FLUSH OUT - DAY 18

TOXINS

One dictionary meaning for the word states

1. 1.

   an antigenic poison or venom of plant or animal origin, esp. one produced by or derived from microorganisms and causing disease when present at low concentration in the body.

It is said that Kidney Beans look like and provide nutrients to the human kidneys which also helps to detoxify sulfites.   

Today we pray for those who are affected with kidney disorders and other blood diseases.  Our prayer is that God will heal and bring wholeness. 

But even more so our prayer is that we will recognize the life style changes that are necessary to maintain optimum health.  We don't want to merely exist but have quality life while we are yet alive.  

It is important that we take care of our bodies especially in the areas that will affect our kidneys.  Here are some tips to maintain kidney health...

1. Limit the work on the kidney by making diet changes
2. Drink plenty of fluids
3. Eat Cleansing Foods (cabbage, red bell pepper, grapes, cranberries etc..)
4. Cut down on sodium, and protein
5. Keep your blood pressure at the target set by your health care provider
6. Control your blood glucose level
7. Be more physically active
8. Lose weight if you are overweight
9. Quit smoking
10. Have a spiritual connection and an active prayer life

IF YOU ARE HAVING KIDNEY PROBLEMS IT CAN ALSO BE AS A RESULT OF EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES.

TODAY'S FOCUS: FLUSH IT OUT!

The kidneys are responsible for removing waste from our bodies and also responsible for producing a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. It also plays a major role in delivering oxygen to our blood cells and it's malfunction can affect several areas of health and body functions.  

That being a fact, let's look at the spiritual side of this important organ.

The scripture talks of the reins, loins and heart.  In that respect what do we let inside of us?  How can we relate this to our spiritual system (the mind)?  

As you think and ponder engage in the following:

• What toxins are in your spirit? 
• What are the spiritual issues, emotional or even flesh issues are you dealing with?
• What thoughts do you entertain, engaged in or inhabited by?

Kidney disease can also be the result of a lack of balance nutrition and or adequate intake of water etc...

SPIRITUALLY THINK ABOUT

• What are you lacking in the spiritual aspect of this body function?  
• What should be done to prevent further damage?
• How should you avoid that will create havoc and produce toxins?

Every care should be taken to keep this organ functioning at its maximum both physically and spiritually to avoid "death."

Proverbs 23:16

King James Version (KJV)

16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

EAT RIGHT, SPEAK RIGHT THINK RIGHT!

GOD BLESS - KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

  

DAY 17 - FAT BONES WOW!!!

DAY 17 - Prayer Focus:  Bone Disease and Joint Pain

Most people want to lose weight, and fat is a word that people shy from because it's considered to be less becoming and unhealthy in most instances.   When we think of a bone we usually see a  lean, skinny, long out of shape picture etc...

The celery which is our food for today is in appearance like a bone and is rich in silicon and Vitamin K which are needed for healthy joints and bones. 

Today meditating on our scriptures from our celery meal chart we pray for all those afflicted but not limited to the areas listed: 

PHYSICAL  - Arthritis, Bone, joint, neck, back, spine, feet, knee pain

SPIRITUAL - Internal issues, things that hinder and keep us from moving forward and brokenness.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  MAKE MY BONES FAT

Isaiah 58:11

And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

As you focus on the above scripture let's get into a spiritual health dialogue.... 

We are constantly told to lose weight, get off extra fat, yet this prayer states that our bones will be made fat. 

• HOW CAN BONES GET FAT?

• ON THE CONTRARY WHAT BAD FAT CAUSES HURT TO OUR BONES?

• HOW CAN ONE TELL THE DIFFERENCE OF THE TWO?

In terms of brokenness (Share your story/experience or a scenario whether personal or otherwise to bring this discussion to life.  

WATCH OUT FOR BREAKAGE!   

                                                                                               

May He strengthen your joints and marrow, make your bones fat and you become a watered garden with a ceaseless flow in this season!

GOD BLESS - KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 16 - HEART HEALTH

HOW'S YOUR HEART

THE WORD OF GOD ASK US TO GUARD OUR HEARTS!\

Proverbs 4:23

King James Version (KJV)

23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Whether physical or spiritual we must take care of our Heart Health!

It is said that eating tomatoes help prevent heart disease as the inside of the tomato resembles the heart with it's chambers and rich red color.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HOW'S YOUR SPIRITUAL HEART HEALTH?

Hebrews 4:12

King James Version (KJV)

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Using the scalpel of the word in the scripture quoted let's do a Spiritual heart checkup?

1.  How's your pulse?

• Are you quick to judge, condemn, criticize, gossip or speak evil of others?

