Wisdom For Women In Today’s Marketplace

In Christ are found all the hidden treasures of understanding and knowledge. Wow! What an advantage that is for you who are in right relationship with Christ. Through the gifts of the Holy Spirit, you have access to creativity, clear thinking and ideas that can transform and impact your industry and the world.

In this article, I want to encourage you that the Lord has solutions available for every problem you may experience on the job or in your business. I want to impart to you a strong desire to tune your ear to be sensitive to God’s directions that can come at a moment’s notice. The Lord is speaking. You may be about to make a phone call to a client or in the middle of a business meeting, but He has insights and answers He wants to deliver to you. Your posture of worship and surrender will draw the presence of the Lord near because He knows He is welcome to intervene in your daily, 9 to 5 activities.

1. Wisdom and understanding from the Lord must take priority. Don’t let your to do list and calendar full of activities drive you to the point where you don’t even know why you are doing what you are doing. Why are you saying yes to that obligation? For every yes you make, there must be a no to something else to make room for that activity. Are you delegating properly? Seek wisdom from the Lord, for He will provide directions on how to make your life more efficient and give you processes and procedures for your job that can prove to be less time consuming and more profitable to your bottom line. “Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And whatever else you do, get good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will exalt you. Embrace her and she will honor you.” (Proverbs 4:6-8 NLT)
2. Wisdom is precious. “Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:15 NLT) One word from God can turn your business in the right direction or give you intellectual property that can change the way your company does business. Heavenly wisdom is like treasure or a rare jewel. You must turn a hearing ear to the Master and show that you desire His knowledge. God has specific ideas and instructions just for you! There are projects, assignments and businesses that He has laid out for you daughter, but you must let Him unfold the plan through prayer.
3. Wisdom is available to us in abundance. “I love all who love me. Those who search for me will surely find me. Unending riches, honor, wealth and justice are mine to distribute. My gifts are better than the purest gold, my wages better than sterling silver! I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth, for I fill their treasuries.” (Proverbs 8:17-21 NLT) The Lord wants to use the Holy Spirit to pour out His wisdom in abundance for His children. This means the Lord is pleased when you come to Him for guidance in making decisions . Let Him guide you as you write that business plan. He is the Creator of all things and He eagerly wants to share clarity and understanding to you. His plans for Noah in building the ark where very specific and very detailed. When He spoke to Moses on how to build the tabernacle, His instructions were meticulous and thorough. The Lord won’t leave anything out. That plan, that proposal, it’s already complete in Him so let Him share with you all He has for you. He is the teacher of profit, He will show you the way in which you should go.
4. Wisdom has great benefits. Success, happiness, health, long life, goodness. These are all by-products of a life set on hearing from God and receiving His wisdom. Let the Lord determine your steps and reap the benefits of living out the desires of your heart. “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be happy.” (Proverbs 16:20 NLT)

There are new technologies, books, businesses, songs, choreography, inventions and new medicines to be created and the Almighty Creator wants to give you the inside information. It’s time for His children to advance His kingdom by taking strides to make new advances in medicine, education, technology, government, media and the arts. Open your heart, mind and soul to receiving the fullness of the blessing. The Lord can use you to change the world!

Resources For Your Journey To Kingdom Purpose:

Let Me Partner With You On Your Journey

Email me at info@valishamcfarlane.com to submit a prayer request or praise report regarding your marketplace ministry assignments.

This Month’s Recommended Reading Pick Is:

God@Work by Rich Marshall

Be sure to visit the bookstore for more reading materials to move you toward your life purpose.

© 2010 Valisha McFarlane

Pay It Forward: The Power of Mentoring

Pay it forward.  It’s a simple concept.  Instead of paying someone back for the kindness or investment they put in you, you pay forward by blessing and sowing into the success of someone else.  As a marketplace minister, you can do this through mentoring.  Mentoring is a critical tool for professional development.  A lack of female mentors in the marketplace results in fewer women being prepared for leadership.  This month we will explore several mentoring relationships from the Bible that can provide great examples on how to become a great mentor to our youth, or to be able to offer effective wisdom and guidance to someone in your ministry or profession.

