SIMPLE ESSENTIALS PRAISE

GOD IS NEVER FAR AWAY

It is always easy to believe that God is close by when things are going well; but how do you feel when circumstances are not as you expected?  It may be that you are not as well as you want to be or perhaps you desire some things that you cannot afford.  Whatever the situation let me remind you that He is never ever far away.  

Look around you and you will see that He is all around you every moment.  He is in the air your breathe, in the steps you take, in the words you speak and in the very essence of your being.  All you have to do is seek Him, feel after Him and Find Him.  

Acts 17:27-28 (KJV)
That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

YOU KNOW HE IS NEAR WHEN YOU CAN...

Say Good Morning - Someone didn't wake up today!

Read This - That proves that you are not blind!

Move around - That shows that you have the use of your legs!

Talk - When you said Good Morning 

SO HOW ABOUT SOME PRAISE!!!!  GLORY - HALLELUJAH!!!!!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GOD'S GOODNESS IS IN THE SIMPLE AND ESSENTIAL THINGS

Sometimes we spend more time thinking of the things we need, don't have or what was done to us. Just the fact that we woke up, could see walk and talk should be enough to give a shout out to our faithful Daddy for life!

Let's think of some of the simple things that we can overlook that speaks of His goodness: Here are a couple of examples:

1. Being able to scratch yourself - Thankful for hands
2. Eat and Swallow - Thankful that you are not on a feeding tube

Can you make a list of a few more simple essentials that you can praise God for while you wait for your prayers to be answered, breakthroughs or blessings?

A lack of gratitude can be a setback.  As individuals you may hold back until someone shows their gratitude.  

While I understand that God's grace, mercy and love does not depend on us, a heart and attitude of gratitude is  still required of us. 

Remember, He is never far away.  He is also a Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.  Seek Him Happily and you will find that He is only a praise away.  The simple essentials can bring that on.  If you can be thankful and express gratitude for the things that you have you will enjoy the essence of life in its simplicity even if you have not yet received the things that you desire.  Know that the very things that you take for granted while complaining is a miracle to someone else.  

So get up everyday and Start your Day Right in Prayer and Praise!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

GOD IS DELIBERATE

A FRIENDLY REMINDER

Reading a dear Pastor Friends post today reminded me of a topic that is very dear to my heart.  I have held various sessions on the topic, and perhaps I have mentioned it in several of my blogs and most likely will continue to encourage myself and others.

I AM NOT A MISTAKE BUT A MASTERPIECE!  Not just any ordinary piece of work, but a special design, designed by the Master Artist Himself to make me extraordinary.

Every imperfection, every flaw and everything out of alignment were part of His perfect sketch to chose you and use you for purpose.  

HE USES THE FOOLISH AND THE FEEBLE.  You may ask, Why would he do that?  

Well here's the answer in 1 Corinthians 1:27 (KJV)

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

The Message Version puts it this way?
Isn’t it obvious that God deliberately chose men and women that the culture overlooks and exploits and abuses, chose these “nobodies” to expose the hollow pretensions of the “somebodies”?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A NOBODY CAN BE TURNED INTO SOMEBODY

HOW MANY NOBODIES YOU KNOW THAT HAVE TURNED INTO SOMEBODIES?

Let's name a few from scripture:

1. Joseph - From a slave, prisoner to the Governor
2. Moses - River baby with a stammer to lead and free God's people from bondage
3. Mary - Insignificant pheasant girl to the mother of the Christ child
4. Peter - Ordinary and unlearned fisherman to a disciple of Christ
5. Others.....

There are many who have fought for our country, made great inventions and have left a legacy that were from very humble, born and raised from very unfortunate conditions and those who where told they would never amount to anything have transformed and made a tremendous impact on our world and lifestyle.  

Can you think of some others in your community, church or family that will cause you to see the evidence of the above scripture?  

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Are you looking in the mirror on a constant basis at the "not so perfect" things about yourself? (Are you wishing your nose was smaller/straighter, eyes would not be slanted/crossed, feet not so large/toes and toenails in line, smile/teeth not crooked, hair straighter/longer, face and features more becoming etc.....) 

What about your thoughts about you?  (Are you saying things like, I'm stupid, unintelligent, uneducated, unstable, poor, broke, not good enough, too fat/skinny, no body love me because of my....., I'll never be anybody etc...)

What are your wishes? (I wish I was...., I wish I had..., I wish I could....)

STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS! God made a "UNIQUE" you!  That's why your hand print is different and designed to fit you and you alone.  There's no other you because you are special to God.  Just as every painting is different in one way or the other but special to the artist and designer so are you to the Master Creator, Designer and God of the universe.  

APPRECIATE YOUR UNIQUENESS TO OTHERS AND  EMBRACE YOUR ABILITY TO DO WHAT OTHERS CANNOT DO.  

