extreme difficulties and turbulent storms, the Lord provided peace, strength, favor, protection, and provision. The faith journey is not for the weakness of mind or faint of heart. It takes stamina, power, and endurance through the Holy Spirit. It is not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.Zech 4:6 You simply cannot walk by the flesh but only by His Spirit. It’s like building muscles when you work out on a regular basis. It begins to strengthen as you endure the pain.
The Test of Faith
You will be tested severely by the hand of God. Your character, beliefs, values, ethics, integrity, perceptions, attitudes “Your Core” will go through the fire. You cannot escape this life without going through trouble. It all serves for a higher purpose according to His will.
“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”
Romans 5:3-5
“When thou pass through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Isaiah 43:2
It is by faith that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not serve false images and gods, nor worshipped the golden image and was protected in the fiery furnace. It is by faith that Daniel survived the Lion’s Den. Daniel 3 and 6
In these last days, we will be severely tested as well. We must hold onto these examples of men of great faith who endured perilous times. There is strength in unity, and we must learn to unite despite our differences.
“A threefold chord is not easily broken.” Eccl 4:12
Let us move with diligence, faith, and hope with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
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This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. 3 Many peoples will come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.
Writing with Purpose 