Some characteristics of effective mentors include:

They are good listeners – they also know how to ask the tough questions that lead the protégé to finding their own answers

They are authentic – perfection is not a requirement and transparency is a must

They are obedient – the truth needs to be told

They are available – faithfulness builds trust

They are teachers – every moment can be used to teach a lesson

They know how to encourage and develop godliness in others – everyone needs to be stretched beyond their comfort zone

Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.”  We should all take time to build a trusted network of wise advisors, coaches and faithful friends who are willing to invest in our success, goals and future.  It’s pertinent to your personal and professional success to hang around visionaries and those who make you a better person.  As a healthcare administrator, I have seen medical students understand this concept very well.  They seek mentorship from attending physicians and faculty for guidance on research projects, feedback on training rotations and advice on career altering job decisions.  These students know the value of receiving guidance from well-respected, experienced colleagues.  There is more than enough success to go around so never be afraid of opportunities to mentor another or be hesitant of a situation where you can be on the receiving end of a mentorship.

Naomi and Ruth:  Preparing for destiny -  Ruth dedicated herself to caring for Naomi and serving Naomi’s God in her homeland.  During Ruth’s time with Naomi, Ruth learned about God’s provision, redemption and faithfulness to those that believe and serve Him.  Naomi was able to encourage and develop godly qualities in Ruth which helped her to become an honorable and hard working woman.  These qualities allowed God’s favor to shine on Ruth in incredible ways and led Ruth to her future husband, the “family redeemer”.  The wisdom Naomi shared with Ruth in response to God’s goodness to them prepared Ruth for promotion as she was destined to become Boaz’s wife and part of the family line of Christ.

Moses and Joshua:  Preparing for leadership – This mentorship was unique in that it was a long standing apprenticeship.  Joshua was chosen as Moses assistant and commander of the Israelites’ army.  He walked with Moses the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert.  Joshua witnessed the miracles first hand and he was allowed to see the close interactions between Moses and God (Exodus 24:13-24).  Joshua was prepared for servant leadership through on the job training!  He was well-equipped and well prepared by His mentor to carry the Israelites into the promise land.  That is what true leadership is about.  Investing in others and preparing them for their time to shine.

Elijah and Elisha:  Preparing for increase – Elisha was granted a double portion of the anointing that rested on Elijah.  He walked beside Elijah as an apprentice following his example of faith and righteousness.  Elisha understood his calling from the Lord and had resolute determination to stay by the side of Elijah and to remain committed to his mentor to the very end.  Elisha’s ministry was characterized by God’s miracles, signs and wonders; an increase from this mentor’s works.  Surely this was due to Elisha watching Elijah passionately pursue God’s concerns for Israel and Elisha’s desire to love God wholeheartedly as Elijah did.

Elizabeth and Mary – Preparing for a great walk of faith -  Elizabeth was Mary’s older cousin, but she no doubt was available to Mary as a trusted advisor and wise woman.  Elizabeth fulfilled her role as mentor and guide by speaking life and words of encouragement to Mary.  Elizabeth filled Mary with words to confirm God’s calling on her life and in turn Mary was empowered and full of praise to walk out in faith everything the Lord called her to do.  I am sure Mary was exhausted and confused upon arriving at her cousin’s house after all she had just been through.  But surely this wise woman, Elizabeth, knew how to speak a word in due season to refresh Mary’s soul.  Mary stayed with Elizabeth and her family for 3 more months allowing Elizabeth to give her guidance on the ministry of becoming a wife and a mother.  This retreat with her mentor paved the way for Mary’s great walk of faith.

Servant leaders see leadership as an act of service and consider it to be an honor to be used by God for leadership.  Effective mentors look beyond their current season of leadership to prepare and train their replacement to carry on the work God began in them.  Find your next generation leader now and empower and train them for their season to lead.  Beware of thinking that you own your position.  That will prevent you from “succession planning”.  If you are driven and involved in promoting yourself, you will spend little time developing and encouraging other leaders around you.  Pass on wisdom, instructions, resources, team members and assistants.  Pay it forward!

