🔹 There Is a Cost to Carrying Influence 🔹

There is a cost to being entrusted with influence in the Kingdom of God. The Lord does not desire a Holy Spirit–empowered believer—especially one whose words carry weight—to live carelessly, speak flippantly, or dull their discernment. Words matter. Judgment matters. And there are consequences attached to both.

Scripture reminds us that clarity of mind and restraint of spirit are not optional for those entrusted with authority.

Proverbs 31:4–5

It is not for kings, O Lemuel,

it is not for kings to drink wine,

nor for princes strong drink;

lest they drink, and forget the law,

and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Matthew Henry notes that while indulgence may be excused or even celebrated in culture, it is unbecoming for those who govern, judge, or lead. To lose clarity—even temporarily—is to risk forgetting the law they are meant to uphold and misjudging those they are meant to protect. What confuses the head ultimately weakens discernment and corrupts judgment.

The issue is not merely excess, but diminished awareness. Anything that dulls perception can cause one to stumble in judgment—especially when others are affected by the outcome.

The New Covenant widens this application. Scripture declares that believers are made kings and priests to our God. With that calling comes responsibility. What may seem harmless in private can become harmful when one’s words or decisions carry influence.

James reminds us:

“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.” (James 3:1)

This does not create fear—it establishes sobriety. Those who speak into the lives of others must guard their clarity, their tone, and their restraint. Influence demands vigilance. Authority requires self-discipline.

The lesson of Proverbs is not about beverages alone—it is about sobriety of spirit. Believers are called to keep their minds clear, their judgments sound, and their words aligned with truth, especially when the vulnerable may be affected.

Clarity protects the afflicted.

Restraint preserves authority.

And discernment honors the calling.

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The Other Side of the Story

Hebrews 5:9 (AMPC)

“And, [His completed experience] making Him perfectly [equipped], He became the Author and Source of eternal salvation to all those who give heed and obey Him.”

There is a side of salvation that is often left unspoken.

Scripture is clear: Jesus is the Author and Source of eternal salvation to those who give heed and obey Him. This does not mean that salvation is fragile or easily lost. If you are truly saved, you are not “losing” your salvation. But you can forfeit the benefits of salvation in daily life.

Salvation is more than a destination—it includes provision, safety, protection, guidance, and peace. These flow from relationship and obedience. When heed and obedience are absent, access is restricted—not because Christ withholds, but because we step outside what He supplies. Grace is not a smear campaign.

It is not peanut butter spread thinly over everything regardless of response. Grace covers those who receive it—and Scripture defines receiving as giving heed and obeying. Grace is powerful, but it is not careless.

Now—this must be said with tenderness.

There are praying mothers. There are praying fathers. Families praying for families. Friends praying for friends. And if someone is being prayed for, the mercy of God does reach further than we can see. But mercy should never be taken for granted.

We are commanded to hear and obey. Responsibility still rests with the individual. Salvation is offered freely, but it must be received rightly.

And to those who are hurting—those watching loved ones wander, delay, or resist—keep praying. Keep hoping. Your labor is not in vain. But remember this truth for your own soul: You were never called to save the world. Jesus already did that. You are called to call people out of the world and into His salvation—and then to obey God yourself. After that, you must roll the burden back onto Him.

We cannot carry the weight of the world. Not when a thousand fall at one side, and ten thousand at the other. That weight belongs to Him alone.

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God Performs His Word Through People

By Dutch Sheets (Polished Adaptation)

After Jeremiah receives his prophetic commission, he records:

“Then the Lord said to me, ‘You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it’” (Jeremiah 1:12).

Please don’t miss this vital truth:

God’s Word—what He watches over to perform—was going to be spoken through a human being. As verses 16–17 confirm:

“I will pronounce My judgments on them… Arise and speak to them all which I command you.”

The pattern is unmistakable: God’s Word, declared through human vessels. This has always been His way.

Consider Hosea 6:5:

“Therefore I have hewn them [My people] in pieces by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth; and the judgments on you are like the light that goes forth.”

