Joel 2:12-13
12 “Even now,” declares the Lord,
   return to me with all your heart,
    with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
13 Rend your heart
    and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
    for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
    and he relents from sending calamity.
 
 
“Return to Me”

In the beginning of scripture, we see God walking in the Garden, calling out for Adam, Adam “Where are thou?” (Genesis 3:8). God’s repeated solicitation to people throughout human history has been, “Return to Me!”
 
Zechariah 1:3
“Return to me, declares the Lord Almighty.”
Joel 2:12
“Return to me with all your heart”.
 
How do we return to God with all our hearts?
 
I. This verse reminds us to REPENT.
 
 
When we fall short of the glory of God, we should to return to God in repentance. When we return to the Lord, our God, the whole picture here in the book of Joel, is God saying to His people, “Return to me, turn from your sin, turn from your idolatry and immorality and trust in me. Return to me with all your heart.” The whole picture here with fasting, with weeping with mourning, just a contrition, a humility before God, in light of sin, and a rending of your heart. It’s a laying bare of your heart before God and asking God to renew you and change you and restore you.

II. Reminds Us that God Delights In Restoring Us.

God delights in renewing, changing, restoring, redeeming, saving, transforming. This is in one sense a picture of salvation. It’s like we experience forgiveness from God the moment we turn from our sin and ourselves and replace our trust in Jesus as Savior, the head of our lives.

It’s a daily turning from sin. It’s the tendency we have to go back to that which we have been saved. And so, we are continually returning to Him.

It’s like thinking of my daughter when she does something wrong and she realizes it, and she comes to me in tears. And it becomes a teachable and beautiful moment. I would rather it would not get to these kinds of moments. I know you thought I was talking about my daughter and me, but I was talking about you and God, When there is sin, to turn with weeping and with mourning to God, and know that He’s slow to anger and overflowing in steadfast love, that’s the type of God we serve! He’s gracious and he’s merciful.

III. Reminds us to Return by Replenishing.

Replenishing in Hebrew means to Maximize. To return to God means to turn from our wicked ways and be devoted to Him but we can’t be devoted half hazard we must Maximize our Devotion to follow His covenant law. It is a turning away from the path of sin and self-reliance and a subsequent return to a place of restored fellowship and peace with God, and therefore a restoration practicing loving one’s neighbor. That is why the LORD asked His covenant people to return to Him with all he wants MAXIMUM Effort with our hearts.
declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ says the LORD Almighty.

Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.”
 
Let’s RETURN to God BY REPENTING, ALLOW GOD TO RESTORE US, AND BY REPLENISHING TO GOD.

"Maximizing Your Influence: How to Increase Your Leadership Value"
Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority; it's about having the influence to inspire, motivate, and guide others towards achieving common goals. The value of a leader within an organization is measured not only by their skills and knowledge but also by their ability to positively impact those around them. In this blog, we will explore how you can maximize your personal influence as a leader, enhance your value within your organization, and effectively manage various personalities.

Utilizing Personal Influence in Leadership
Personal influence in leadership goes beyond mere directives; it's about inspiring action through your behavior, communication, and attitude. Here are some ways to harness this influence:

1. Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than words. Exhibit the qualities you want to see in your team, such as integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic.
2. Communicate Effectively: Clear, transparent, and empathetic communication builds trust and understanding, essential components of influence.
3. Empower Your Team: Encourage autonomy and decision-making within your team. This not only fosters trust and respect but also drives innovation and commitment.

Increasing Your Value within an Organization
To enhance your value as a leader:

1. Develop a Vision: A leader with a clear and compelling vision can guide the organization towards success and growth.
2. Continuously Learn and Adapt: Stay updated with industry trends and be open to new ideas and strategies. Adaptability is a highly valued trait in a leader.
3. Network and Collaborate: Build relationships within and outside the organization. Networking can provide new perspectives and opportunities for collaboration.
4. Deliver Results: Ultimately, the value of a leader is demonstrated through outcomes. Focus on achieving tangible results that align with the organization's objectives.

Managing Different Personalities
Effective leadership requires the ability to manage various personalities. Here are some insights:

1. Understand Individual Differences: Recognize that each team member is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.
2. Adapt Your Leadership Style: Be flexible in your approach to suit different team members. Some may need more guidance, while others thrive on independence.
3. Foster an Inclusive Environment: Create a culture where all team members feel valued and heard. This encourages collaboration and a sense of belonging.
4. Resolve Conflicts Sensitively: Address conflicts promptly and impartially. A leader who can navigate conflicts effectively can maintain a positive and productive team dynamic.