BE THANKFUL FOR THE LIFE YOU HAVE AND SAY......

I AM THANKFUL THAT HE CHOSE ME WITH ALL MY FLAWS AND IMPERFECTIONS TO MAKE ME SOMEBODY OF VALUE AND WORTH!

Remember that God is deliberate in His choosing.  He doesn't look for the perfect, flawless person or most educated to perform a task, but He chooses the "foolish" and weak things to show His strength and power and to "expose the shallowness and pretentions of the somebodies."  Know also that, HE WILL PERFECT ALL THAT CONCERNS YOU! 

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

GOD IS A MULTIPLIER

A LESSON FROM THE WIDOW OF ZAREPHATH 

1 Kings 17: 13-16
And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.

For thus saith the Lord God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord sendeth rain upon the earth.

And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days.

And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the Lord, which he spake by Elijah.

It is at times very difficult when experiencing hardship to give of your limited supply. This powerful illustrative recount demonstrates the ability of God to multiply your resources when you follow a command.  

TODAY'S TOPIC:  TRUSTING GOD'S REQUEST

I am well aware that many have made merchandise of the house of God and people are weary of requests even prophetic ones of blessings and prosperity.  However as you reflect on the lesson from the biblical passage above there is evidence that we can trust the request of God through His servants.  

While many may believe that the days of miracles are over and God no longer speaks to His children that way anymore, they still invest and sacrifice their life earnings for natural things.  Many have suffered great losses as a result of their investments even those who appeared to be very promising and secured.   These investments are similar to God's requests.  It is a simple command to do this for that.   

You give up hard earn money to invest in stocks for a promised return

You invest in short term money market exchanges and other financial gains

You buy goods to flip for profit (not questioning the what ifs)

But would it be the same if God ask you to give up, your last or only.....?

What has God ask you to trust Him with today?  

Like Abraham, releasing your only Child?  

Your Job, giving up your position to serve Him in ministry or on a mission? 

Your financial treasures you have been saving for a rainy day or perhaps to purchase that home, car or....? 

ARE YOU WILLING TO RELEASE ALL THAT IS IN YOUR HAND FOR HIS CAUSE?

Today I ask that you think of the lesson of that widow.  You too can be a blessing even if it requires you giving your all - like the widow's mite.  God sees and knows all things.  He will not let one of His good promise fall to the ground.  For with what measure you mete it shall and will be measured to you again.  He is a rewarder  to the obedient and faithful.  He does not take and drain you, but He multiplies over and over and over and over again.  Hallelujah!

Remember, as you think on these things, be mindful also that you are not only trusting Him for a return, but only because you want to be obedient and trust Him as God.  Your attitude should be "even if" God I will trust you with what I have in my hand.  He is a multiplier.  Even when we reflect on creation, He took nothing and made the world.  He is a creator of life and all things, and therefore we can trust Him with whatever He asks.  He always gives back much more than what He requires of us.  

TRUST AND OBEY - HIS SOURCE NEVER RUNS DRY!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

HE REMAINS FAITHFUL

GOD IS FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISE

Where you ever promised something and the person who made the promise failed you?  

If your answer is yes, I know that you were probably very disappointed and may have been devastated especially if that promise was of great importance to you.  

Today, I would like to let you know that God is FAITHFUL to His promises, and it's not even contingent on whether you believe it or not. You may delay your timing or not allow it to be realized if you continue to doubt, but the fulfillment of what He has promised is a sure word and will come to pass because of His faithfulness.  2 Timothy 2:13.

When Sarah doubted what God said of her she laughed, and even helped God in the process because of her lack of patience, (and she could have avoided the challenges it presented), God still fulfilled His promise with the promised seed, Isaac.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  MAKE GOOD YOUR PROMISE (Honor Your Word)

1 Kings 8:56 (KJV)

Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

As you meditate on this scripture, note the statement, "there hath not failed one word of all His good promise."  Not one of all.  That meant that every promise He made with Moses He fulfilled.  That surely shows that God is honorable and a God to His word.

How about you?  Have you reneged on your promise that you made to God or with someone? 

In What way have you not kept your promise or word?  With the help of the following questions, (please feel free to add your own), let's do a soul search.  

1. Have you promised God that you will change something or change in an area of your life?
2. Did you promise Him that if He did this you will do that?
3. Did you promise that you would serve Him and follow Him?
4. Did you make a promise to someone that you have not or unwilling to fulfill?
5. Did you promise to participate in a church activity, support a ministry, show up to a function or volunteered for something and have not started or revoked your promise?
6. What about your promises to your children and family?
7. What about the promises you made to yourself (ie... exercising, eating healthy, getting an education or going back to school, pursuing a goal/business, getting rid of bad habits, influences etc....?
8. What have you promised to be faithful in....?

