Word for the day: “Leaders with a heart of gratitude.”
Psalm 42:11 (NLT) Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!
Beloved Leaders,
Living in the spirit of gratitude in good and tough seasons is profitable to your life and leadership journey. In this Thanksgiving season, look back over your life and see where the Lord has brought you from. Many of your challenges will provide more clarity in the days ahead.
WE ALL MUST PASS THROUGH THE SEASON OF LEARNING.
Consider with me today this short summary of my life, the life of one man who knows the importance of a thankful heart: In November 2012, I prayed and felt compelled to begin a Ministry. I started with people aligning with me and saying they were with me to do some Kingdom business. I started having services at my New Jersey home in 2013. In 2014, many of the people who aligned with me in 2012 decided to move on, in 2014 there was a special remnant left with me as I endeavored to do Kingdom work for God through the conduit of Ministry.
Keep reading, family: As the ministry continued, we served God and people through 2017. After a few months in prayer, in 2017, I pivoted from traditional Kingdom Ministry for the Lord. After pastoring the church for five years of my life, my season was up, and this became apparent to me. I then retired from corporate America, retired from the pastorate, and relocated to North Carolina. In 2020 through 2023, my personal life was hit in very painful ways.
As of today, 2024, I’m still doing kingdom ministry in various ways, none of which I had ever considered. I authored my first book in 2019, became certified in life and leadership coaching, worked with educational facilities, and became involved in the kingdom in marketplace initiatives, kingdom teaching seminars, etc. However, I am not doing Ministry in the conventional manner: A Church building. I’m thankful my commitment to God has not wavered, and my commitment to serving people is just as fervent or even more passionate as we near the close of 2024, and I even authored my second book.
How about you and your life? Do you have a spirit of gratitude in all situations in your life?
WE WILL COME TO THE SEASON OF EARNING IF WE CONTINUE.
Things didn’t go according to my plans, there were relationship differences with some people (Literally losing some relationships along the way), and things did not work out according to my initial goals in my professional and personal life. In this season of thanksgiving, I am incredibly grateful for what the Lord is doing in my life, family, and Kingdom efforts. Whoever you are today reading this message, don’t allow your thoughts of failings, your sorrows, your depression, and your disappointments to cause you to remain discouraged.
When you commit your life to God, the Lord gives you the power to triumph over it all (Psalm 41:11). My life has continued to amaze me in how the Lord has ordered my steps. In fact, I believe the Lord has ordered your steps as well (Psalm 37:23).
Are you ready to pivot, or are you comfortable where you are?
Today’s message reminds you that as God’s people, we either win or we learn. I’ve learned some amazing things and have earned the right to encourage you today. Let’s go and be thankful and see what the Lord has in store for your life now.
POINT TO PONDER
Choose to express gratitude to God and lead a nation to do the same. Notice I said “A Nation” because when you commit to God, It’s always greater than you! I am a living witness to this end. What’s your “Spirit of Gratitude” say in this season of your life?”
It doesn’t matter what it is: hurt, pain, sorrow, depression, loss, disappointments, or anything else. You can choose to have a thankful spirit. Please know I love you all in this Thanksgiving season, and remember that the next days at the close of this year are vitally important to your life in God.
Special Thanks,
Chief Encouragement Officer (CEO) James Baker, Jr. and our leadership team are especially thankful for those of you who provided financial donations and support in December 2024, by partnering with us in efforts to advance the kingdom of God in this 21st century season: Special thanks to Mr. and Mrs. David and Annette Straker, Mr. Kenneth Washington, Ms. Itholear Abbott, Mrs. Barbara Mason, Ms. Michelle Winder Branch, Ms. Angie Scraders-Murphy, Mr. Calvin Jackson, Mr. William Jones, Mr. William Buchanan, Mr. William Wilson, Mrs. Angela Harrison, Ms. Rita McGuffin and Ms. MoNika Ward, Ms. Gertrude Scott.
Grace and Truth Leadership. Why don’t you take the opportunity to write to us on our blog and let us know how we are doing in serving you.
We are a faith-based, donor-supported ministry. If you have been touched by these daily devotionals and would like to make a monthly pledge or a special gift of any amount, please use the DONATE link below to give as the Lord leads.
Follow me on Twitter @James Baker_jr as I endeavor to encourage and empower leaders of today and tomorrow!