2.  Margaret Nagib states that there are 3 primary ways our spirits respond when spiritual health is compromised, How do you relate to them in terms of your Heart Health?

• A "Captive Spirit" - substance abuse, sex and pornography and other immoral thoughts, hatred, unforgiveness, lack of compassion etc...
• A "Slumbering Spirit" - self pity, lack of nurturing, abuse, trauma, repressed emotions or dissasociation from negative effects of life
• An "Orphan Spirit" - Wounds from deep feelings of emotional abandonment, fiercely independent, trust and relationship issues other scars and self inflicted wounds.

3.  How are your veins and arteries?

• What's clogging you up?  
• What baggage are you carrying?
• Who are you carrying?

 

As we look at such a deep subject and the questions posed above, we know and we can say most of our physical heart issues are matters of the heart.  

Let's use the scalpel apply the word of God and as our eyes of our understanding are being enlightened let's ask God for help and truly leave the matters of the heart up to Him.

Today, let God's word be your medicine.....

Heart Disease

Psalm 27:14
Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait,
I say, on the Lord.

Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalm 31:24
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

Proverbs 4:23
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

 KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 15 - EATING AND PRAYING TO HEALTH AND WHOLENESS

BLINDNESS 

CARROTS ARE GOOD FOR THE EYES
It is said a slice of carrot resembles the human eye and carrots helps protect the vision especially night vision.  

TODAY TAKE TIME OUT TO READ JOHN CHAPTER 9 AND READ THE MIRACLE OF THE BLIND MAN!

As we include carrots in our meal we pray for those who are afflicted with their physical sight/vision or other eye trouble applying the salve of Isaiah 35:5; Isaiah 42:7 and other scriptures.  

HOWEVER OUR MAIN FOCUS FOR TODAY'S DISCUSSION WILL BE EPHESIANS 1:18 - 21

Ephesians 1:18-21

King James Version (KJV)

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE EYE OF OUR UNDERSTANDING 

As you reflect on the scripture above giving special focus on verse 18 let's discuss the following as it relates to having our eyes enlightened.  

• What causes spiritual blindness?

• What are some of the spiritual deficiencies one can have if they are blind spiritually?

• What spiritual salve or application would you give to cure spiritual blindness?

• Do you have a story of your own whether physical or spiritual that God has done for you?

God Bless you as you eat and pray to your health and wellness and spiritual vision.  Join us as we pray today.

BE MADE WHOLE IN BODY AND SPIRIT IN JESUS NAME - AMEN AND AMEN!

KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY # 13 GOODNESS AND MERCY

GOODNESS AND MERCY

Psalm 23:6

New King James Version (NKJV)

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life;
And I will dwell[a] in the house of the Lord Forever.

Throughout the week you recognized the Lord as your shepherd, you laid down with Him in green pastures, as you were led by the still water your soul was restored, you were found in the paths of righteous, you walked through the valley of the shadow of death and were afraid of no evil because God was with you, both His rod and staff comforted you.  A table was prepared before you even in the presence of your enemies while he anointed your head with all until your cup ran over.  Today, the twin angels of GOODNESS and MERCY shall follow you all the days of your life so you can abide and dwell in God's house forever and ever!

TODAY CHOOSE TO DWELL IN GOD'S HOUSE! 

Visit us at # 7 Peter's Rest for a word on this journey from 9:30 am.  You can call into our bible study at 9:45 and listen to the word at 11:45 by calling our ministry line at 1-470-88 TWIGS (1-470-888-9447)

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE JOURNEY WITH THE SHEPHERD

As you reflect on the week's blog and the message of the Psalms, let's discuss how has God spoken to you in every verse?

1. His provisions
2. Being Led
3. Restoration
4. Fear
5. Enemies
6. Goodness and Mercy

Please keep your answers in a journal and have them handy when you are faced with circumstances that challenge you in these areas.

God Bless You!

KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

  

DAY 12 - HE PREPARES A TABLE

DOES THE ECONOMY DICTATE GOD'S FAITHFULNESS?  

PSALM 23: 5 (KJV) 

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Here's what this verse is saying to you:

1. God's provision is not limited to the economy, good weather, good seasons, good or unfavorable times.  He will provide and make a way even in the midst of your enemies, adversities, spiritual warfare and life circumstances.
2. He will cover and protect you.  His power, anointing and mercies are consistent.
3. He will give you abundance and overflowing streams of blessings even when you face these challenges.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR YOU LATELY

As you reflect on the above and the words of this familiar hymn,

When upon life billows you are tempest tossed

When you are discouraged thinking all is lost

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your blessings see what God has done

Count your blessings name them one by one

Count your many blessings see what God has done

Please take the opportunity to express yourself as we ask you to do the following exercises which will allow you to reflect on the power of His promise.