Resources For Your Journey To Kingdom Purpose:

Reflection

1. Read the book of Ruth.  Who might benefit from your mentoring?  Pray and ask God who He would like for you to mentor.  Be determined to leave people better than you found them.

Put Action To Your Faith:

Pay it forward this month and join me in participating in the Dress for Success S.O.S – Send One Suit Weekend February 25 – 28.  Every year Dress for Success issues an S.O.S. to all women nationwide:  Donate one new or nearly-new business suit to help another woman enter the workforce!! By dropping off your suit donations to any Dressbarn (www.dressbarn.com) store across the United States during Send One Suit Weekend, you are giving a disadvantaged woman the confidence to take the first step toward economic independence.

© 2010.  Valisha McFarlane.  www.valishamcfarlane.com

Nehemiah’s Approach To Change Leadership

Happy New Year!! It’s the dawn of a new month, a new year and a new decade and many of you may have to take on new projects, new roles and new jobs in 2010. The Lord directed me to study Nehemiah recently because of my desire to have his help and strategy to face some obstacles in the workplace. As I encourage and share with you the wisdom and insights I have learned, you will see this month’s article will help you:

- Learn to discern and overcome workplace bullies and backstabbers
- Understand how to implement new ideas, new projects and get results in an adverse work environment
- Identify the steps needed to motivate your team to success
- Be encouraged to perform your work in the spirit of worship

Implementing change is inevitable for any organization to stay relevant, productive and financially healthy. But what do you do when you, as a Christian, are called on to lead change and bring about new projects and policies for your company and you are met with ridicule and resistance? Let’s take a deeper look into the scriptures and explore Nehemiah’s strategy for success:

Prayer Comes Before Planning

Prayer, fasting and seeking the Lord for direction are vital first steps to promoting change. God has supernatural wisdom and strategy available for you to succeed in your assignment, but you only receive these gifts by communing with your Heavenly Father who is the ultimate leader of change.

As a kingdom woman in the workplace, petition the Lord on behalf of your employees, co-workers and clients. War in the heavenlies and declare victory over the forces of darkness that try to wreak havoc in your office, department, or organization. Confess the change that is going to take place and shift the atmosphere with your words of faith.

Change is defined as transformation. That requires renewed mindsets and the breaking of strongholds. Sounds like spiritual warfare to me! And you thought you could set that new idea in motion with just an office memo. Fall on your knees and get the job done in your prayer time first. Then you will arise with power and strategy from the Holy Spirit to make it happen in the marketplace.

Implement The Standard of Enthusiastic Teamwork and Unity

There are several steps you need to take to help gather your team to make your change initiative fail proof.
1.  Communicate the vision and establish a sense of urgency – address your team face to face to let them know where the group is headed and get them to understand that time is of the essence.  Complacency can become an enemy to any project that is implementing big changes.
But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall.” So they began the good work. (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

2.  Continuously remove the element of distraction and confusion – keep a clear statement of where you are headed visible to the team. When Nehemiah’s resistors scoffed at the project to try to shake the people’s confidence, Nehemiah replied with a clear, concise statement to get his team back on track.
I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right or historic claim in Jerusalem.” (Nehemiah 2:20)

3.  Create a strong change team with representatives from all levels within the organization – In Nehemiah 3, we see that Nehemiah organized workers from all levels of leadership and skill sets. His change team consisted of priests, goldsmiths, district leaders, fathers, sons, daughters, Levites and merchants. Effective change cannot happen as a mandate from the leader at the top. It must take place from the inside of the organization out. The spirit of teamwork must prevail to make the vision a reality. Build your team and inspire them. Assign tasks based on their strengths and interests and they will identify their purpose within the project’s mission.

