Category Archives: Patience

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Protect the Lead

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This is a sports analogy generally reserved for football but it also can be applied in Business. Generally, it is thought to be more defensive when your team is winning. Even on offense we want our teams to be conservative with their strategies and approach to the game when they are winning. I have a different philosophy on how to protect the lead. When your business is up, pour it on. Be relentless with all you do. Use your defense to blitz the quarterback. The opposing quarterback in business is represented by your biggest problem. Do not take a break from attacking and subduing whatever is attacking your business. If it is bills or production numbers, do not work with a slack hand when you are ahead.

protect the lead photo

Your offense should be even more impressive. You already know how to dominate and gain points. When your sales are up and you are covered in work figure out how to make more calls and appointments. Becoming a scoring machine and keep going for the big clients and bigger deals. Stay with your game plan, every yard is important. Look for the small deals also because they keep the sales quota going. If you need another reason add more effort just think of the third stringers that want to play. In business these are the new hires, people you may not know exist. When you get really far ahead you can rest a little and let the new hires help out some.
The Bible says in Genesis 1; 28 “And God blessed them, and God said unto them be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. This verse relates to protecting the lead because fruitful and multiply means making more of what God has given to you.

Finally, to protect the lead you have to remain patient and play smart. One fundamental way to protect the lead is to finish strong. Do not get sloppy because you have some success. You are only as good as your last play. Stay focused and make good decisions as if you are just starting the game.

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What do you do when your stuff is not working and you cannot hear God?

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We all go through this awkward but necessary step in life. Normally, the sentiment of “my stuff is not working” is a recurring theme. This theme is a trick to get you discouraged enough that confusion creeps into your decisions. Personally, I have been here with a variety of life decisions i.e.… (Marriage relations,) business ventures, dieting options etc.) Study these steps and give your life a jump start.

1. Pray

… The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. James 5:16

There are more instructions in the prayer closet than the Library of Congress. When prayer is involved you can rest easy. Be patient in your prayer time. The patience allows the thoughts of the world to fade away. Then Prayer allows the thoughts of your conscious and sub conscious to be subdued. Now with these cares removed you can better assess why your stuff is not working.
2. Follow the last thing God told you.
God speaks to all of us differently but you can guarantee that He speaks to everyone. We are all His children. It is easier for those who write things down to go back and see what was said. When God speaks rest assured that you remember. You may not want to go back that far or possibly do not want to complete the assignment but after prayer you will remember what He said to you.
3. Stop running away from your problems
If you are running, you are not building. Slow down and focus on building a better you. Build new(ideas, stuff) if new construction is necessary. Sometimes we are trying to make a mansion out of rubble. Either way you cannot build a mansion on the run. It is especially hard to establish a kingdom without addressing your problem areas. The problem may be that you choose the wrong system for the current environment. If you are being sweet when the “Warrior” is necessary… change systems to fit the times. Start running towards your vision.

“God is quiet because He is not in control of the ship” Janetta Spencer

4. Change under the New Captains orders

When you get your bearings and {understand what stuff works} it is time to change under the new Captain’s orders. We want to say “God is the captain of my soul”. If God is the captain of your soul then change your thinking to align with His words. If you relinquish the control and can be led by the Spirit all the decisions are easy.

You have to learn how to make the right decisions to avoid getting to the place where you say, “What do you do when your stuff is not working and you cannot hear God.”

6. Be Patient now and in the future


There is a time period to truly understand what God said. Some messages will come to you instantly and most messages are seeds that take time to grow. Rather the seed is waiting for us to grow.

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.James 5:7 

Some blessings seem take time even after the evidence appears just like the corn stalk is green and pretty for a long time before the vegetable appears. If there is no tangible sprouts or fruit after several sowing seasons go back to step one and fervently pray. No time is wasted following God because even if you made a misstep He will reward you.
If your stuff is not working the issue is either lack of patience or lack of proper hearing and both can be solved in your prayer room. After you pray then go out and perform. God is faithful and the world is waiting to see if you believe in the seeds you have sown with your mouth and your actions. When you follow God, Pray, Act and exhibit patience then “Your stuff will work and you will continue to hear God”

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God is not afraid so why are you?

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In the life of a leader the prize is on the other side work. And the work is normally in an arena that is higher and more involved than our current experience. Leaders have to consider the prize then overcome the obstacle. There are many things that are given to us because of favor from God and everything else we have to give an honest effort. In my experience favor comes along when I am immersed in work.

What is the number one fear of a leader? Consider not reaching your goal. Now consider not trying to reach your goal. Which is worst? We have an enormously high capacity to achieve greatness on this earth. Look at your next challenge and plan it as if it is your first. We all like to say, “if I could go back again with my current knowledge, I would be awesome!” Guess what? You cannot go back but you can forge forward into new endeavors or finish old visions without fear. There is no fear if we love and trust God.
If someone is in the same position as you and is not afraid why are you? Determine within yourself that you can achieve your goal and nothing is too hard for God.
If two leaders wish to accomplish the same goal but only one can win then the other has to keep going and trying to win without fear.

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind
2 Timothy 7
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

1 John 4:18
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 15:1

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Meekness: A Powerful Leadership tool

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Leaders are always looking for an edge that will increase participation and cooperation.  When we think of leadership in our modern time people want to be lead and not forced.

Dictionary.com defines Meekness as: humbly patient or docile, as under provocation from others. The Bible has another way of looking at this term.One Hebrew translation is: Royal,

Modesty even Divine. One New Testament translation is Mildness.Mild mannered leaders get more done because when force is needed it is respected as genuine. The following scripture adds leadership capacity

 

 

 2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.

3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

Titus 3:2-3

 

The leadership quality of meekness sees the faults of others and does not speak evil. Speaking evil only proves to cause strife. Some leadership styles want to harshly confront every issue to establish authority. If you reflect on your past mistakes then you can lead more effectively.

A leader seeks to guide their troops to a peaceful productive end. Good leaders instruct others away from the making the same mistakes without being hateful. A bleeding man cannot fight as effectively. Do not cut your own people. How will you use Meekness as a Powerful Leadership tool?

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How to Keep your Soul Intact

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Luke 21:18-20
King James Version (KJV)
18 But there shall not a hair of your head perish.
19 In your patience possess ye your souls.
How to keep your soul intact. What can you do keep all of your thoughts and actions in control. You have to practice patience. This promotes a more even approach to life… When you have a desire that is far from your reach began to allow patience to have her perfect work.

There is an alternative which is that someone else possesses your soul. Whether it is Satan or just the other lust and cares of this world that keep you scattered. Worry can possess your soul. If your worry about a lot of things there is no place for God to come and direct your heart
Luke 21:19 (LEB) | In Context | Whole Chapter
19 By your patient endurance you will gain your lives.
If your soul is your life and the way to possess and make it your own is to have patience we all better work harder on this path to patience. Patience is making a series of right actions when all is going wrong. It is also making God decisions when things are happening slowly. The anointing from God is a precious commodity that needs protection. So how do you and I keep the anointing out of harm’s way? For this particular lesson we have to have patience when trouble is around. Keep negative comments out of your mouth. Say the things that God says about you.

With natural world possession comes responsibility and with an eternal possession as important as a soul more responsibility should be expected. Slowly we slip into darkness but the light is available for those of us that choose it. This light guides us to a peaceful place when we value it as our most prized possession.

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Your value is so great, I cannot see your flaws.

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The Queen's Garde

Do you have friends or family that have such great value to you that their flaws are inconsequential to you?  Can you imagine a life where you do not see the flaws in others? If the mindset of not seeing others flaws is to work, you have to continue to rid yourself of internal flaws. Remove and reduce the shortcomings in your life and the downfalls of others will be a blur. This work of ignoring flaws in others will cause you to leave their problems to them and God. You then can focus on becoming a greater you.

If we act like God and cover the nakedness of our friends and family there is no time for petty arguments. The Bible has a major prescription for the abolishment of flaws it is called LOVE. There are many types of Love, but the Love that covers sin is one that is gained by tapping into the heart of God through prayer.

8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.

9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I thoroughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil. Ezekiel 16:8-9

God values us so much that He not only covers us, but He enters into a covenant with us. And this covenant washes away all sins that we create here on earth.

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins

Generate love between you and the Father and demonstrate Love between you and those close to you. Demonstrate your Love/Charity without a grudge or complaining in order to receive the reward. Charity in the following verses can be interpreted as Love (Agape LOVE).

7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 1 Peter 4:7-9

Most of our friends and family members have flaws that are evident because we are close to them. But why stir up strife when you can stir up Love. See those close to you as God sees them, washed, clean and whole.

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He is risen: What is in it for me?

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Diana Spencer 4-20-14

Romans 8:34
Who is he that condemned? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also market intercession for us

On this Eater Sunday, there are a lot of great thoughts that flood my mind. How Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins. And he gave us a way to be forgiven for our sins. One particular benefit that applies to life on earth is the ability to receive healing. Modern medicine says that the body heals itself. Believers say thanks to modern medicine God has perfected the ability of the body to become whole. Since Jesus is Risen what do we get while we are here on earth. Malachi express our healing benefit emphatically.

For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 4:1-3

Fear, respect and reverence for God causes the Son of Righteous to arise with healing in His wings. This is your benefit for Him being Risen. So selfishly, I say thank you God for creating a savior named Jesus who is risen with healing for me and you on this earth.
Even more, with your healing comes triumphant victory over your enemies. These enemies are not so much people but habits and spirits that take you away from the will of the Father. Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father making intercession for your every problem especially your healing is great news. Healing is in the Risen Jesus for those who Believe.

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What if the Struggle is the Blessing?

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What if the struggle is the gift? What if God gave you the struggle as a gift to you?
Entreprenuer

What if our greatest struggles are our greatest acheivements? We are looking for struggle free days. Moments of life where we have no worries are rare. I thought when I got saved I wouldn’t have to worry anymore. Maybe when I got married then I would have no stress. For sure when I have some children I will live a life free from struggle and strain. All of these wonderful milestones have enriched my life immensely but I am still in the struggle. Struggling is what got you where you are at now, the harder you try to succeed, the more God sees your struggle, which is you to make you better.

Courtesy of www.biblegateway.com
James 1:12 NIV
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
God immediately counts the person who perseveres under trail as blessed. He extends His grace further by bestowing the Crown of Life upon the person.

What a wonderful gift for staying in the struggle. Here is a quote from Twitter “@RealTalkWarrior: God has resolution for your pain, a reason for your struggle and a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t give up!”
How would you like to be strengthened with all might? This would boost your ego, I know I have often prayed for strength during an intense struggle. Sometimes the answer to the prayer is have “The Patience to Dominate”. The Bible says to have longsuffering with joyfulness. Once again the theme that the Struggle is the Blessing. On the other side of through is a blessing. is an old church song.

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Colossians 1:11 (KJV)

As soon as we began to think that we are the only ones that are going through this struggle called life God reminds us that there were many predecessor in the Struggle. In the book of James we are pointed towards the prophets. They had many afflictions in the Struggle. Patience toward the promise is part of the blessing. The peace of mind of knowing that you shall prevail is worth the Struggle. Once again the world altering mindset that Believers and God count you as a “Happy Person” if you endure. By mentioning Job I believe the Lord clarifies that no matter how hard the Struggle the faith of the believer in the Struggle causes God to have tender mercy and bestow an everlasting blessing.

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.James 5:10-12(KJV)

Normally, I write a post to complete a thought but this idea that the Struggle is the blessing has me a little perplexed. Intellectually I get the theory but my human emotions need a bit more research. What beliefs and feelings do you have on “The Struggle is the Blessing”?

 

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Vision: A peaceful destination

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We have clear picture of what Nelson Mandela believed was his duty but what do the rest of us consider our duty to our people and our country.

When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace

Nelson Mandela

As a business owner I believe my duty is to provide quality products to customers and to cultivate a positive work space for all of the people who help provide these products and services. But even deeper I feel a responsibility to show a positive example to the greater community of what real role models and visionaries look like. This idea feels more like a calling than a desire.

As a leader for your family and in your community you have to define your goals and decide what is a satisfactory finish line.  When you are deciding goals and what drives you don’t take it lightly. Be serious and take some time. Be sure about your calling.

 

 

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall 2 Peter 1:10

 

One word that stands out in the original quote from Mandela is “considers” because it implies volumes of thought. To consider takes some time and patience. Patience that will guide you to a clear future. To “rest in peace” as a result of patience towards your duty is reward along the way. Think about your duty or calling and put it into visible words. Place your goals and duties before your eyes. Now you have a road map and a finish line.

There are a lot of instructions in 2 Peter, Chapter 1 but “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” highlights the seriousness of consideration in regards to your duty or calling. Be sure of yourself in this life and you will rest in peace and never fall.

 

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I’m Black First

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I am Black First
That’s what you see
That’s how you judge

What do you see in my dirty jeans? What about these nails? Does the dirt turn you off or do you see the strength of mother earth going with me everywhere?

Describe the ideal husband… What is the shade caramel or chocolate?
I am smart. I am funny. I speak four languages, and can say hello in 13.
“Hola!”
I know business. I play wind instruments. The harmonica is jazzy.
Walking across the street to make a deposit at the bank. What do you see at the intersection? Why do I smell fear on you and see you clutch your purse? I’m so happy.

God has met a need. He gave my pockets a “pot-belly”. Can we make them slightly overweight like most Americans?

If I shed a few pounds would you forget my mahogany and wish it ivory?

Beauty shares no stage. Look outside and feel inside it is okay.
I’ll be PRESIDENTIAL or maybe MVPish. I’m Still Black First.

If you are so scared or I’m so equal, let’s view equal. Have you been to a factory? What do you see?  SEE no evil – Speak no evil.

What about Football?
Run boy Run          We the Best            But don’t stop running
Still be proud when WE win

I am Black First. Mix it with anything and I am still Black First.