ONE HEART AND ONE SOUL

GREAT POWER AND GREAT GRACE

Acts 4:32, 33 (KJV)
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
  
Note that this was as a result of oneness - One heart and one soul.  Therefore, it is very important that we understand that unity is strength.

It started with the disciples being in one accord in one place waiting and tarrying together. Throughout the entire book of Acts we see powerful signs and wonders as a result of them being together.  Not just in one place in the physical sense, but being together in the unity and bond of the spirit.  (Take time to read through Acts and see the result of their oneness of fellowship and spiritual undertakings)

TODAY'S FOCUS:  ALL THINGS IN COMMON

As you reflect of the above I would like us to discuss the following:

• What is your understanding of "All things common"?
• What is your understanding of the term, "one heart one soul"?

As you define the above...

• What can we do to experience the results of the apostles and early church?
• What will you do to make that change?

Remember, to reap the results of great power and great grace, the emphasis must be on having ALL THINGS IN COMMON!

Rehearse the following scripture in your thoughts and mind today.  Let it minister and bring you to the consciousness of its true meaning and make an impact in your church.  Change begins with each one of you - one person at a time. 

Acts 2:44 (KJV) 

And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

God Bless you and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

HOST OR HOSTAGE

CHOOSE YOUR STATUS

HOST

       1. a person who receives or entertains other people as guests. (hostess/entertainer)

1. 
   
2. verb - Act as host at or for - give, have, hold, throw, put on, provide arrange or organize store (a website or other data) on a server or other computer so that it can be accessed

1. 
   

HOSTAGE

1. a person given to or held by a person, organization, etc, as a security or pledge or for ransom, release, exchange for prisoners, etc

2. the state of being held as a hostage

3. any security or pledge

4. to place oneself in a position in which misfortune may strike through the loss of what one values most

You have the ability to host, entertain and hold on to good thoughts.  You can arrange and organize them in line with the word of God.  As a host you have the right to throw out any unwanted guest.  

However, if you choose to be held as a hostage by your thoughts, you will be held as a security and place yourself in a position for misfortune and loss.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  CHOOSE THIS DAY

Are you letting the devil make the choice or are you making the choice today.  

The Choice you make determines if you will be a host or held as a hostage.  

Philippians 2:5 (KJV) 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

• What does the word "Let" means to you?
• What mind was in Christ Jesus?
• How can you let the mind of Christ be in you?
• What will be the result of a Christ like mind?

REMEMBER YOUR CHOICE WILL DETERMINE YOUR VICTORY OR DEFEAT!         You have the authority and permission to take every thought captive and bring them to the obedience of Christ.  

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel 

MANAGE YOUR MIND

YOU HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST

Struggling with negative or sinful thoughts? 

1 Corinthians 2:16 (KJV)

For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but we have the mind of Christ.

YOU MUST MANAGE AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR THOUGHTS!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GOVERNED BY THE SPIRIT

The mind governed by the Spirit of God yields life and peace.  Romans 8:6

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (KJV)

(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Lets's Discuss:

• How is one governed by the flesh?
• How do you know that you are governed by the Spirit?
• What are strong holds?
• What weapons can you use to fight against negative and bad thoughts?
• How can you bring your thoughts into captivity?

What thoughts are you controlled by today?

1. Google and look up scriptures that speaks about them
2. Cast them down and bring them into captivity
3. Exchange them for the scripture that speaks about them
4. Use the five Rs above to manage them
5. Fill your mind with God's word and affirm the scriptures daily

Remember avoid the perils of self talk.  Take every thought captive and bring them to the obedience of Christ.  Finally think of thoughts that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; and only if there be any virtue and praise think of them.  (Philippians 4:8) 

Know that God will keep you in perfect peace if your mind is stayed on Him.   

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

BONE-WEARY EXHAUSTION

GOING OUT OF THE WAY MINISTRY

Are you weary with the demands of ministry that you struggle in balancing your life?

Are you personally experiencing heartaches and difficulties yet many seek out your help?