Here again, we see that God’s decrees and judgments are released through the mouths of people—those entrusted with His Word.

Now, some might say, “But that was the Old Testament.”

Yet God’s methods have not changed. The New Testament affirms the same principle: He still works through His people to release His purposes on the earth.

Look at Matthew 16:19 in the Amplified Bible, where Jesus speaks of His ekklesia—His Church, His governing body on earth:

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind—that is, declare to be improper and unlawful—on earth must be already bound in heaven; and whatever you loose—declare lawful—on earth must be what is already loosed in heaven.” (emphasis added)

(Incidentally, the Amplified footnotes this passage with Isaiah 22:22—the same verse I once referenced at the White House concerning governmental authority to open and shut doors.)

In this declaration, Jesus commissions His Church to speak with authority—declaring, based on His will and Word, what is lawful and unlawful, permitted and forbidden.

It’s a remarkable concept—yet perfectly reasonable. How could we possibly govern on God’s behalf without such authority?

God has always used the voices of His people to bring forth His plans and purposes—just as He did through Jeremiah. And let me be clear: the “enemies” God confronts through these declarations are not people—they are spiritual forces of darkness.

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Ordination: A Calling Valid, Though Unconventional

Ordained by God—Set Apart by Grace

I’ve always wished that life, especially life in the Kingdom, came with clear instructions. But more often than not, the ways of God are beautifully unconventional, and His instructions are written deep within the heart, not printed on the surface.

My journey into ministry didn’t follow traditional lines. I knew as a child that I was called to serve God. With the eyes of a child, I envisioned myself doing what I saw my beloved pastor do—wearing the long robe, leading the congregation, and quietly saying, “Bow your heads and let us pray.” I loved the peace that would settle over the church.

As I grew, the robe and the imagery faded, but the desire for the Word of God only deepened. I longed for the day I could spend hours studying Scripture. After graduating high school, I led my first church service at just 18 years old. Shortly afterward, I was brought before the elders of the United Presbyterian Church and commissioned for the pastorate. They even arranged for me to attend a Spirit-filled college to prepare for ministry.

But I failed them.

Within a year, I had enlisted in the U.S. Army and was quickly swept into a life of distractions. Though I never forgot my call, I assumed I had missed my chance. No one had ever told me that the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Romans 11:29). Even when I read that verse, I couldn’t receive it for myself.

Years passed.

Then one day, God spoke again. He called me—as a watchman to the body of Christ. By this time, I had left the Presbyterian church and settled into a Baptist congregation, intentionally distancing myself from anything “charismatic” or supernatural. I was hiding—from my past, my failures, and from the kind of spiritual encounters that might reveal what I didn’t want anyone to see.

Still, I spent nights studying the Word. Though I didn’t fully understand what being a watchman meant, I embraced the call. I thought it meant defending the faith through apologetics. I imagined myself on the walls of the city, warning of danger and false teaching. I even introduced myself in church that way, though privately I mourned the pastorate I believed I’d forfeited.

I can now say: I was wrong—not about being a watchman, but about thinking the pastoral call was gone.

That call never left.

The Supernatural Turn

In 1991, the ache of living outside my call became unbearable. I was willing to do anything to get back to God’s will. I returned to college after sixteen years and poured myself into learning. I excelled—graduating summa cum laude, earning a master’s degree, and nearly entering law school. But just before enrolling, I decided to attend seminary instead. If I couldn’t be a preacher, at least I could study God’s Word more deeply.

That’s when it happened.

The Lord began to open my eyes to the supernatural—to visions, dreams, and the voice of His Spirit. My world turned upside down. The more I sought Him, the more He responded. Then, one day, He did something unforgettable: He ordained me.

The Ordination

I was sitting at my desk, studying, when the atmosphere of the room shifted. The presence of God filled the space with such weight and formality that I immediately knew something sacred was happening. Another person was in the room with me, and when I asked if she sensed it too, she said, “Yes—it feels very formal.”

In that moment, I bowed my head in reverence. Instantly, I entered a vision.

