NATIONAL CHALLENGE

THANKSGIVING - A NATIONAL HOLIDAY

Thanksgiving is a national holiday where most people celebrate with family and loved ones

How do you celebrate the holiday?

Here are a few questions to consider:

1. What does thanksgiving mean to you?
2. Are you selective in who you thank and who/what you are thankful for?
3. Are you so caught up with the turkey and trimmings, blessings and gifts, get-together and fellowship that you miss the real meaning or forget to give thanks?
4. Distance and schedule separate many and the gatherings are saved for Thanksgiving Day, but how is the communication in your family?
5. After Thanksgiving what? Is that the last time you see or hear from each other until next Thanksgiving or holiday?

Let's turn these questions spiritually?

1. What are you thankful to God for?
2. Are you thankful for the good things/times and not so thankful for the uncomfortable and not so good things (as in those family/friends you care for and not the ones you don't)?
3. Are you caught up with the blessings, gifts and fringe benefits that you don't see the Blesser and Giver of all things?
4. What's the thermostat of your communication with Him? (Hot, cold, lukewarm or has it been totally cut off)
5. When will He see or hear from you again? (perhaps next church season holiday service, wedding, funeral or next near fatal emergency or tragedy)

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GIVING THANKS ALWAYS IN ALL THINGS

Accept this National Challenge: 

Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Scripture states that all things work for the good to them that love the Lord and for them who are called to purpose.  Yet it is so easy to be thankful only when prayers are answered as you petitioned or when things turn out the way you plan.  However, when the outcome is not as expected, or the weather not as predicted, the temperature not as favorable, thanksgiving is reserved for the way we see, perceive and assumed to be as good.  

Assess your thanksgiving position is it consistent and in line with the scripture?

How alive and true is the scripture above to your daily experience both spiritually and naturally?

Can you truly give thanks for every thing and in all things?

Take an inventory and make a list of things in your life, gifts, blessings, family/friends, situations, challenges etc... have you given thanks for it all? If not do so now.  

Take the challenge 

Wake up each day with a thanksgiving spirit

Whatever life deals (whether good or bad) give thanks

Thank others when they have done you service or bestowed acts of benevolence

Thank in person whenever you can

Thank God and be thankful for even the request that are not yet answered

Remember, don't wait for Thanksgiving Day to connect with loved ones or with your Lord.  Make everyday a day of Thanksgiving.  

Give thanks for someone or something today!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

FAMILY MATTERS

YOU ARE A FAMILY MEMBER IF....

You have the same DNA, share the same mother, father or grandparents, children of siblings and or other family descendants/ancestors.  

Family is also extended in marriage.  Husbands, wives and in-laws!

Pointless to say, she is only a cousin or even just a distant cousin.  By the way..... 

COUSINS ARE STILL RELATED!  

Your mates relatives are also.... YOUR FAMILY!

Unresolved family issues are seen at funerals every day.  Harsh/angry spoken words, or perhaps unspoken words, lack of personal touch or  expressions of love are demonstrated in the screams of guilt and affections poured out on corpse and falls on deaf ears.  What's done done and cannot be fixed, mended or repaired by your tears of regrets then.  

It is the Father's Blest command to love one another - Take a look at this legendary hymn.

Angry words! O let them never, From the tongue unbridled slip,

May the heart’s best impulse ever, Check them ere they soil the lip.

Refrain

Love one another thus saith the Savior,

Children obey the Father’s blest command,

Love each other, love each other,’Tis the Father’s blest command.

Love is much too pure and holy, Friendship is too sacred far,

For a moment’s reckless folly, Thus to desolate and mar.

Angry words are lightly spoken, Bitterest thoughts are rashly stirred,

Brightest links of life are broken, By a single angry word.

TODAY'S FOCUS: FERVENT CHARITY

I am sure you know now that there is another group called family in which the whole family of heaven and earth is known - THE BODY OF CHRIST FAMILY!

How is your relationship with that family?

FAMILY ISSUES SHOULD BE DEALT WITH IN LOVE!

What is your take on the following scripture as it relates to both your natural and spiritual family?

1 Peter 4:8,9 (KJV)
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.Use hospitality one to another without grudging.  