Are you doubting your ability or are you wavering? 

It is important to have faith.

Hebrews 10:23 (KJV)

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Remember, God is faithful, and while His faithfulness does not depend on our faith, we must have faith.  Today, you have been given a chance to make good on your promise for His mercies are new every morning. Reflect back on the questions and mirror where you have fallen short.   Be honest and have integrity.  A man of his word is considered honorable. Also remember don't run ahead of God, wait on His promise for He that promise will bring it to pass.   

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel 

THE WORD OF GOD

DESCRIBING THE WORD

How would you describe the word in Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)?

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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.

List the two functions of its designed from that scripture?

What other description can you give to the word of God? 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE WORD IS PROFITABLE

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Let's disucss your take on this scripture: 

What you think of all scripture is given by the inspiration of God?

• Does that mean that all scripture is for us or......?

What are the applications to the following? (give examples)

• Profitable for doctrine
• Reproof
• Correction
• Instruction in righteousness

Can the word and or its application be used inappropriately or is all word "doctrine"?  (give your full explanation with examples)

Remember the word of God is very powerful and can be piercing and discerns our thoughts and hearts.  It's in the word we receive counsel and instruction for righteousness.  It is important that we understand the purpose of the word and use the applications appropriately for profitability.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

THERE IS ONLY ONE SAVIOR

DON'T BE ANOTHER PERSON'S MESSIAH!

What do you think of this statement by Oswald Chambers?

"If you become a necessity to a soul, you are out of God's order."

Isaiah 43:11 (KJV)
I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour.

Are there any other scriptures you can apply to the topic or statement?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  FRIENDS OF THE BRIDEGROOM

We are called to be friends of the bridegroom and must be loyal to Christ.  

It is your responsibility to be a friend and a friend does not steal the position of the bridegroom.  You can sabotage the process or prevent growth if you step out of bonds.  

You must allow people to to be solely dependent on Christ.  It can be tempting to move in the flesh as though you have all the answers, but you must remember you are a friend and not the bridegroom.  

God's timing is not always your timing.  Sometimes you can give false hope to others if you cross over and do not remain in your league.  

In our study of Unwinding graveclothes we read that, "God has always been more interested in shaping the character of His children than simply providing them comfort."  

There are many people who are in your life or ministry who you may feel depend on you and sometimes you may feel that if you're not involved nothing happens.  As you reflect on individual(s) or situation,

Here are some questions to consider....

• Have you exchanged places with the bridegroom (Messiah)?
• Are you preventing the growth of the individual or situation?
• Are you sabotaging the process, experience or lesson?
• How loyal are you to the bridgegroom?
• What can you do to win off a needy person?

Remember to overcome the fixer in you, you must recognize that there is only one Savior and it's not you.  You must also be loyal to the Bridegroom by not trading places with Him but remainas a true friend, giving support and guidance but not being another person's messiah.  A friend rejoices with Him and is filled with joy at His success.  John 3:29 (TLB)

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

LIMITED YOU LIMITLESS GOD

YOU ARE LIMITED

Our lives are often filled with tight schedules, great demands and deadlines. Everything seem to be a matter of priorities.  We do so much but yet still accomplish little.  

We are limited to 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 12 months in a year.  We schedule things way above the hours allowed in a day and set goals far beyond our abilities and resources. Other times we are very distracted and lose our focus within the allotted time.  

It is so easy to complain and blame others for our lack of accomplishment.  However, acknowledging our limits will bring us to consciousness of where our strength ends and God's strength begins.  

Isaiah 26:4 (KJV)

Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength:

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT

The Apostle Paul understood this when he penned this well known scripture and when applied appropriately especially in faith makes a world of a difference.  

2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Let's take a look at this song, "His Strength Is Perfect"

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

But sometimes I wonder what he can do through me

No great success to show No glory of my own

Yet in my weakness he is there to let me know

[CHORUS:]

His strength is perfect when our strength is gone

He'll carry us when we can't carry on

Raised in his power the weak becomes strong

His strength is perfect, His strength is perfect

We can only know that power that he holds

When we truly see how deep our weakness goes

His strength in us begins When ours comes to an end

He hears our humble cry and proves again

What are your thoughts to the following lines

1. What can He do through you?
2. How does the weak become strong?
3. His strength begins when ours comes to an end?

Personalize this scripture to your current situation recognizing your weakness and acknowledging His strength.

Philippians 4:13 (KJV)

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Remember, that though you are limited to time and circumstances, God is all powerful and limitless!  Don't cast blame when you do not accomplish the things you would love to have accomplish within an allotted time, but understand that you can do all things through Christ.  Plan, schedule and prioritize and allow God to work through your circumstances to accomplish things through you.  His strength is so perfect.

God Bless you and keep the faith!

Virtuous Jewel