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
Everything is changing very quickly in this world. Unfortunately, I don’t have a high level of anticipation, like I did when I was younger, for the new year. What I can say is that times and seasons are shifting beneath our feet whether we want it to or not, but we should maintain a high level of expectation in our Lord for He does not change. He is unmovable and unshakeable.
The current fires in Los Angeles have brought extreme devastation to California. This situation will not only affect California but will affect the economy and nationwide home insurance policies. Whether the fires were caused by a natural disaster or started by arsonists, the God of the father of Abraham, Issac and Jacob is calling His attention to the sins of this nation. How will we choose to respond or react to this catastrophe? Will we throw our fists in the air and grow angry, callus or rebellious toward God? Or will we fall on our knees in reverence and honor to the King of Kings and intercede and repent on behalf of this country?
Hollywood is well known for its idolatry. The exposure and fallen out of explicit sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, pornography, parade of homosexuality, sexual addiction and sexual abuse in the entertainment industry is a prime example of a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah. The spotlight is shining on Hollywood as they face tremendous loss and an overwhelming recovery effort in this heartbreaking tragedy.
I noticed while looking at the map of California that the fires were in a circle which I was referring to as the “Ring of fire.” These fires are a warning. The alarm has sounded. Will the fires be a pre-cursor to a devastating earthquake? Let us pray against an earthquake hitting the state of California or additional tectonic plates around the world.
In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was warned to leave the city before destruction and to not look back upon the city for else he and his wife would turn into a pillar of salt. In Genesis 19, Lot was warned that the land would be destroyed due to the sins of the people.
13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. 23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;
Gen 19:13-14, and 23-24
13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. Gen 19:13-14
23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.
24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; Gen 19:23-24
28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. Gen 19: 28-29
History has a way of repeating itself especially when the lessons are not learned from the past. The vanity, greed and arrogance of man is embedded deeply in our culture. Celebrities are worshipped like gods. The music industry displays the demonic agenda boldly and proudly flaunts their wickedness on stage and within their lyrics as fans flock to their concerts to support them at any cost. Athletes are icons where fans rather attend sporting events than go to church. The movie industry plant seeds of witchcraft and evil to celebrate chaos, destruction and devastation as well as murder, crime, and torture. A woman’s anatomy has become a playground for lust and perversion. Children are no longer safe among adults. In reality, you have to keep a close eye on everything and everyone around you. Unfortunately, many innocent people suffer at the hands of evil men. We are in a spiritual war and it’s a real fight.
“For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt 5:45
Most don’t do anything until it affects them personally, but will we continue to be complacent with a blind eye or draw closer to the Lord? May the light of God shine amid darkness and awaken the blind.
The Lord says to the people, “Awake and come out of deep sleep and perverse darkness!”
“4 And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. Ezk 30:4
7 And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.
8 And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed.
9 In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh. Ezk 30:7-9
13 Thus saith the Lord God; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt. Ezk 30:13
15 And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. Ezk 30:15
18 At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.
19 Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord. Ezk 30:18-19
Prayer for the Nation
Lord Father, we cast down our idols in honor to worship the one and only true God, “The Father God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.” Forgive us for our selfish nature and disobedience. We repent and we turn away from sin. Wash our hands clean of all unrighteousness, cleanse our heart and renew our minds. Establish our steps to walk Holy as representatives of Christ. We pray for strength, courage and wisdom as we navigate through the terrains of life. May you uphold us with your righteous right hand and do not let us slip. We rest under the shelter of your wings.
May you provide strength, comfort and safety to all those affected by the current tragedies upon this new year and grant peace for those who have lost loved ones in the fatal attacks or L.A. fires. May you increase the strength and safety of the first responders and fire fighters and all those assisting in the care and outreach of those who have lost their homes. May you bring restoration and salvation to the loss. May the outpouring of the Holy Spirit be evident in the lives of your people and may the wind of the Holy Spirit be upon us.
“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”.
Writing with Purpose 