Ephesians 3: 15-19 encourages us all to be strengthen with might by the inner man and be rooted and grounded in love that we may know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge that we may be filled with the fullness of God.

Today, I personally encourage you to stop the fighting, fussing hatred, jealousy, envy, backbiting and gossiping, competition and all other such likes. 

Family fellowships, encounters, interactions and reunions should be happy ones and should not end in bitterness.

Let's do this....

This thanksgiving make it a family matter to connect, correct and mend all family issues- then give thanks for your family.

Remember, family matters are matters of the heart because it affects the entire family. The family is referred to as the body. And like the body it is made up of many members so is the family.  Therefore, when one member suffers the whole body feels it.  So should it be with the family.  (1 Cor 12: 14-26)  A family member should not be deserted when they are hurt, wounded or fallen by the way, but like Christ we should have the heart of love and compassion, mercy and forgiveness to bring restoration and healing to the family.  

Life is..... short, fragile and a blessing.

Treat it with care and... HANDLE IT WITH PRAYER!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel

TAKE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR PROMISE

WHY THE HURRY?

Why do people hurry the process of things?  I am sure you can come come up with many reasons.  One of the biggest maybe is because we can't wait on timing and processes.  In today's world everything is instant, magical and quick.  Processes are too slow we want it now! 

The adventure of the story of Abraham is remarkable!  Take a tour through Genesis 15-17, 21 and reflect on the promise and how it was substituted.

Abraham was given a word directly from God but because both Sarah and himself looked at it in the natural as it related to their age and biological happenings/processes rather than the promised word they tried to hurry along the process and it cost them.  

Your promise can also be delayed when you substitute it, but the substitute can be a complicated, difficult and even emotional process.   As in Sarah's case when she used her handmaid, Hagar to make Ishmael.  

Although he was also blessed because he was of the seed of Abraham, Ismael was not the promise, but definitely a substitute because the seed was to come from Abraham and Sarah.  

You substitute can also haunt you - Reflect on Sarah and Hagar's relationship after Ishmael was conceived. (Genesis 16:4-6) The roles were reversed, and it made Sarah a bitter and hard woman.      

Truly it was a moment of regret for Sarah when she hurried along the promise she paid with her heart.  Today, God wants you to wait on His timing when he gives a promise! 

TODAY'S FOCUS: BUILDING ON A WORD OF PROMISE

Genesis 15: 1-6 (KJV)
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Here's something to think about...
God spoke to him when he thought it was the steward of his house and told him that it would come forth out of his own bowels.
Do you think Abraham forgot this word when he gave in to Sarah's request in Genesis 16:2?

Like Abraham.....                                               
Has God given you a word or promise?

What have you substituted for the promise?

Are you challenging God to bless or accept your substitute? (Genesis 17:18)

Here are some other points to consider from Chapter 17...

• The promise came with some changes 
• Abram was changed to Abraham - verse 5
• Sarai was changed to Sarah - verse 15
• Acceptance 
• The promise was in Isaac even though he was not yet born- verse 19, 21
• Obedience
• Everyone must be circumcised - verses 10-14, 23-27

IT'S TIME TO DETACH YOURSELF FROM THE SUBSTITUTES YOU HAVE SETTLED FOR!

Do you have any substitutes in your life?  

Take an inventory of your goods and possessions, positions, relationships, jobs, friend and environment and see whether there are any substitutes.  (Make a list)

Are all things in line with the word of promise or have you compromised with a substitute?

What about your spiritual life?  

Are you walking in the promise word or are you in a place where you have traded, or hurry along the promise by stepping outside of what He said to you?

Like Abraham.....

STOP AND LISTEN TO HIS VOICE!

• Don't compromise your position
• Don't be in a hurry to see it's fulfillment
• Wait on His timing
• Don't delay the promise 
• Don't doubt but believe

Remember, when God gives a word, He will do everything to bring it to pass.  He will move heaven and earth and make the impossible possible. Don't be in a hurry, don't rush the process and get yourself a substitute.  

Genesis 18:14 (KJV)

Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.  

Know that also, to make room for the promise you must cut off the substitute.  Wait on God's promise and timing for He is faithful that has promised. 