Here is some great news for you -

JESUS UNDERSTANDS AND HAS BEEN THERE!

He lost his cousin John the baptist who was beheaded in prison and was weary healing, delivering and feeding the multitude.  When the evening came He wanted to be alone with His father so He could find comfort  and ease His exhaustion.  Yet the multitude sought Him out.  The disciples even asked if they should send them away. 

Let's see what the scripture says..... Hebrews 4:15 Version (KJV)
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

TODAY'S FOCUS: MOVING PAST YOUR NEEDINESS

There are times we must move past our own needs to comfort, pray for, deliver, listen and minister to others.  Many times you may even have the very need that others are asking you to assist them with.  

Let's discuss and give thought to the following:

• What are you struggling with today?
• Are you called out in your weariness to minister?
• How do you respond - Is it out of duty or compassion? (explain)
• How is your emotional balance when you are weary?
• How do you put self aside to minister out of your own need?
• What sacrifices you may have to make?

These and other challenges come to many of us especially leaders as we face our own weariness. What do you do when that happens?  Do you reach out or seek to find a place to hide and just want to be alone?

Tired, frustrated, weary? This song comes to mind...

ARE YOU WEARY ARE YOU HEAVY HEARTED - TELL IT TO JESUS... ALONE!

Remember, Jesus did not respond out of duty but out of compassion even when He had His own need and was bone-weary exhausted.  Knowing that He can identify with our feeling of weariness let us put self aside and move past our own neediness to serve and minister to others.  Every sacrifice has its reward.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

Your Life Your Message

SPEECHLESS MESSAGE

The saying, "Action speaks louder than words", is scriptural.  

The Apostle Paul states that we are examples of Christ and that out of our lives sounds the word of God.  Even our faith to God is spread without us saying a single word.  

It is obvious that we are a speechless message to the lost and discouraged, broken, oppressed and hopeless.  

1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 (KJV)

And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  SOUND OUT THE WORD IN SILENCE

Do you know that your life maybe the only bible that many people may have an opportunity to read?  You can send a good or bad message without saying a word.  

If the bible was abandoned or if there was no bible for some to read....

• Can others read and see Christ in you by the way you live?
• Would you make a good first and lasting impression that others would want to know Christ?
• Do others know that you are a follower of God by your life or by your words?
• How can you sound out the word of the Lord without speaking?
• How can you faith be demonstrated and spread abroad withing saying anything?

Think of someone you know whose life represents or have represented the message in the scripture quoted above: How have their life impacted you or others?

What's your story? (Share your experience of how someone was drawn to Christ by observing you)

REMEMBER, YOU MAY BE THE ONLY CHANCE OTHERS MIGHT GET TO KNOW GOD!

You do not need to speak any thing, but by the life you live you can sound the word.  

BE A SPEECHLESS MESSAGE!

GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

TWO IMMUTABLE THINGS

A PROMISE AND AN OATH

God has bound Himself by an oath and a promise and is unchangeable.  His oath is also irrevocable.  Because of this we can take refuge and have hope.  

Read carefully Hebrews 6:17-20 (KJV) and receive the promise made to you...
17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;


TODAY'S FOCUS:  YOU ARE AN HEIR

The scripture above includes us as heirs to the promise of an unchangeable God.

• What things are mentioned for you in the scripture?
• What roles do you see that God play?
• Have you doubted God's promise that you are an heir?  (why/why not)
• How are you made an heir?
• What other promises are written for you in scripture?

I challenge you to research the scriptures and see the many promises that God has written for you.  Write them down, memorize them and apply them to your situation.  

Remember God made a promise and an oath.  And since He is a unchangeable and a God that will not lie you can have a strong consolation, refuge and hope.  Hallelujah!

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

Virtuous Jewel

I KNOW WHO I AM

IDENTITY CRISIS

Today many people are experiencing difficulties because they have not identified who they are.  Not just who they are physically, mentally and emotionally, but whose they are and who God says they are.  

As a result many suffer and are in bondage to their fears, past and or circumstances.

Struggling with your identity as a Woman or want to know who you are?  

