SPREAD OUT

EXPANSION 

Today, as their need arises,many expand their homes, businesses, education or other things in life to accommodate growth. Expansion happens to make room for the growing demand of a product, a larger family or to broaden the scope of dreams and aspirations. 

For most people, expansion is considered only when growth is in view and can be seen in the natural.  It becomes necessary- for example; when you have two children and another baby is on its way to consider moving out of a two bedroom house to make the family more comfortable.      

However, it would be least considered when you have no children.  Your one bedroom home would be considered quite adequate and more than enough for your current situation.  You would not see the need for expansion or making any major adjustments or changes unless you change your thinking. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:   SPREAD OUT- THINK BIG!

A barren woman can begin to sing when she changes her thinking.  She can rejoice as though she has a house full.  As she changes her thinking she can declare what the word says that she is ending up with more children than the married woman.  

Isaiah 54:1-3 (KJV)

Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 

This scripture encourages you to think big.  Think above and beyond your circumstances. This is the type of expansion that takes a spiritual view of things and is not easily digested by the natural mind. You will engage in many conversations about how, when, why, if.....

How can a barren woman sing for joy of children when she is not able to have any children or have even experienced childbirth? 

It can only be done when she takes God at His word and begin to rejoice by filling the air with song and celebrating her children that she does not have.  She does not allow her limitations in the natural to prevent her from expanding or spreading out.  

Her expectations will allow her to expand her home and make room for the children that she will be blessed with even in her barrenness.  She may need to get a bigger home, get more furniture, adjust her schedule, get some books on child-raring, and prepare herself mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  

It's time for your expansion!  It may not be children.  It can be anything.  So let's get going- Clear the lot to pitch your tent, get a good enough piece of property, not just for where you are now but for the increase that will come.  Get enough materials and safety stakes, and ensure that you have enough room for growth. 

The scripture above does not limit you to just your own growth but the growth of neighboring cities, abandoned areas and even the nation.  It's time to resettle and expand. Let's discuss:

How can you relate/apply the text that the abandoned has more blessings now than the one whose husband stayed with her?

Are you ready to celebrate and expand for what God has for you? 

Are you ready to change your thinking and spread out?

Are you limiting yourself to what you have or do not have now?

Are you preparing for so much and no more?

Are your future expansions only on what you see, know or feel? 

Remember, to spread out, you must think big and prepare for growth.  Don't settle for just elbow room.  Plan to be comfortable- You will soon be bursting so make room now for what's coming ahead.  Enlarge your house, build additions- You will soon be growing and need more room.  Stop limiting yourself to your present condition. Regardless if you are barren now, think big, think future- Your descendants will rule, possess and inherit what's you leave behind!  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

THE SICK AND REBELLIOUS

THE DIFFERENCE - SICKNESS AND REBELLION 

Rebellion is a sin not a sickness, and there is a vast contrast between the two.

 

Sick is defined as:

affected by physical or mental illness, not well or healthy.

While Rebellion is:  defying or resisting some established authority, government, or tradition;  insubordinate; inclined to rebel.

A sick person is in need of help and cooperate with authority, but a rebellious person likes to challenge authority and break the rules every now and encourages others to do join them. 

Let’s take a look at a conversation with Jesus concerning the sick:

Luke 5:25-31 (KJV)

And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.

And he left all, rose up, and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his own house: and there was a great company of publicans and of others that sat down with them.

But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?

And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

Jesus was not justifying His connection with sinners, no was he saying to condone unrighteousness, but was contrasting the difference with rebellious critics versus people who needed to be made whole. Rebellion is the total opposite.  It is defiance, disrespect and disobedience. 

Scripture of Reflection: 

Nehemiah 9:17King James Version (KJV)

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

God is a God slow to anger and of great kindness but abhors rebellion.

TODAY'S FOCUS: REBELLIOUS PRACTICES AND REWARDS 

There are various forms of rebellion outlined in scripture- We will discuss a few for today's discussion: 

Rebellion against authority is rebellion against God:

Deuteronomy 31:27 (KJV)

For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against the Lord; and how much more after my death?

Joshua 22:22 (KJV)

The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the Lord, (save us not this day,)

Rebellion is comparable to witchcraft: 

1 Samuel 15:22-23 (KJV)

And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.

For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

Rebellion is a practice of evil people:

Proverbs 17:11 (KJV)

An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Isaiah 65:2 (KJV)

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts

Rebellion results in the loss of blessings from God:

Psalm 68:6 (KJV)

God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

Numbers 20:10-24; Joshua 2:1-15; Jeremiah 28:2-17

A review of the scriptures and today's discussion will indicate that while the sick must be attended to in order to be made whole, the rebellious must cease from rebellion as it can cause them to be sick, spiritually, physically, mentally and even die.  

Remember, that you must take time out and give your time and energy to assist those who are in need of saving (sick sinners)- Those that are healthy do not need a physician.  Rebellion is against God the who is the Final Authority, not against the leader or person who gives the instructions.  Rebellion is classified with the sin of witchcraft and evil. Evil people are rebellious and will lose out on the blessings of God.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

ARTWORK

THE MASTER SCULPTOR

By definition artwork is, illustrations, photographs, or other nontextual material prepared for inclusion in a publication. paintings, drawings, or other artistic works.