Conclusion
Maximizing your influence as a leader is about being a role model, a communicator, a visionary, and a unifier. By enhancing your leadership value and effectively managing different personalities, you can create a significant impact within your organization and beyond.

Call to Action:
How influential do you think you are as a leader? Join our masterclass to amplify your leadership impact. Gain insights, strategies, and the skills necessary to elevate your leadership journey. Sundays at 8:45 am at Impact Church. 

Click here to view the YouTube Video w/Bishop RG Mason, II: "Leadershift"

"Skill Up: The Path to Developing New Leadership Skills and Mindsets"

In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, the only constant is change. Staying relevant, effective, and impactful requires an unwavering commitment to continuous learning and personal development. This blog post delves into why continual learning is essential for leaders, offers advice on overcoming imposter syndrome, and explores the difference between intellectualism and intelligence in leadership.

The Imperative of Continuous Learning in Leadership
Leadership is not a static skill set; it's a dynamic process of growth and adaptation. The most successful leaders are those who view learning as a lifelong journey. Continuous learning in leadership means staying updated with the latest trends, understanding new methodologies, and being open to feedback. It's about evolving with the times and leading with insight and foresight.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Leadership
Many leaders, at some point in their journey, face the challenge of imposter syndrome - the feeling of not being good enough or fearing being exposed as a fraud. This phenomenon can be a significant hurdle in the path of learning and growth. To overcome it:

1. Acknowledge Your Achievements: Recognize and accept your accomplishments, understanding that you've earned your position and respect through hard work and talent.
2. Seek Support: Talk about your feelings with trusted mentors or peers. Often, you'll find that others have experienced similar feelings.
3. Reframe Your Mindset: Instead of fearing challenges as potential exposures of inadequacy, view them as opportunities to learn and improve.

Intellectualism vs Intelligence in Leadership
In the realm of leadership, it's crucial to differentiate between intellectualism and intelligence. Intellectualism is about knowledge and understanding - it's theoretical. Intelligence, however, is about applying that knowledge effectively in real-world situations. It involves emotional intelligence, practical wisdom, and the ability to adapt and solve problems creatively. A successful leader balances both, using their depth of knowledge to inform practical, empathetic, and effective decision-making.

Conclusion
The journey of a leader is punctuated by continuous learning, overcoming self-doubt, and applying knowledge practically and empathetically. By committing to personal growth and development, leaders can ensure they remain effective and relevant, no matter what challenges they face.


Call to Action:
Are you ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Identify a new skill or area you want to develop. Whether it's enhancing your emotional intelligence, mastering conflict resolution, or learning innovative leadership strategies, our Sunday morning leadership classes are designed to support you on your learning journey. Join us Sundays at 8:45 am. 

"The Art of Being Adaptive: Navigating Change in Leadership"

In today's fast-paced world, one of the most valuable skills a leader can possess is adaptability. Embracing change isn’t just about keeping up; it's about staying ahead, being proactive rather than reactive, and fostering an environment of continuous growth and innovation. In this post, we'll explore the importance of adaptability in leadership, share strategies to overcome stagnation, and look at real-life examples of adaptive leadership in action.

Embracing Change as a Leader
Change is inevitable, and in the realm of leadership, it's a constant. The ability to adapt to change is what separates effective leaders from those who fall behind. When leaders embrace change, they model flexibility and resilience, qualities that are crucial in today’s ever-evolving landscape. This not only helps in navigating through uncertain times but also inspires the team to approach change with a positive attitude.

Strategies to Overcome Stagnation and Promote Growth
Overcoming stagnation is about being proactive and constantly seeking ways to improve. Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Foster a Culture of Learning: Encourage continuous learning and development within your team. This could mean investing in training, encouraging knowledge sharing, or simply promoting a mindset of curiosity and exploration.
2. Seek Feedback: Regularly solicit feedback from your team, peers, and mentors. Use this feedback to make informed adjustments to your leadership style and strategies.
3. Embrace Risk-Taking: Innovation often requires a degree of risk. Create a safe environment for your team to experiment and take calculated risks.
4. Stay Informed: Keep abreast of industry trends and developments. This knowledge can help you anticipate changes and adapt your strategies accordingly.
5. Practice Flexibility: Be open to changing plans and strategies when necessary. Flexibility allows you to respond more effectively to unexpected challenges.

Real-Life Examples of Adaptive Leadership
Adaptive leadership is all around us. One prime example is the shift many businesses made during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with unprecedented challenges, leaders had to pivot quickly, embracing remote work, rethinking business models, and finding new ways to connect with customers and employees.

Another example is the tech industry, where leaders constantly navigate rapid technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. Here, success hinges on the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and market demands.

Conclusion
The art of being adaptive in leadership is about understanding that change is not just an obstacle to overcome but an opportunity to grow, innovate, and lead more effectively. It's about having the courage to let go of outdated practices and the wisdom to embrace new possibilities.

Call to Action:
Are you facing a challenge that requires you to adapt? Whether it's navigating through a period of growth, a change in your industry, or personal leadership challenges, you don't have to do it alone. Reach out for a personalized coaching session to develop strategies tailored to your unique situation. Let's transform these challenges into opportunities for growth together.

Bishop Rasby G. Mason, II 

"Embracing the Flow: The Essentials of Understanding Leadership Dynamics"

In the ever-changing landscape of leadership, understanding the dynamics of leadership styles is not just an asset but a necessity. As we delve into this intricate world, it's important to recognize that the way we lead is not static; it's an evolving art form. Let's embark on a journey through the evolution of leadership styles, the critical difference between adapting and adopting in leadership, and the diverse methods that apply in various contexts.

The Evolution of Leadership Styles Over Time
Leadership has come a long way from the autocratic approach of the industrial era to today's more democratic and transformational styles. In the early days, leadership was synonymous with command and control, where leaders were seen as authoritative figures whose decisions were not to be questioned. However, as we progressed into the 21st century, this paradigm shifted dramatically.

Today, we witness a more collaborative and inclusive approach. Leaders are now facilitators, empowering their teams, encouraging innovation, and fostering a culture of mutual respect and learning. This transition highlights a deeper understanding of human motivation and the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.

Adapting vs. Adopting in Leadership
A crucial aspect of modern leadership is the ability to adapt. But how does this differ from merely adopting? Adapting implies a fluid, responsive approach to leadership. It's about being agile, adjusting your style and strategy in response to the changing environment and needs of your team. It’s a dynamic process of learning, unlearning, and relearning.

On the other hand, adopting can sometimes mean taking on a style or method without it necessarily fitting the unique context you’re in. It's like wearing a suit tailored for someone else – it might look good from a distance but doesn’t quite fit perfectly. Effective leaders know the importance of customizing their approach, ensuring it aligns with their team's and organization's specific needs.

Analyzing Various Leadership Methods and Their Application
Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Various methods resonate differently across contexts. For instance, transactional leadership may work well in a sales-driven environment where clear targets and rewards are the norm. Conversely, transformational leadership is more suited to creative industries where innovation and inspiration drive performance.
Similarly, situational leadership, which proposes the adaptation of leadership style according to the maturity level of the team, can be highly effective in a diverse workplace. It allows leaders to provide more direction and support to less experienced team members while granting autonomy to those who are more skilled.

Understanding these nuances and applying the right method in the right context is the hallmark of a skilled leader. It’s about having a diverse toolkit and knowing when to use which tool.

Conclusion
The journey of leadership is one of continuous growth and adaptation. It requires an open mind, a willingness to learn, and an understanding that the landscape of leadership is as diverse as the people we lead.

Call to Action:
Now, it's your turn. Reflect on your leadership journey and share your experiences.
 
How have you adapted your style over time?
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

 Join our community discussion and inspire others with your story! Your insights could be the guiding light for someone else on their leadership path.

Type your new text here.

For more information, visit our website:
WWW.THEIMPACTCHURCHES.COM

BREATHE MINISTRY - March Awareness

“Practicing Self-Care”
By Katrenia White

Many times we become off kilter simply because we lack the balance in our everyday lives which creates feelings of stress, anxiety, frustration and irritability, depression and burnout. All of these things greatly impact our mental and emotional health and can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, overeating and isolation.

We have to slow down enough to become self-aware to identify our triggers and implement healthy ways of living.  This is where practicing self-care comes into play. Self-care is doing things that you enjoy that help you to relax, slowdown, laugh and take care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. It is okay to say no, it is recommended to set boundaries and communicate effectively.

Examples:
- [ ] Eating healthy
- [ ] Exercising
- [ ] Proper sleep
- [ ] Taking shower/soaking in tube
- [ ] Watching movies
- [ ] Grooming
- [ ] Praying/meditation
- [ ] Spending time with family and friends
- [ ] Drawing
- [ ] Listening to music

Learn how to simply unplug and reboot in order to serve long, and build greater rapport with others around us.

“Mental Wholeness”
By Min. Katrenia White
Impact Breathe Ministry

To become mentally whole is allowing yourself to face those traumas, pains and wounds from the past. Most of us are carrying things that God wants us to give to him. Yet, for some we hold on to our emotional baggage like a security blanket; because we are used to harboring those emotions and have learned how to cover our pains. What we have to realize is we then create two or more different people in our minds which creates personality disorders.

