A LEADER that PRAYS, STAYS!

All of us were created to lead ! Some are chosen to lead a multitude while some are chosen to lead a little cluster such as family, friends, fellowship or staff. But it all begins with leading ones self. And that is the great challenge for anyone. I have realized that if I am not anchored spiritually, then mentally and emotionally I am not rested. I find myself tossed by every wind of calamity or change leading me to confusion or making hasty decisions. Then also, being constantly tossed in this state I am unable to disciple or lead another effectively. I end up never overcoming, growing or multiplying. Jesus Christ being the perfect leader, shows us the THE WAY to live a more joyful life. Having the peace of Elohim (Creator and God): Knowing He is totally in control of us who love Him.

Come ! Lets discover together, HOW TWO LEADERS RESPONDED TO CHANGE.

Lets reflect upon our own lives as we read and meditate on these passages: Matthew 16:13-19 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, "Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?" 14 So they said, "Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets." 15 He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Matthew 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 1st Incident: Matthew 16: 17-19 17 Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give you (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." PETER -the Leading Disciple, responded with conviction that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

JESUS -recognized it was God who had revealed this to Peter. -gave Peter the authority and anointing. 2nd Incident: Matthew 16:21-23 21 From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him (Jesus), saying, "Far be it from You, Lord; this shall not happen to You!" Jesus replied (Matthew 16:23-25) 23 But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men." 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. PETER Hearing this shocking news, he responded differently: he reacted Reflection: 1) What would have been Jesus emotional state when He told His Disciples about His suffering and death? 2) Though Peter was the Leading Disciple, why do you think the news came as a shock to him?

PETER Though he had the revelation of who Jesus was, He did not have the understanding of the plan and purpose of God for Jesus. Therefore though he responded to the first (who Jesus is?) ; to the second statement(the suffering and death of Jesus) he reacted. Instead on relying on the Lord to reveal to him, he allowed his fears to overwhelm him which led him to react. As for JESUS 1. He was emotionally secured. He wasnt confused or shaken by the circumstances. 2. He was very focused and directed in His leadership approach. Matthew 16:21 though he spoke about His death, He ended the state with His resurrection. 3. Able to discern (know the difference): a) THE FATHERS VOICE in Mat 16:16-19 b) THE ENEMIES VOICE in Matt 16: 22-23 - recognized it was Satan influencing Peter and He rebuked Satan!

But He didnt revoke Peters authority and anointing. 4. He was convinced that everything was for the best interest and would lead to victory. Though He spoke the truth about hardship as He said in Matthew 16:24-27 ..... "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? He also proclaimed the end result with assurance of victory Verse 27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. The closure always determines ones conviction! Here, we clearly see Jesus was convinced and convicted (believed firmly) - who GOD IS, ....He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him as stated in Hebrew 11:6 - We are : more than conqueorors Romans 8:35-37 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written: "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE KILLED ALL DAY LONG; WE ARE ACCOUNTED AS SHEEP FOR THE SLAUGHTER." Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. A good leader relies on Elohim!(source of strength) Religious duties and ritual acts or filling oneself just with information of the Word will not help one become emotionally secured. Emotional security only comes when one is spiritually anchored or strengthened. Spiritual Strength is cultivated through constant intimacy with Elohim. (Being quiet in His presence, meditating His Word, Worship or praying in the Spirit are ways of spending time with Elohim) Jesus confesses in John 5:30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

Matthew 26:41

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

Intimacy with Elohim is so important.

1) To Know His Will Matthew 7:21-23 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' 2) To be Fruitful John 15John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

3) To Wait in Hope Romans 8:24-25 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 3) Elohims Home in Us John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him (us). 4) Fullness of Joy Psalms 16:11 You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Compiled by, Pastor Sheera Xavier The Spirit of Promise