Artwork expresses the artist inner feeling and love for the art.  The art is placed on display so the artist ensures that it represents him in the best form. 

However, a Sculptor is, "an artist who makes sculptures." It is an artwork that takes forming, carving and casting techniques.  Sometimes it uses force and pressure to make the design.  



God is our Master Sculptor, and is fashioning our lives by design into a beautiful masterpiece.  




He used His image to make us, but is reforming and refashioning us daily into the likeness of Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:10 (TLB)                                   It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.  

Sometimes the first design may not look like what the sculptor had in mind, so he has to refashion it to make it represent his likeness.  

TODAY FOCUS:  BECOMING HIS MASTERPIECE 

A trip to the Potter's House gives you a visual picture on what it takes to become His Masterpiece.  See and hear what the word says: 

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (KJV)

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,

Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

As you watch the work spinning on the wheel, note the keen look on the face of the Sculptor.  The vessel isn't forming out the way He planned.  So He makes it into a lump and placed it back on the wheel again.  This time with a little more pressure, some pounding and reforming.  Finally it begins to look like what He had imagined.  

Behold....You are that vessel on the wheel.  You are being fashioned by the Potter, and in His Hand you are refashioned to the design that He originally planned for you to serve by your new life in Christ.  

The same word that came to Jeremiah comes to you today.  Allow the Master Sculptor to lump you and redesign you for His purpose.  Stay focus, and know that the pressures and discomfort is because He is refashioning you to showcase Himself.  

Remember, you are the artwork of the Master Sculptor.  You are fashioned into the perfect likeness of Christ by design. You are not a mistake but a Masterpiece. You were inspected, and your flaws, scratches and other deformities were refashioned by the Potter.  You are now what He had imagined and planned- His Artwork, to be used for and by Him. 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel  

HYPOCRISY

HYPOCRISY 

Hypocrisy is defined as:

• The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretense, sham.
• The practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another

Hypocrisy develops characteristics of: 

• A Hypocrite - a person who indulges in hypocrisy; a pretender, deceiver or sanctimonious person.  
• A Plaster  Saint-  a person who makes a show of being without moral faults or human weakness, especially in a hypocritical way.

Hypocrites are blind to their own faults and failures. Hypocrisy also causes hypocrites to  be two-faced. They display a likeness or agreement in your presence, but they will immediately retaliate or encourage others to be rebellious. They are so blinded that they are acting out the very behavior they condemn.  They are a sham and very shallow minded, and give advice they won't take or practice themselves. 

The scripture gives a directive to hypocrites:

Matthew 7:5 (KJV) 

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

If you have a large beam in your eye, you cannot see clearly to remove the mote in your brothers eye. Your own beam may see the brother differently or measure him by your standards of imperfection and point of view because of your unclear vision. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HYPOCRISY DISTORTS VISION 

The scripture above makes it very clear that the board in your eye will prevent you from seeing the small speck in the eye of your brother.  You are in no position to judge or criticize another when you are doing the same or have faults of your own.  

It is important that you clear up your vision before you try to help others. Here's why:

• Your vision is distorted by your own failures.  
• You will jump to conclusion because of your own weakness
• You will judge others partially through your limited view
• You will be a Hypocrite or Plaster Saint

Here are a few things you should consider: 

• You must get rid of your own beam (faults) before tending to others
• You must treat others like you would like to be treated
• You should try to help your brother instead of criticizing and undermining 
• You must not worry or concentrate about the faults of others
• You must not be too quick to jump on the failures of others 
• You must not criticize the differences of others
• You must always view others in the light of love and grace
• You must not play a "holier-than-thou role but live the part
• You must give everyone a fair chance to express themselves
• You must respect the position of others 
• You must not be an initiator of gossip and confusion
• You must consider your ways and BE CHRISTLIKE

Remember, don't pick on others or jump to conclusion criticizing their faults when you have so many of your own and would not like to be treated the way you treat others.  Remove your beam so you can see clearly enough to help others in a non judgmental or critical manner.  Many are fighting the same battles you went through. Extend the same love and grace you have received from the Lord to others.  

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

UNASSIGNED BUSYNESS

BUSYNESS

Today many are going about their day as busybodies.  Unfortunately, many are engaged in mundane tasks that prevent them from actually doing the task assigned specifically to their qualifications or appointment.

Some do it blindly, some do not know how to say no, some feel if they don't do it, it won't get done, some feel no one can do it like them, some don't like to ask for help and others may not know how to organize or prioritize by importance.  

In any case, busyness in doing anything but your assigned task can lead to issues.  It can create setbacks, not meeting deadlines, not serving purpose and many other deficiencies or disasters.  

Busyness with other things than what you are assigned to do can affect your God given purpose.  It can rob you of many blessings to include promotions and advancements.  It can hide your skills and prevent others from seeing your worth and value.  It can also place you out of alignment from the will of God.  

Today, many are tired as a result of tasks that they have assumed and that was not assigned to them initially.  Take a look at what you have been called or assigned to do in all areas of your life.  Journal the answers to the following: 

• What's holding you back from serving your God assigned task or appointment?
• What are some of the things that creep into your day that you give attention to?
• What are your distractions? (source)
• What are the things that you have taken on that keep you busy? 
• What are some of the things that you can assign to someone else?
• Are you playing the role of superman or wonder woman?

As you write your answers, jot down also the things you can do to move you into fulfilling your assignment.  Allow God to show you His plans for your life and also be diligently focused on the areas you are appointed to serve.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  Serving Your Appointment

Today many are called to serve in various areas of ministry.  While there are situations where it is necessary to perform dual roles, one must serve in their assigned calling or appointment so that the work can be done effectively. 

Avoid busyness in the base things and be available and ready to the work you are called to do.  Watch out for time wasters!  

It is also important to review who is taking up your time- Are they tied to your appointment or assignment?  

You must also be consistent in your assignment.
Don't  let a temporary assignment become a full time job and don't treat your full time job as seasonal. 
Acts 6:4 (KJV) 

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Don't allow busyness to cause you to be a hindrance to growth.  Engage others and give them authority. A further read of Acts 6 will show you how when the work was delegated appropriately the word of God prospered, workers and membership increased and others submitted themselves to ministry.  

Remember, release yourself from mundane task, stick to your assigned task of praying, teaching, preaching and or ministering in the area that you are called or appointed to serve. Don't get too caught up in primary and trivial things.  Learn to assign and delegate tasks to other capable individuals.  Doing what God has called and appointed you to do will allow God's word to prosper and growth will be inevitable.    

God Bless you and Keep The Faith! 

Virtuous Jewel

TRUE LOVE

TRUE LOVE

There are many confessions of love

Some are made with conditions, some are made with exceptions while others are made through sacrifice.

True love is one of sacrifice and without gain. It is expressed before anything is given or any action performed.  

God showed true love by offering His son as a sacrifice while we were still sinners. He didn't require us to act or to give him anything before he did that. It was out of His genuine love for us that he put His love on the line even before we would be of any use to Him.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

One may understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and perhaps someone just might after much consideration die for a good man or cause. However, no one would risk their lives or die for someone who is not worth saving.

TODAY'S FOCUS: WORTHY OF SAVING

In the above scripture and comments it is obvious that humans would not be considered worthy of someone dying for them. They were ungodly, weak and rebellious.

You didn't deserve it, but He thought and knew you was worth saving-

Though you were not ready to be saved, He made the sacrifice through His love for you.

YOU ARE WORTHY- The provision for saving you was made through love.  If you are loaded with guilt, burdened by shame and compassed by sins,  you qualify and meet the criteria of His sacrificial love.

There is not greater love than a love of a friend who would give his life for you

John 15:13 (KJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus is a friend who has true love for you. A friend who knew and knows all about you and decided to die for you anyway. That sacrifice does not require a gift besides your acceptance and renewal. It was given as a remedy for your present condition.

Remember, God's love for sinners caused Him to make the sacrifice of offering up His son. He thought you was worth saving and did that before you came to knowledge of Him. His love is the base of the sacrifice. Now that He has saved you, let Him live through you to save others!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

ROOTED AND GROUNDED

ROOTED  

One meaning of the word is to be established deeply and firmly.  If something is rooted it is secured and fixed to something solid.  Because of this, it makes it grounded. 

To be rooted you must also know the origin and cause.  Knowing this will cause you to hope amidst difficulties and challenging circumstances.  

Daniel knew that long before he entered the lions den.  He was rooted and grounded so when faced with the threats of the lions he rested in His faith and security of God's protection and will for his life.  

The eternal extraordinary plan of God is even known and talked about by Angels- This should settle and ground you in His love.

Ephesians 3:10,17 (KJV) 
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

TODAY'S FOCUS:  KNOW THE ETERNAL PLAN

It is important to be grounded in the foundation and not on the surface.  Surfaces are attached, and therefore not rooted and can be easily be removed. You can stumble or fall off when the surface is lifted. However, if you are rooted and fixed to the unmovable foundation you will remain secured in times of adversity.  

In times past God did not share His plan with everyone.  The secret is out now. God has shared the eternal plan with all of His children.  Even the principalities of heaven know that the "Gentiles will have their full share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God’s sons; both are invited to belong to his Church, and all of God’s promises of mighty blessings through Christ apply to them both when they accept the Good News about Christ and what he has done for them."

When you are rooted and grounded you are not moved by threats, changes or the future, because you know the cause and origin of both your circumstances and Who has planted you. Know that you are planted in good soil through the word of faith. 

You do not need to check out the lions, think about if they are dangerous or if you will survive.  If you do, your faith is in the wrong thing.  Your faith should be in the foundation of the word that promises you that you will be protected and preserved.

Remember, let Christ be more and more at home in your hearts.  As you trust Him and know the security of your foundation, may your roots go down deep into the soil of His marvelous love.

God bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel