WELL EXECUTED PLAN

GOD'S ETERNAL PLAN IS EXECUTED IN CHRIST JESUS

Far too many people live in a state of hopelessness not knowing what belongs to them, worse yet whose they are.  They could have come into an inheritance,  but if they are not aware of it they can still walk in lack and want because it is not revealed or executed.  

Ephesians 3:6, 11 (KJV)

That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

The plan includes His Grace to all!

It has a "no exclusion" policy.  It is not for one nationality and not for the other. 

The plan has already been executed!

In Christ Jesus our Lord through His death.

God's plan is well executed.  He made the provisions, and allowed His only begotten son to execute it.  We must understand and believe that it is already done. 

Live it - Experience It!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN

The plan was a mystery, "which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets."

Since the mystery has been lifted it is important to understand that everyone of you can be fellow-heirs, and can participate in the promise.  There is no more a separation, and the Gentiles can now enjoy the promise.  

Let's discuss...

• What are some of the promises that are promised under the plan?
• Are there any conditions or contingencies?
• How are they received?
• What is the duration time for the benefits?
• How do you feel about the plan and how have you received or benefited from the promises?  (Describe in a short summary)

Remember, that through the gospel the Gentiles are now heirs together with Israel. The administration of the plan includes everyone equally.  All are members of one body and share together and in common all the promises that are in Christ Jesus. The mystery revealed by the Spirit of God enables each one of you to benefit in the fullness of God's grace once you accept and believe it.  

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

RENOVATIONS NEEDED

REPLACING THE FLOOR

I would like to share a recent experience we had renovating the floors at our Outreach House in preparation for our grand opening....

The vinyl tiles were broken and our first thoughts were to get some matching ones or if not something close to blend with the ones that were there.  After some investigation we realize that just putting new ones would not be enough.  For not only were many of the ones that were good were loose and fragile and would soon be broken, but under the surface was water, muck from the glue and other not so pleasant things.  After analyzing the whole situation we decided to replace the entire floor not just with the same vinyl tiles but with ceramic ones.  

To do that there were some corrective measures to be taken to lay the new tiles and to avoid the re-occurrence of future problems.  The vinyl tiles had to be peeled, floor needed to be scraped to remove the glue and grime, floor also had to be leveled and in some areas needed to be filled and brought up to the level.  

To place the new tiles there were also some decisions to be made.  The choice, design and color, measurements to determine how many and all the other things needed to install them were weighed against the cost and our budget.  The process was messy and tough. Hours were spent peeling, chipping, scraping, cutting and shaping to fit the size, filling and applying pressure were some of the things they had to endure.  What a task that was. However, the peeling, scrapping and other parts of the process were very important and necessary to the renovation so that the new tiles could be properly attached in order to settle.  At last the process was completed and the renovation made it a brand new floor.

What about you?  Have you ever experience a renovation process - personally or spiritually?

TODAY'S FOCUS: RENOVATION BY THE MASTER RENOVATOR

Here's a nugget from the conclusion of Chapter 3 of our journey- For Such A Time As This.....

"Sometimes He decides that the  renovation of our lives, from the inside out,will be so severe that we'll certainly have to move out of our comfort zone.  He may want to deal with our physical bodies.  He may want to motivate us intellectually.  He may have new spiritual lessons for us to learn.  But when the Master Renovator shows up for work, watch out!  God is in the process of making you what He wants you to be-body, mind, and spirit.  He has created you to be a woman of excellence.  You are an adornment to His royal court.  You are becoming a beautiful jewel in His crown-" "for such a time as this"  Priscilla Shirer- A Jewel in His Crown page 64/65)

THE SEVERITY OF A RENOVATION IS DETERMINED BY THE NEED OR DAMAGE

• Are you spiritually in need of renovation?
• Which one is it for you? (need or damage give details)
• What would it entail? (what would you have to throw away, remove, replace etc..)
• Have you ever had a spiritual renovation? (share your story)
• How do you see the finish product/or what was the end result of the renovation?

Whether it is physically, intellectually or spiritually renovation is important for growth, development and or ministry.    

Remember, the "spiritual you" just like your home, car or other material possessions needs to be renovated. It may take some chastening, scraping and peeling from things that are underlining in your spirit.  Like the renovation of the Outreach house above unless you look under the surface, analyze and diagnose you may miss the root cause, and if not taken care of it may cause more harm than good. Endure the process it will work out for your good and God's glory! 

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

GRAND OPENING

WE ARE EXTENDING OUR MINISTRY AND ARE...EXCITED EXCITED EXCITED!!!

We are inviting you to REACH out with us at our Grand Opening on Thursday, May 7th, 2015 at 11:00 AM (See Flyers attached - please feel free to print and SHARE!)

The need to empower our women is growing beyond our financial abilities and our passion to continue on the vision of TWIGS (Teaching Women In God Service) to become Jewels in His Crown) has taken off to the next level. In the past all of our financial support have come from our limited resources. We are now extending to be able to fully realize our vision to reach the women and families within our community and BEYOND! (More details at our grand opening and brochure)

Our Outreach House is focused on three categories and represented by the women from our three houses- THRIFT GIFTS & MORE!