• Have you ever faced a crisis or situation that forced you to count on God's goodness?  Share your story - How did he show Himself to you?

• Can you find a scripture or two that assures you that:
• He preparest a table in the presence of your enemies
• He anoints your head with oil
• Your cup runneth over

Know that you have the victory for He has already overcome the world!

Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 11 - THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

OUR PRAYER

Psalm 23:2 Thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Today, I encourage you to face your fears, confront your fears and pray them with scripture.

2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV)

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Listen to my message as you focus on this verse and know that The Lord has triumph over death that you no longer have to live in that bondage.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WHAT'S YOUR FEAR?

To help you overcome your fear let's do a little homework and exercise.  This will keep your mind occupied and enable you to come up with some spiritual medication for your fears.

• What are your fears?  
• List your fears
• Find scriptures in the areas of your fear
• Confess them over your life
• Let go your fears to God either by destroying the list or letting them go in your spirit.

Isaiah 41:10

King James Version (KJV)

10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

1. Face your fear - Don't worry if you see the same fear creeping up again. Confront it with a friend or minister and apply the scriptures for that particular fear.  
2. PRAY - Have an active prayer life.  
3. Praise - Keep a positive and thankful spirit.  Fear and praise cannot exist together.
4. Help Others - Find someone you know who can benefit from this video and exercise and share it with them.  

IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU!

Remember to have faith and trust God.  

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 10 - RESTORE RENEW CLEANSE AND HEAL

THE SHEPHERD's TENDER CARE

Psalm 147:3 (KJV) (He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.)  Demonstrates the kindness and love of our shepherd.  

THE SHEPHERD WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU WOUNDED!

While the above statement is true are there some requirements?  

Let's look into our scripture focus for today and share your thoughts as to what does the Shepherd require.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  IS RESTORATION FOR EVERYONE? 

Psalm 23:3 King James Version (KJV)

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

PLEASE SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON: How is the soul restored?

• Why or when do you need your soul restored?

• Is there a connection between restoration righteousness? Why/Why not?

Focus today on what you need God to restore, renew cleanse and heal for yourself or for someone else by reading scriptures that reflect the promise to your need.

Remember just lie down and let Him lead you to the still waters (His word) so he can restore, renew, cleanse and heal you in all areas of your life.

HE IS THE GREAT SHEPHERD!

GOD BLESS - KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 9 DRYNESS AND DROUGHT

GREEN  PASTURES & STILL WATERS 

 Psalm 23:2 (KJV) He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.           
                                                                                                                                   
Reflect on the above picture and visualize the Lord as your Shepherd gently leading you to green pastures.  In your mind lie down picture yourself with the Shepherd letting go of all your cares, burdens and frustrations.  Allow your mind and heart to open up and trust Him to take care of every trouble, fear, doubt and unbelief, grief, pain, hurt, anxiety, guilt or any other personal concerns as issues.  Yes marinate in there, linger in His presence. Hush, Hush, Hush and listen to His voice let him nourish, feed you and give you His peace.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  DRIED UP AND THIRSTY

We are in a season of prosperity and blessing and it is declared that 2014 is the year of the double anointing.  As a matter of fact today is the first one.  01-14-14

WE EXPECT GOD'S BLESSINGS BUT IT IS NOT HAPPENING.  Let's Discuss:

• Share Your Story -Have you ever experience a season of dryness or drought?

• What causes dryness and drought that requires us to seek the Shepherd?

• What do you recommend that will keep you grazing in green pastures and staying near still waters?  

What is your request to the Shepherd today?

As you go through the day, listen for the voice of the Shepherd trying to get you to slow down, calm down and feed in green pastures in His presence.

God Bless and always remember to Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

                  

DAY #8 WEEK 2 - FASTING WITH THE SHEPHERD

A LOOK AT THE SHEPHERD'S PSALM

Psalm chapter 23 is a well known, prayed and used psalm.  It has been used in many applications. Use this guide as we focus on verse 1

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT

Prayer: Finances, debt cancellation, employment and other personal needs (transportation, housing etc...) 

Meal:  All meals from Daniel Fast guide

TODAY'S FOCUS: GOD'S BLESSINGS

Proverbs 10:22 King James Version (KJV)

22 The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it.
   
Reflecting on this scripture let's discuss:
(Please see how you can incorporate verse 1 of Psalm 23 in your answers)

• What do you think of the phrase, "I'm blessed and highly favored?" 