1. What does "personality disorder" mean?

• What do personality disorders look like?

There are maybe 16 personality disorders, but I will name just a few such as:

• Cluster A personality disorders are characterized by odd, eccentric thinking or behavior. They include paranoid personality disorder, schizoid personality disorder and schizotypal personality disorder.
  • Cluster B personality disorders are characterized by dramatic, overly emotional or unpredictable thinking or behavior. They include antisocial personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder.
  • Cluster C personality disorders are characterized by anxious, fearful thinking or behavior. They include avoidant personality disorder, dependent personality disorder and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

• How does this affect my life?

• How can I be healed from my traumas and pains?
  • Being courageous to FACE your fears and remove the security blanket. The more you talk about it, write about it and allow those harbored emotions to come up and out; you are then decompressing (healing) and desensitizing yourself to that event.
  • Having FAITH that no matter what is going on, there is nothing too big or too hard for God. This means having faith in God. He knew you would encounter hardship and waiting for you to trust him enough to heal you. When you stop asking God “why” and trust him, another level of healing begins.
  • Release all and any resentments (un-forgiveness) towards yourself and others. This requires empathy, compassion and understanding of why you made those decisions at that time or why someone felt their decisions or behaviors was right. THIS DOES NOT MEAN YOU AGREE to their or your behaviors but understand where they came from. Examples: “I was not in my right state or mind or either hurt people hurt people “. We do not condone any behaviors nor feel forced to reconcile ONLY empathizing to release ourselves from our mental prisons.
  • Choosing to walk in FREEDOM everyday as we teach ourselves new behaviors and embracing new thoughts.

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

“Breaking the Stigma of Mental Health”
Min. Katrenia White

Due to mental health stigmatization many people ignore or deny the fact that they have challenges emotionally and mentally. Some are passed down in the form of generational curses and others occur due to some type of trauma, abuse, pain, abandonment and neglect. Here are just a few nuggets to remember as we move into another year.

Increase your Awareness

We hide our struggles to avoid being misunderstood, judged and rejection. It is okay to not be okay BUT it is never okay to not be okay and don’t reach out for help. Your support system can be a friend, family, church leaders and more serious escalation a therapist. There are so many suffering in silence and too many premature deaths because of pride or judgement.

Learning to Accept Challenges

This is also important but not in a way to use acceptance to be defeated but in a way to use coping skills to control and minimize the effects of your depression and etc. This is no different than someone one who has diabetes and need to medicate to avoid life threatening symptoms. Acceptance should look like, I understand my challenges and gaining insight to what I need to do to avoid aggressive and passive suicidal or homicidal ideations.

Take Action against challenges

This is basically means do something about your illness and challenges. We call them coping skills in professional terms. Doing things you love to slow your emotions down to allow you to regain control. This normally take 30 minutes and look like things such as exercise, listening to music, walking away from an argument until both parties have calm down, reading a book, definitely prayer and meditation and talking to a TRUSTED friend or love one. Also, for some it may require meditation management short-term or long-term. Again, Mental Health should be taken just as serious as Medical health, THEY DIRECTLY AFFECT EACH OTHER.

Remember:
Awareness, Acceptance and taking actions allows one to grow and mature into emotional intelligence. This takes time, effort, and consistency.

3 John 2

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Grace and Peace beloved! During this season of our lives, God is sending us someone to help us straighten out our life. It’s so easy to become stuck in the same old patterns, whether it be with our relationships, career, or mindset.

We may be feeling stuck and unsure about how to begin changing the trajectory of our life for the better. But fortunately, there is a way forward—God has sent us someone to help us take the first steps toward creating beneficial change in our lives.

It’s important to take the time to find the person that God has sent—someone who can offer us the support and guidance we need. And this person may be someone we’re already acquainted with or someone we’ve yet to meet.

Once we’ve found this special person, it’s important to sit under them—to invest our energy in soaking up the wisdom they can offer. But if we can’t sit under them, then the next best thing is to sow into them.

When we sow into another, we’re putting our energy and resources into strengthening the relationship we have with them. It could look like offering words of affirmation, mentorship, help with a project, financial assistance, or something else that shows appreciation for the impact they’ve had on our lives.

Whatever form it takes, however, our sowing will eventually bear fruit. We’ll reap whatever we sow—whether it be strengthening friendships, improved professional relationships, or a shift in mindset.

So if you’re feeling stuck and you’re in need of a helping hand to get your life back on track, remember that God is sending someone into your life to help. And if you can’t sit under them, take the next best step and sow into them. This act of sowing will bring its own rewards in due season—just as sure as day follows night.