JOIN US AT OUR WOMEN'S IDENTITY CONFERENCE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2014 TO SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2014 

Tamarind Reef Resort, St. Croix U. S. Virgin Islands for an encounter of change 

REGISTRATION IS OPEN.......

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND TODAY!

See attached flyer for details.  Email us or call us at (340) 643-8423

 

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)

 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Remember to walk in God's favor and receive your inheritance you must know who and whose you are!  Register today so you can walk in power, and have a life of favor and say, I KNOW WHO I AM!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

COMPASSION, MERCY AND TRUTH

OUR GOD IS GRACIOUS

Do you see God as a God who loves you but measures you with impossible standards?

Do you see Him as a strict father or teacher just waiting to correct you?

Do you see Him waiting to judge your every mistake and fault?

Today God confirms His word that He is a God of compassion, mercy and truth.

Psalm 86:15 (KJV)
But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.

While this does not give us a license to live ungodly and unrighteous, know that God's love is UNCONDITIONAL!  Pray the above scripture to yourself today.

TODAY'S FOCUS: A LOVING GOD

Here's What the word is saying....

1. He is a God full of Compassion
2. He is gracious and long suffering
3. He is plenteous in mercy and truth

Looking through your life's journey let's discuss...

• How do you see God as a teacher and father?
• Do you feel that you have or are being punished by God? (How/Why)
• Do you feel that God has not forgiven you or hold things you've done against you?
• Are you convinced of His unconditional love?
• Are you secured or struggling with insecurities? (what are they)
• Are you disappointed or feeling hopeless?
• Are you comparing yourself against others and or non-scriptural standards?

Knowing the truth about what God says about you and your circumstances will set you free.  Read John 8: 32 and gird yourself with God's truth.

Remember He is a gracious God and is abundant in mercy and truth.  Don't measure yourself against anything outside of His truth.  What He says about you matters, not what others say, dictate or feel.  Speak truth to yourself!

God Bless - KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

FRESH MERCIES

GREAT IS HIS FAITHFULNESS

Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

BECAUSE OF GOD'S FAITHFULNESS YOU GET A NEW CHANCE AT LIFE EVERYDAY!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  START OVER

Won't you just love to start over and forget all of yesterday's mistakes, failures, hurt, pain and all the wrong things that you have ever committed?

GUESS WHAT?  YOU CAN!  

Here are three (3) reasons why you can from the above scripture:

1. God's mercies are new every morning
2. His compassion fail not
3. Great is His faithfulness

Absorbing these three reasons in your spirit imagine that you have a chance to...

1. Erase your yesterdays
2. Have a clean page to start your life over

WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH TODAY?  

Think about:

• The things you want to accomplish
• The dreams and goals you have 
• The plans God has for your life
• Others who depend and count on you
• Your purpose, calling and ministry
• .........

Remember, Don't let yourself or anyone hold you hostage in your past.  God has given you a new day - IT CALLED TODAY!  Leave your mistakes in yesterday and focus only on today - everyday.  

God Bless and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

LORD PLEASE SHUT THE DOOR

GOD SHUTS THE DOOR

Many times we question why some doors are shut for us, but what if God is trying to shield or protect us from something.  

Often times our prayer should be, Lord please shut the door instead of Lord open the door!

Genesis 7:16 (KJV)

And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the Lord shut him in.

Can you imagine Noah inside with the stench of the animals, no ventilation, for 40 days?  

Can you imagine what would happen if he had open the door?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A LOOK AT SOME DOORS

Reflecting or thinking on your experience or knowledge what damage or things that can come from the following: 

1. The back door where thieves can come in
2. The side door where unwanted guest can peak or sneak through
3. The laundry door where visitors can see my shame and nakedness
4. The front door where intruders, bugs, and the public can come in as they feel

Do you have a personal story you want to share on a door that was a blessing because it was closed?  

Remember, not every door that has been open is an opportunity for you, and a door that has been shut may just be for your protection and safety.  

God Bless and remember to keep the faith!

Virtuous Jewel