4.  Reinforce the vision – you will encounter times when your employees and co-workers will become weary and begin to complain. If fear and anxiety has settled into the atmosphere, team morale will be low and they will feel overwhelmed and take a negative attitude toward progress. During these times, you must continue to effectively sell the vision and model the behavior needed to inspire and uplift the team to victory.
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families and your homes!” (Nehemiah 4:14)

Discern The Element of Sabotage From Your Resistors

The larger the change initiative will be the stronger the challenges you will confront. Be prepared to overcome the obstacles that try to hinder the progress of your project. The workplace is full of “border bullies” that will put up a wall of resistance as you lead them out of their comfort zone. Workplace bullies feel threatened and fear they will lose something such as status, power, affiliation, security, money or resources. Be prayerful so you may have wisdom and direction from the Holy Spirit on how to handle them. In Nehemiah 6, we see Nehemiah handle his opposers by not getting trapped by their methods of bullying, lying and intimidation.

Stay away from negative, toxic people. They will suck the life out of you and cause you to be unproductive. Be determined to focus on being part of the solutions and not part of the problems. Negative people like to stay stuck talking about problems and they want their negativity to stick to you. Finally, be aware of your own self-sabotaging behaviors and negative self-talk. If you are not careful, you can wind up being your own worst enemy.  A defeatist attitude will not put you on the road to success.  Be a winner and not a whiner!

Your Praise Is Your Weapon

With the praises of God in your mouth, you will be empowered to cross the finish line in victory. The giants you face in the marketplace may come in the form of bureaucratic or legal red tape, a lack of schooling, credentials, resources, and influence or you may have to deal with discrimination and harassment. But remember, you are anointed for business marketplace minister!  Praise Him for the change that is taking place in your organization. It’s always about kingdom work and the glory God will receive during the process. Facing your giants is one way to make His goodness and power known to a doubting world.

When Nehemiah faced a crucial point where his giants were threatening to put an end to all of his team’s hard work, Nehemiah instructed his people to work and then guard their work with their weapons.

Meanwhile our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.” The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.

Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the leaders and the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your friends, your families, and your homes!”

When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall. But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The officers stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The common laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. (Nehemiah 4:11-18)

Intercede for your workplace and watch God move on your behalf. You are His servant, strategically placed in that company for a reason more than a paycheck. You are working unto God. Build and stand strong. Maintain an attitude of praise and faith and your time of promotion will come.

Resources For Your Journey To Kingdom Purpose:

Reflection Questions
How well do you adapt to change in your own life?  Before you can lead other people, you must be able to lead yourself effectively.

What barriers are you currently facing at work or in your business?  What needs to change?

Are you preparing to succeed or are you sabotaging your progress with your words?  Rehearse your success by the way you think, dress and speak.

Let Me Partner With You On Your Journey
Email me at info@valishamcfarlane.com to submit a prayer request or praise report regarding your marketplace ministry assignments.

This Month’s Recommended Reading Picks Are:

These books and more can be ordered from the bookstore!

© 2010 Valisha McFarlane

Happy New Year!!

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Wishing You Happy Holidays

May your Christmas be so filled with God’s goodness that it overflows into the lives of those around you.  You are standing in the doorway of the beginning of a new year and a new decade.   Be encouraged that Emmanuel is with you everyday of your journey!

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” Luke 2:14

Have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful, happy New Year!

In Christ,

Valisha McFarlane

Blessed And Highly Favored

Letting Your Reputation Work To Your Advantage In The Workplace

What reputation has your name earned you in your business affairs?  When there is a project, assignment or client to handle do they call on your name to get the job done?  Have you established yourself to be a problem solver, a woman of excellence, integrity and productivity?