Bishop Rasby G. Mason, II
Apostle/Founder

I've Got 99 Problems but a Praise Ain’t One of Them

Praise is obligatory not optional!! Praise is recognition of what God has given to you in-spite of you. Has Corona problems corrupted your praise? Holler until you get some help!

On this DOPE - (Deserving Our Praise Everyday) Young Adult Sunday, Bishop Mason unpacks Psalms 34:1-4.

It starts out declaring “I will Bless the Lord at ALL times and His praise shall CONTINUALLY be in my mouth.” The single entitled 99 Problems released by JayZ, suggested that problems are subject to one's perception as opposed to problems being connected to one's predicament. In other words, it highlights WHO is going through vs. WHAT that person is going through.

In this season, God is giving us the grace of the Eagle so we can see things the way God sees things: meaning the eagle has monocular and binocular vision. We, like the eagle, have to fly above the storm which is the place where God is! The things that affected you last season, God is going to put you in a position where you’re about to have God’s perception in your predicament.

Learn more about the eagle, its sight and so much more, the way that only Bishop Rasby G. Mason can uncover it all.
 
#IflyAbove #YoukeepFakingImmaKeepFlying

By Natasha Washington

The first week in March of 2020 caused the cleaning product sells to surge to nearly 400% due to COVID. Disease is connected to cleanliness. In the natural, during the week we straighten up, on Saturdays we clean and wash and once a year we perform a thorough cleaning, which is Spring Cleaning. This is when EVERYTHING has to be cleaned- windows, baseboards, we declutter, clean out the refrigerator, we organize and throw now unnecessary things away.

Winter, our last season, hardened so many things and caused non-productiveness. Spring comes after winter and brings a sense of wellness, newness, openness and energy. Spring is a season of activity, opportunity, fertility, new growth, new commitments, new birth and thank God, new beginnings. Spring is when kings go off to war to get goods and stake their claim. There are some things we need a natural seasonal change to bring in.
 
In Haggai, God said He would shake the heavens, shake the earth, shake the sea, and shake the dry land. God is going to take the bad with the good and make something good out of it!

God is coming in a supernatural, present power, to provide security, power, and strength! The Lord of Hosts is coming to clean our minds, to work it out on our job, and He is coming to help us clean up. God! We NEED a shaking!

Tune is as our very own Pastor Jacqueline Mason unfolds the bread of life as she ministers “Help Me Clean Up” from Haggai 2:6-9.

By Natasha Washingon

Studies have shown that a person on death row has a tendency to express more sincerity than they’ve ever shown in their lives. At the 5th stage of grief which is Acceptance, it is said that when a person is facing the point of death, generally their final words are the most insightful and impacting words that they may have ever uttered.

Even though Jesus was often hurt by those he helped, God always sees opposition as an opportunity because He uses bad to work a good purpose. Our deliverer had a death row dilemma.

On the cross Jesus preaches. He uses His best sermon for last. He uses His predicament as a pulpit. On the eve of his execution He shares His supreme sermon. This was indicated by the place He was preaching, which was death row. Our Divine Deliverer was destined to die.
 
What did Jesus say in His last sermon? Take a listen to “I Said What I Said” taken from Matthew 27 as Bishop Mason unfolds it all.

By Natasha Washington 

Have you been acting a Donkey, but still want to be used by God? 

We must realize some actions will disable us from being used by God for the kingdom. The good news is that the donkey is not necessarily stubborn, the donkey is a survivor. Learn how through God's power and Grace, being like a donkey will allow us to be Accessible, Available and Accommodating for the Master's use. Will you be there when the master calls for you? God hath need of thee.

Are you quick tempered? Maybe you aren’t as confidential as you should be. To live a life without facades, we must face the person we really are with intestinal fortitude, not through psychological distancing, or by placing blame, but through an introspective look. Sometimes we have self-destructive behaviors that we don’t want to face.

Are you being a Simple Sucker for the enemy? In “I’m About To Act a Donkey”, Bishop Mason teaches us that “Our victory can only be found on the other side of our vulnerability.”
A man who cannot control his own spirit is like a city without walls. Prov 25:28 

As kingdom citizens we must walk in temperance. Let’s get these things straight in the private, so it won’t embarrass us in the public.

In this message, Bishop Mason further explains why Christ the King chose the donkey in which to ride on during His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, yet the colt came in at the same time. This Palm Sunday's sermon is filled with revelatory, exegetical, powerful preaching and teaching! Don’t miss it. Let’s look into Matthew 21:1-3.

Min. Natasha Washington