• Why are Christians so unhappy with the blessings they claim to have such as a car, home etc.. and are also heavily overwhelmed by debt anxiety and other negative fears?

• How does the blessing of the Lord make one rich? 

God Bless as we share inspire and dialogue.

KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel 

DAY 7 COMPLETION: LET'S BE HONEST

SEVEN (7) IS GOD'S NUMBER

We have completed one week of our Daniel Fast.  We have also had excellent success from our chain fasting.  We thank God for the Generals and prayer warriors that storm the throne room everyday pushing through and gaining the victory!

To ensure we receive the messages discussed daily list seven (7) things you take away in relation to cleansing and or lessons learn about the right attitude, motives and heart.  

WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.  WE ASK THAT YOU PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AND TAKEAWAYS IN OUR COMMENT SECTION OF THIS BLOG.  

TODAY'S FOCUS: LOOK AGAIN  (Psalm 51)

 Read Psalm 51 and review your notes or reflect on the fast for the past 6 days. 

Express how the book of Esther has impacted you and what areas did you to identify about yourself that needs work.  Ask….

1.  Is my attitude right?  

2.  Are my motives positioned properly?

3.  Is my heart right with God? 

4. Confess any sin or areas you have identified that needs strengthening and ask God to RENEW A RIGHT SPIRIT WITH YOU!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO GOD'S "DOUBLE ANOINTING" IN WEEK 2

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH - GOD BLESS!

Virtuous Jewel

DAY 6 - A MORDECAI HEART

RESULTS OF THE RIGHT MOTIVES

The final chapter of the book of Esther shows the result of a man whose attitude and motives were not selfish.

KJV 10 And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea.

2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?

3 For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Here are five things extracted from that chapter.  Can you list some others in comparison to Mordecai's former state as a result of him having the right motives?

1. Instead of his downcast state he was powerful and mighty
2. Instead of his destruction, he was promoted and advanced
3. His name was set in the book of records for future recognition
4. Instead of being in the gate, he was next to the king
5. From a common man and not liked to accepted by all

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A MORDECAI HEART

Reflecting on the last part of verse 3, "seeking the wealth of His people, and speaking peace to all his seed", can you see yourself with a Mordecai's heart?  ARE YOU...

Seeking Wealth of his people 

• After your promotion, advancement or blessing are you seeking wealth and opportunities for others?

Speaking peace to all their seed

• Are you extending the blessings or finding ways to speak peace to the children, or future generation of others?

Remember our pursuit for wealth should not be limited to our immediate family, but should be extended to everyone who we can bless and even to their seed.  Wow God - Thank You Jesus!

May God bless you as you marinate in the searching pointed out in this week's blogs and set your attitude, motives and heart aright.

Keep the faith!

Virtuous Jewel

CAN YOU? HOW CAN YOU? DAY 5

DO YOU RETREAT WHEN THE ENEMY IS DESTROYED OR DO YOU LOOK OUT FOR OTHERS?

Esther 8: 6

For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Esther could have easily moved on with her life with the king and the other royalties of the palace after Haman was destroyed. But the execution order to destroy her people was still active. 

She sought the king with tears to reverse the mischief and the plans to destroy them. One more time the king stretched out the golden scepter and she was able to petition for her people.  

Esther's motives were sincere and with her attitude in check she considered others even when she could simply move on because she was already the queen.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  ARE YOU IN A POSITION TO HELP? 

We live in a world and society today where it's "mind your own business", "me/myself/and I", "Keep your mouth shut" and "pretend you didn't see"

BUT....

CAN YOU... 
endure to see evil come upon your friends, family or others because you are in a better position?
feel because you're not directly affected you can continue your normal life?

HOW CAN YOU...

endure to see destruction of your kindred and sit back and do nothing to help?

keep quiet about a plot against your people?

After meditatively and honestly answering the above, let me ask you to think about:

• Is there a Mordecai that needs your help and you are reluctant or refusing to talk to the king about him?

• What about a colleague, church or family member, friend or maybe someone you don't really like that may be pressured, oppressed or taken advantaged of and you could do something but you are afraid to because you don't want to be bothered and don't want to risk your own position.

• What are your fears?

FINALLY....

• Would you risk your life like Esther?  Why or Why not?

Searching your heart is a good place to begin a spiritual exercise!

GOD BLESS! 

Virtuous Jewel

 

  

DAY 4 - SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET

A SLEEPLESS NIGHT

In Esther chapters 6 & 7 in the remarkable story of the king's sleepless night, the results of unchecked attitudes and wrong motives are largely displayed.  When Haman was asked what should be done for the man the king wants to honor His selfish skeleton showed up, thinking it was for him he suggested an elaborate reward.  