As we approach the time of year where we may study and focus our attention a little more on the scriptures surrounding the birth of Christ, I would like to talk a little about Mary, who was first addressed by the angel Gabriel as a “blessed and highly favored woman of God.”  Let’s see what lessons we can glean from her life and reputation that will help us in our careers and professional studies:

1. Mary lived on purpose everyday. She had cultivated a reputation for herself as a young woman who was set apart, holy, pure and ready for God’s next assignment for her life.  She was chosen by God because her daily, diligent actions of worship and obedience pleased God so much that his attention was turned toward her.  In the same way, professional woman of faith, your time with God is vital.  It should be scheduled in your Dayplanner if need be.  Celebrate Him everyday.  Be thankful for each day.  As you make worship time first on your daily list of activities, you are honoring God and He will honor you.  Watch God pour out wisdom, energy, creativity, career plans and business strategy in your life.  He will shine on you so brightly you will stand out from the crowd and be set apart from other employees and businesses.  Your name and your gifts will make room for you wherever you go.

2.  The Lord was with her. That’s why she was blessed.  God’s presence was evident in her life because her spirit was right and she maintained a clean, pure heart. God rewarded Mary’s worship by drawing near to her.  It became His dwelling place, and when you abide in Christ and Christ abides in you all things become possible!  You affect the people around you and your attitude shifts the atmosphere.  If your co-workers and employees are draining you, then maybe you are not fulfilling your godly responsibility in your workplace.  Speak with kindness, encouragement and authority.  You should be so filled with God’s goodness on the inside that your simple, “Hello” and “Good Morning” makes people move in the right direction.   Your excellent reputation will cause others to respect you.  When Mary greeted Elizabeth (Luke 1:41-44) things happened! Why? Beacuse the Lord was with her.

3.  Mary understood that the ultimate purpose of God’s assignment for her life was to bring Him glory and praise. When your heart is surrendered to God, He knows He can trust you with His blessings.  He knows you have a hearing ear to receive His instruction and an obedient heart to follow through with action.  Please stop wrestling with God. He knows what is best for your life, career and studies.  Agree with God’s word and His promises even when it appears uncomprehendable.  Don’t let fear and doubt keep you from God’s best.  There are opportunities, projects and assignments He wants to bring to you in order to advance His Kingdom and impact other people with His goodness and abundance.  Be a willing servant like Mary and walk in incredible faith.

If you want to live blessed and highly favored, you must hunger and thirst for His presence in your life.  Willingly serve Him with your gifts at your place of business, corporate office or college campus and watch Him enter the building.  Glorify God in the workplace by walking in excellence and Christ-like character.  A good reputation is priceless and opens doors to countless blessings and opportunities.  And even when the enemy tries to prove otherwise, you will see God quickly come to your defense.

Words And Actions For Your Journey To Kingdom Purpose:

• Spend some time this month offering God worship that will put a smile on His face.  (Hint:  the countenance on your face should show evidence that the Lord is with you and shows up daily in your life encounters.)

• Currently, is your reputation paving the way for promotion or demotion?  When your name is mentioned in the office, how do people respond?  If things are not working in your favor, take some time this month identifying some character flaws you would like to correct and skill sets you need to develop in order to cultivate a godly reputation.

Luke 1:26-45

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. ²⁸ Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!^[d]” ²⁹ Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ³⁰ “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³² He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³ And he will reign over Israel^[e] forever; his Kingdom will never end!” ³⁴ Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” ³⁵ The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. ³⁶ What’s more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she’s now in her sixth month. ³⁷ For nothing is impossible with God.^[f]” ³⁸ Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her. ³⁹ A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town ⁴⁰ where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. ⁴¹ At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. ⁴² Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. ⁴³ Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? ⁴⁴ When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. ⁴⁵ You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.”

© 2009 Valisha McFarlane

Hello, Women of Purpose!

It’s been a few weeks since my last blog post, but I pray that everyone had a wonderful Thankgsiving holiday weekend.  As 2009 almost comes to an end and we approach Advent season, I am so excited about what the Lord has in store for 2010.

Starting in December, this blog will take a slight shift and focus more on ministering to an audience of Christiam women who are executives and leaders in the workplace, college students, growing professionals and entrepreneurs.  The monthly “word of the month” devotional will provide encouragement and biblical instruction on how to bring glory to God by fulfilling your purpose in marketplace ministry.  Many of us are anointed for business and are gifted to succeed in the workplace.  I want to provide words of faith and inspiration to carry you through your everyday journeys.