I was aware of my body at the desk, but I was also present in another room—on carpeted steps before a platform. I saw Jesus approach from my right and stand behind me. He spoke to the Father, who was seated above on the platform. Though Jesus never said, “I’m ordaining you,” I knew exactly what was happening.

This was my ordination.

There was a stillness within me—no racing thoughts, just reverence. I did glance up in the vision for a moment, but quickly looked down again in awe. Jesus laid His hands on me and spoke words I will never forget. He gave me scriptures that have since anchored my calling. And then the vision ended. The presence lifted. I was left stunned and in awe.

What That Moment Means Now

For years, I carried that moment close to my heart. When I doubted my calling, I would return to that vision and find strength. But over time—and through many battles—I began to forget. Doubt crept in, and I focused more on my present struggles than on the day I had been commissioned by the Lord Himself.

Recently, the Lord gently reminded me of that day. He reminded me that He alone ordained me, and that He will provide for every need as I follow His plan for my life.

That reminder brought a deep, refreshing confidence. Not in myself—but in Him. I may still have unanswered questions, but I now walk with a deeper certainty of His call than ever before.

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Facing Rejection with Courage

In his book The Prophet in the Wilderness, Ken Cox writes:

“Some prophets say, ‘Lord, You know how I hate rejection—how I go out of my way to avoid being or feeling rejected. Help me to grow out of it.’ As prophets, we need to pray for God to give us courage to face those who distrust, dislike, or resent us for whatever reason. There are those who look down on you, who think they have you figured out. Ask God to help you love them while refusing to compromise your integrity. Ask God to forgive you where you’ve been afraid.”

I was reading this book this morning, and when I came across this paragraph, it jumped off the page. While the book is specifically written for prophets, the truth of this message stretches beyond the prophetic call—it’s a word for all believers.

In today’s world, simply being a Christian can invite rejection and even persecution. The moment you choose to stand for truth or walk in obedience, you may find yourself facing misunderstanding, resistance, or outright hostility.

It reminded me of when the Apostle Paul shared about his suffering. He wasn’t boasting or complaining—he was encouraging. He wanted believers to know that they weren’t alone in their trials. There’s something strangely strengthening about that. When we know others are also enduring hardship, it gives us renewed resolve. We realize that we’re part of something much larger, and we gain the courage to keep pressing on.

Rejection hurts, but we don’t face it alone. We can ask God to strengthen us, to help us love those who oppose us, and to never shrink back in fear. Integrity matters. And so does compassion.

May we be people who walk boldly, love deeply, and never forget that we are not alone in this walk of faith.

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Our Lives: Check, Double-Check

Everyone pauses at some point during the day to check in on their lives. We evaluate where we are and where we’re going—sometimes consciously, sometimes out of habit.

For the Christian, this often looks like holding one’s life up before the Lord and asking, “How am I doing, Lord?” or “What’s next? What should I do now?”

But even the unsaved go through a similar process. They measure their current situation, ask themselves whether they’re progressing, and often base their success on tangible things: “Do I have enough money in the bank to pay my bills?” or “Can I afford to take a vacation?”

Every day, we ask ourselves countless questions about our lives, our bodies, our relationships, and our goals. And we always get answers—some positive: “I’m doing great—money’s good, I’ve got a promotion coming, and I’m off to the Florida Keys next month.”

Others aren’t so uplifting: “I’ve gained too much weight… My spouse seems distant… My boss doesn’t value me… I’ll never get that promotion…”

We are designed with an inner mechanism for self-evaluation. Some people learn to ignore it, but for many, it’s always active.

So the real question is this: What standard are we using to measure ourselves? What’s the plumbline we’re comparing our lives to?

Is it tradition? Things our parents taught us? The opinions of our friends? Maybe even something as superficial as the number of followers we have online? The tools we use to evaluate our lives matter.

Problems arise when we use the wrong tools. Who gets to say whether we measure up—Mom and Dad? Friends? A supervisor?

The only accurate standard is the Lord’s perspective. That is the true plumbline.