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV) - Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

POST ELECTION CHALLENGE

THE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Now that we have voted, I would like to see the campaign continue with prayer! Based on many comments I have heard and read, many people said, "God answered our prayers." So we must agree what started with prayer must continue with prayer! 

1 Timothy 2: 1-4 (KJV)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The last part of verse 2 spoke to me as I reflect on our community and what has been happening in our territory, country and nation. Could it just be that we have not done as we are encouraged to do? Well there's no use crying over spill milk, so we will take the opportunity to do right. So whether or not our candidate won we are exhorted by scripture to pray for all those in authority. It is to our benefit so we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

So the first response to the celebratory victory is prayer! Intercessory prayers and giving our thanks to God. 

We must intercede for our governors, senators and other officials asking God for His wisdom, knowledge and guidance. Yes, prayer is needed more so after the election so they can elect the right commissioners, assistants, board/cabinet members and other individuals and fill the necessary positions with the most qualified, honest and God fearing persons. More so instead of criticizing, complaining and engage in other negative behaviors let's pray for God's mercy upon their lives and their salvation.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? IT PLEASES GOD! (verse 3)

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A COMMITMENT TO PRAY

We cannot afford to leave our future up to chance. It's not the time to seek for campaign rewards or any other benefits. It is the time for prayer that our lives will be spent serving the Lord and doing good. In the end it all works together for good to them who love God and are called to His purpose. 

Let's pray and leave the outcome and results to our God.

Daniel 2:21 (KJV)
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Daniel 2:21 (TLB)
World events are under his control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom and scholars their intelligence.

LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN - I AM ON, ARE YOU?

If you accept this challenge, join us from today as we dedicate Wednesdays for prayer and 1/2 day fasting over the coming months for our leaders and all in authority including our church leaders. Unless otherwise noted our prayer line will be open from 12:00 noon.

CALL 1-470-88 TWIGS - 1-470-888-9447

Remember, it's to your benefit to pray for all men including your governor, president, senators, pastors, and all other officials.  It is God's will that all men be saved. Praying is your job, removing them, setting them up and saving them is God's. 

Take your responsibility of prayer seriously  

THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel 

FALLING IN LOVE

UNQUENCHABLE DESIRE

When one falls in love, they have an unquenchable desire.  It's like a thirst that is never satisfied.  You can never get enough of your lover.  You want to be with them every moment.  You spend every waking moment thinking of them and want to talk with them often for long periods of time.  

If this is the way love is expressed in the natural.  How do you suppose we should express or demonstrate it in the spiritual with the lover of our hearts and souls.  

Have you fallen in love with Jesus? 

• How do you really feel about Him?
• How do you express your love to Him?
• Is He a secret lover, night time or seasonal lover or is your love on display 24/7 for all to see?  (How is it evident)

Here's how some of the great men of scripture expressed their unquenchable desire:

Psalm 84:2 (KJV)

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God

Isaiah 26:9 (KJV)

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Song of Solomon 3:4 (KJV)

It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Today, make Jesus the Lover of your soul.   

TODAY'S FOCUS:  STAYING IN LOVE

In the scripture found in Solomon it gives a practical example of a love that one would appreciate in today's society.  If you found true, genuine love you would hold on to it, introduce it to the family and friends and definitely show it off.  

Love is pursued, preserved and maintained.

Therefore, it must be nurtured and nourished for it to bloom and remain long-lasting.

A detail review of Psalms 63: 1-8 reveals some things that must be done to preserve the love between you and the Lord.  

1. Rise early and seek Him 
2. Thirst and long for Him
3. Praise with Joyful Lips
4. Bless Him while you live
5. Meditate on Him 
6. Rejoice
7. Follow after Him

In what other ways can you preserve or maintain your love to the Lord?

In Psalms 42, the Psalmist makes a strong comparison when he states, 

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

And again in Psalm 143:6 (KJV) he writes,

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. 

What comparison (s) can you make of your love for the Lord? (make a list)

Are you desperate for Him to the point of tears? Psalms 42: 3 (KJV)

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Remember, just as important it is to pursue and fall in love you must maintain it. You must be desperate enough to go at all lengths to seek Him, find Him, please Him, spend time with Him, show Him off and hold on to Him.  He must be your everything. He wants all or nothing.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!  

Virtuous Jewel