So be a blessing to someone before this month is over and watch out for my blog post on December 1 entitled, “Blessed and Highly Favored – Letting Your Reputation Work To Your Advantage In The Workplace”.

In Christ,

Valisha

31 Letters of Encouragement (Day 8–Choreography)

Dear Kingdom Dancer,

In the beginning the Word already existed.  He was with God and he was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  He created everything there is.  Nothing exists that he didn’t make.  Life itself was in him and this life gives light to everyone.  (John 1:1 – 4)

Divine choreography is birthed from the word and Spirit of God.  You need the word as your foundation.  No word, no strength.  No word, no impact.  No word, no use in you even trying because your choreography just becomes movement for entertainment.  When we speak of dance as a ministry tool it is not for mere performance but a visual expression and interpretation of God’s word and our worship, which results in a communion with God.

Study this Book of the Law continually.  Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it.  Only then will you succeed.  I command you – be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:8 – 9)

In order to be a blessed, successful and powerful ministry, you must have the word in your heart, mind and soul.  Be a dancer of the word.  Let the word that is in you come out in your choreography.  The word is God so if you are including the word in your movement, you are including God.  He will be with you wherever you go.  His presence will be manifest and his glory for all to see – right in the midst of your ministry, your praise and your dance!

Liturgical dance can also draw from various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, lyrical, folk and cultural dances such as hip hop and step.  Many times even sign language and mime is used.  In different countries around the world, you will notice their culture and style will be reflected in their dance.  It is good to be skilled in both technique and the word.  Different movement styles allow you to minister to different audiences and reach those that may not otherwise pay attention to the spoken, preached word or your untrained dance choreography.  Remember though; never rely solely on your technique and experience.  You are a kingdom dancer with a mission to fulfill.  Consult God on your choreography.  Submit your team members to the Holy Spirit.  Let him have the final approval.  The Lord grants wisdom.  Seek to understand Him and receive His knowledge.  He will give you the plan, the choreography, the specific message and the music.

In Christ,

Valisha McFarlane

31 Letters of Encouragement (Day 7–Anointed)

Dear Kingdom Dancer,

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come. (Luke 4:18-19)

There is a price to pay for this anointing. It may cost you some sacrifices in your personal life. You will also encounter many obstacles, trials and temptations. Through these trials and through the process of denying yourself, you will learn how to take up your cross and follow Christ. You will be broken and remolded by the Potter so that He will be glorified in and through you. We are called to set aside our priorities and our ambitions for Christ’s Kingdom being exalted. The Lord desires our loyalty and undivided worship.

The power of the Holy Spirit is up on you worshiper, for a purpose. The anointing is the burden removing, yoke destroying power of God for healing, prosperity, deliverance, liberty, victory, joy, increase, celebration and rejoicing. Pray for the anointing to be evident in your life. Confess that the Holy Spirit is working through you. Ask the Lord for a fresh anointing for your current season in life so your ministry can be effective in its assignment. Let His mighty power work within you, dance minister, for He is able to accomplish infinitely more through you and for you than you can even dare to ask, hope or think.

In Christ,
Valisha McFarlane

31 Letters of Encouragement (Day 6–Appointed)

Dear Kingdom Dancer,

After consulting with the leaders of the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor.  This is what they sang:  Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!  At the moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord cause the armies of Ammon, Moab and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves. (II Chronicles 20:21-22)

You have been appointed by God and your church or business leadership to a set place for a set purpose.  Go forth and do spiritual battle.  Defeat the enemy of your soul and set the atmosphere in order to prepare the hearts and minds of the people for victory.  God has appointed you as a prophet to the nations.  Bring the good new of Christ’s love through your holy actions.  Souls depend on it.

You didn’t chose me.  I chose you.  I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.  I command you to love each other. (John 15:16-17)

Go and use your gifts to win souls.  Mentor and love other Christians.  Grow spiritually in God.  Be fruitful.  You must walk in the confidence and the authority of your calling.  Define your mission and fulfill your destiny.

In Christ,

Valisha McFarlane