Can you imagine for a minute Haman running the streets honoring the man who he wants to kill?  Hmmnnnn.... Food for thought! 

TODAY'S FOCUS: CLOSET SEARCH

A look into the chapters reflect a few skeletons of Haman's that were discussed on our prayer line at noon:

1. Pride - Exalting himself and wanting reverence and bragging boastfully
2. Hatred - For Modecai and the Jews including the queen
3. Envy and Jealousy - Having to  tell his wife and friends how he dressed Modecai with the apparel and riding him on horseback through the streets 
4. Selfishness - Thinking in his heart that there was no other worthy of honor but himself
5. ___________ what else do you see in Haman's closet?

WHAT ABOUT YOUR CLOSET? Are there any skeletons?

On our fourth day of our fast ask yourself....

1. Are any of the above skeletons in the closet of my heart?
2. What other skeletons are lurking in the shadows ready to come out or exposed?
3. How can I get rid of the skeletons before they harvest the fruit from the seed planted?

Remember to be cleansed you must get rid of the things that affect your heart and relationship with God and others.  Let today be the day you do a thorough search of your closet and ask God to cleanse you with the washing of the blood of His son and renew a "right spirit" within you. By doing that your closet can be exposed at any time because you have confessed and forsaken that which affected you.    

Please share your thoughts on today's blog and or what stands out to you in the chapters regarding the skeletons that are hidden and left to breed and harvest among the camouflage of ulterior motives.   

God Bless -  KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

WHAT'S YOUR MOTIVE?

DO YOUR MOTIVES LINE UP WITH YOUR REQUESTS

Do you know that your motives can be out-of-line even when you want or attempt to do spiritual things?

Review the various requests in Esther Chapters 4 & 5 based on the following characters and analyze their motives. 

Mordecai - Renting his clothes and putting on sackcloth and ashes, going out into the city crying with a loud and a bitter cry to save His people

Maids & Chamberlains - Reporting information seen to Queen Esther

Esther - Proclaiming a fast for three days then going to the king with her plans

Haman - Telling his friends and his wife the glory of his riches and advancement above the princes; His special acknowledgement by Queen Esther then saying all that means nothing as long as he see Mordecai sitting at the king's gate.

Haman's friends and wife - Advising him to build a gallows to hang Mordecai

Today's Focus:  What's Your Motive?

We are told to possess, to build and to go forward, but do your motives add up to your dreams, desires and requests?  Let's discuss...

• What are you pursuing?

• What are your motives in acquiring them?

Let's also be careful that while we may seek to better ourselves that we may at times have to pursue for the benefit others.  

• Like Esther is your request for the benefit of someone/others?  
• Who and what will they gain from your "If I perish, I perish" pursuit?

DO A MOTIVE CHECK TODAY!

Even if it is your personal dreams/desires, may your motives be right and line up with goodly desires that will benefit the kingdom of God.  

God Bless and always remember to... KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

WHOSE HAT ARE YOU WEARING?

CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE

At this time of the year many people are making New Year's resolution, many churches are on various types of fasts and people are attempting to start the new year on a good foot.   

But unless we check our attitudes, we will be right back to square one when the novelty of the new year ends.  

As we focus on the book of Esther  chapters 1-3 let's take a look at a few characteristics that may hinder us from keeping our resolutions or may block our progress.  

King Ahasuerus - Showing off riches, goods and accomplishments, speaking about my achievements in my strength and give no glory to God; operate only under the influence of someone or something; can't handle rejection and no control of emotions such as anger, hatred etc...

Vashti - Defiant and disrespectful in front of others, complaining, non-compliant, resistant to orders including things that are beneficial to you like your health etc., conceited, selfish, very uncooperative. No one can get you to do anything, it's either your way or no way.

Memucan- Ready to execute the law, making assumptions, ready to make and enforce strict regimes making life difficult for others.

Kings Servants - Trouble makers and news carriers, seeking to show good face while deliberately aggravating others.

Haman - After you get promoted or elevated you feel you should be worshiped, you despise and scorn others for who or what they represent, have a very hateful revengeful deadly destructive spirit and scheme up plots to gain the "king's" favor. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

As you take a look at the above let's keep it real and dialogue on...

1. Do you see yourself guilty or wearing any of the five (5) hats? 
2. What are the symptoms that can indicate the presence of any of these characteristics?
3. Do you have a remedy or suggestion?

Psalms 51 is a must read to help bring restoration as verse 17 KJV states...

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  

Ask God to make you to hear joy and gladness!  

God bless you and always remember to KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel