Sunday, March 22, 2015

The Crossing Guard

Leadership is needed in every aspect of life. For example: A Crossing Guard has to stand in the middle of the street with a big sign that says “Stop” so children walking to and from school can safely cross without injury. This type of leadership is vital in any community or busy street where people are usually in a hurry to get where they’re going. The men and women that hold this position are also helping the children develop the skills needed to cross dangerous intersections on their own, and they remind drivers of the presence of pedestrians. Their presence also keep child predators at bay, and bullies from acting out.

I don’t know about you, but I am grateful for this form of leadership in my community and every busy street in the United States.

All positions of leadership has its challenges, and it is through those challenges that layers are pulled back, and the character of an individual is exposed to see if they are qualified to do the job they were assigned to do.

One of my favorite stories about leadership in the bible is when the LORD task Moses to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. I mean this guy was a murderer and herdsman. The LORD knew that Moses had the heart of a leader; he just needed to be taught the principles or Godly/ethical standards to be successful.

The LORD does not choose leaders based off of earthly credentials, wealth, social status or popularity. He goes for the underdog. The one who has proven they don’t need to be liked. The one who doesn't require an audience to do what is right, and fears only him. It is hard to stand against evil, ignorance, prejudice, racism, sexism, and hatred when you’re standing alone. I have been there, and find myself there today, yet GOD has chosen me for every battle, as he has chosen you, and I am not afraid.

God’s leaders are created through many trials, lessons, heartache, and pain to develop the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We are processed this way so we are not defeated by our emotions associated with each situation. It is through the pressing, pulling, and tugging we become truly free to speak, and act on the behalf of GOD without fear.

Galatians 5:22
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

Friends, 
I have had people bear false witness against me, attempt to provoke me, slander me, and falsify records against me, and I have not given in to the flesh. GOD IS GREATER than the devil and his cohorts. He is GREATER in me and you. He allows me to see the enemies’ plans before he executes it against me.

Have you seen the plans against you? Are you being led by the Spirit or by your flesh?

I’m going through it to help you navigate with confidence in GOD to get you to the other side safely. I am shouting “STOP” in the name of JESUS and commanding the enemy and his cohorts to retreat on your behalf. Do not be upset in regards to those that claim the Faith, but lack the truth within that has turned against you. When GOD called you to lead and bring change he knew that some would resist with their heart, yet give the appearance they were with you. Do not focus on that or allow it to slow your progress; progress will expose weakness, so count it as a victory, not a defeat. Amen!

God is calling you out of hiding my fellow leaders, just as GOD called out to Moses from the burning bush.

Exodus 3 NIV
4.When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”

Stress, pressure or fire (explosive situations) can not overtake those that have Jesus living on the inside of them. Instead, it turns to consume those that are evil and wicked in the sight of The LORD; their own sin will be their undoing.. 

Exodus 3 Msg Bible
7-8 God said, “I’ve taken a good, long look at the affliction of my people in Egypt. I’ve heard their cries for deliverance from their slave masters; I know all about their pain. And now I have come down to help them, pry them loose from the grip of Egypt, get them out of that country and bring them to a good land with wide-open spaces, a land lush with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

GOD desires for his children to have his BEST. We are the King’s kids, and our family lives, work lives, and relationships should reflect his promises.

Do you not perceive it?

My Brothers and Sisters, I do not know what your Egypt consist of, but I know that God commands that you be strong and courageous. He doesn't want you to be afraid, or discouraged. Just like the Crossing Guard who assist the little children in the morning and evening as they cross dangerous intersections, so will the LORD be with you, in JESUS NAME.Amen

Exodus 3 Msg Bible
19-22 “I know that the king of Egypt won’t let you go unless forced to, so I’ll intervene and hit Egypt where it hurts—oh, my miracles will send them reeling!—after which they’ll be glad to send you off. I’ll see to it that this people get a hearty send-off by the Egyptians—when you leave, you won’t leave empty-handed! Each woman will ask her neighbor and any guests in her house for objects of silver and gold, for jewelry and extra clothes; you’ll put them on your sons and daughters. Oh, you’ll clean the Egyptians out!”