David said in Psalm 51:4, “Against You, and You only, have I sinned…” Paul echoes this in 1 Corinthians 3, where he describes our works being tested by fire—some burning up like stubble, and others enduring because they are pleasing to God.

That tells us something vital: God alone defines what is acceptable. Not our boss, not our parents, not our peers.

So how do we know when the Lord approves of our actions, goals, and life direction?

You’ve likely heard it said, “Tune out the world, and tune in to Jesus.” But how do we actually do that?

If you’re not yet saved, there’s only one place to start: believe in Jesus Christ and make Him Lord of your life. That means giving Him full control—every area, every decision. When He is in charge, your life finally begins to align with God’s design. Your evaluations will begin to carry true worth and eternal value.

For the believer, our standard of evaluation must come from the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us wisdom and perspective. Through His voice, we’ll be led to lay some things down and take up others in their place. If we listen closely and follow Him faithfully, we’ll one day hear the voice of Jesus say:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

That moment—and only that moment—is the truest measure of success.

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This Is What Leadership Looks Like Sometimes

If you’re called to lead — in ministry, business, or life — there will be days like this.

Today, the posting plan got bumped. I had legal work to prepare — an eviction. Not something anyone enjoys. The tenant had a pattern of being late, but usually paid around this time of year. This time, he pushed it too far. And when leadership said, “File the eviction,” that was it.

Here’s the part many people don’t understand:

Leadership means you don’t get to sit back, criticize, and wait for someone else to make the hard call.

You are the one who has to make the hard call.

It’s not fun being the firm voice in the room. It’s not easy being the one people go silent around when you enter. But if you don’t carry the weight of leadership, someone else will suffer for your silence.

This applies to more than just property management. If we allow one person to disrupt order — because we’re afraid of being seen as “too harsh” — others will follow the example. The system crumbles. The ripple effects hit people who were doing the right thing. Eventually, the property’s lost. The opportunity’s lost. And no one wins.

You might not want to be the “heavy.” Neither do I. But leadership often calls you to that place.

We live in a time where authority is resisted and leadership is often resented. People don’t want to follow — they want to be right. And many confuse having knowledge with having wisdom. Everyone wants to lead… until it’s time to carry the cost.

You’ll see this in the workplace. In families. In churches. The moment someone with experience steps in with direction, those who feel insecure will either push back or check out. That doesn’t mean you stop leading.

There’s a balance.

Yes — lead with humility.

Yes — lead with compassion.

But also — don’t be afraid to lead with clarity and conviction.

Even Jesus flipped tables when it was time to cleanse the temple.

Today I had to prepare the paperwork to remove someone from their home. He has one more night, just a few more hours. If he doesn’t comply, I have to unlock the legal process.

It’s not personal. It’s responsibility.

1. So if you’re called to lead — prepare yourself. Not for a title or a platform, but for moments like this… when someone has to stand up and carry the weight no one else sees.

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“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

— Exodus 14:14

Sometimes the heaviest burden isn’t the injustice itself — it’s the weight of not being understood.

You want to explain yourself. You want to clear the air. You want people to know your heart. But often, the more you explain, the more tangled it becomes.

There are moments when the enemy doesn’t come to accuse — he comes to provoke conversation. He hopes your words will do what opposition could not. He hopes you’ll trade peace for explanation and authority for defense.

Jesus faced accusations — real ones, serious ones — and yet He answered nothing. Not because He was weak. Not because He had no truth to speak. But because obedience mattered more than approval, and timing mattered more than being right.

Silence, when led by God, is not retreat. It is restraint under authority. Sometimes silence is an act of war. Sometimes silence is your loudest obedience.

When God is your Defender, you don’t have to manage your own reputation. When He fights for you, stillness becomes strength.

🧭 Pondering

• Am I feeling pressured to defend myself?

• Is my peace being disturbed by my desire to be understood?

• Have I trusted God with my vindication?

🙏 Prayer

Lord, You are my Defender. I trust You to speak for me when You choose, and to silence me when You know it is best. Break the fear of being misunderstood. Guard my peace. Let Your truth be my protection and Your timing be my vindication. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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