Orange Woman for Identity (Thrift - Appearance clothing....)

Purple Woman for talents and abilities (Gifts -special occasions, inspirational....)

Yellow Woman for Community/Ministry (More - Outreach, Prayer, empowerment....)

Hours of Operation will be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM weekly and every Second Sunday of the Month.

We solicit your prayers and financial support to help us build bridges and permanently REACH (Restore, Empower, Appreciate, Counsel and bring Hope to the lives of many by the help of God!

IT'S TIME TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

WE TAKE THE CHALLENGE - WILL YOU HELP US?

We built our tag line on Jesus' greatest two commandments - Matthew 22:37-39

LOVE MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN THE ATMOSPHERE!

(Directions: From the Frederiksted Stop Light go straight on Queen Mary's Highway past the gas station keep going and you will see us on your left hand side where Joe Phillip's Auto part used to be and the parts shop before Claude O Markoe School)

PLEASE SHARE OUR FLYER AND POST with your family and friends!

IT'S A GREAT BEGINNING TO GREATER AND EXCELLENCE!!!!

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SHARING TODAY'S POST

WRONG OR RIGHT MOTIVES

Does it really Matter? Hmmnn?

DISCLAIMER - This post is not personalized but brought as an awareness from an early morning word AND NOT to confront truth and error. Therefore, I would appreciate that no comments be made to or about anyone or group specifically, but let everyone examine His/Her self as the shoe fits - OUCH IT and REPENT!

Way too much time is spent concentrating on what other people are doing especially as it relates to ministry. Hours of wasted time spent on who's doing what, who's has what title, who should be pastor, or who shouldn't, who's making money, etc., etc...

The sad part about the matter is that THE CRITICS ARE DOING NOTHING to save a soul!

There are far too many finger pointing, Sadducee/Pharisee, better and holier than thou, my church bigger, my Pastor more...., Our choir sing better, they don't have the truth....., I am better than...., etc... etc... etc.... folks; Some even claim God's church and people to be theirs by saying , my church, my ministry, my this and my that! (Not saying don't take responsibility but selfish/prideful ownership of members)

The craziest part and scary part is that the world is dying, our personal family and loved ones are not saved but yet many stand as judge, juror and executor to other people, their children, church, ministry etc...

STOP!!!!

It's time to get off the gossip, fault finding, past digging, hypocrite, negative, criticizing, judgmental, evil, wicked spirited, no good motive, slandering, assassinating, envy, jealous, lying, hatred, unforgiving, disrespecting, no loyalty, condemning.... (add yours here), BUSES!

Go back to the word, in Galatians 6:1 (look it up) self check and ask yourself:
How did God dealt with me when I........
How would I feel if treated how I am treating ____?
Would Jesus do it this way?
What are your motives and what do you hope to gain? (Are they spiritual?)

Apostle Paul has a word for us today in Philippians 1:15-18
Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

IT'S TURN AROUND THURSDAY 
A time to reflect and make some adjustments. Reflect on the scripture above and check your motives for the defense of the gospel. Learn to pray for others who are different from you or your beliefs.

Guilty? Ask the Lord to reveal all areas, and seek His forgiveness. Rejoice that others are reaching the lost and lives are being changed.

Remember, Do your part - Learn to love. God will take care of His business!

Written from a place of awareness and obedience - All in love!

Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

PREPARING OTHERS

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

Most people get comfortable when they get to a plateau in their lives.  Goals are set and you get comfortable, but many times the dream has not been fulfilled. In some instances you get tired and discouraged by the length of time or finance it take for it to materialize so you settle and the dream dies.

Like a treasure hunt, the process is performed step by step.  Following the clues at each step determines the outcome.  

Elijah was asked to take some specific actions after he heard the still small voice.

Based on Elijah's fear and emotional experience, how do you think He felt about the message?  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  TAKE POSITIVE ACTION

Here's a word from Elijah's story...

1 Kings 19:16 (KJV) And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. 

Take some time and reflect on the entire story in 1 Kings 19, and concentrating on verses 15,16 for today's topic let's discuss the following:

• How are you preparing and empowering the next generation? 
• Who have you identified to take your place? (do they have skills or teachable)
• Can you retire because you have trained someone? (give details)
• Are you killing the dream when you die or are you taking the secret or recipe to your grave?

God gave specific instructions to Elijah, but he could only take action after he heard from God for himself.  He had to be attentive to the details for each clue was important to the process.  He was given the route he should take, which individuals where identified for each position and how he should go about doing it.   

How about mapping your future right now.  Let's do an action map whether it is for your present goals or retirement plans.  (personal/business/spiritual ministry) 

1. Begin by writing down your dream, vision or mission (be specific)
2. Ask who, what, when etc..
3. List the names of the individuals to be involved
4. List the steps to the process
5. Take action

Remember, the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and all things must be planned in accordance with His will.  So go ahead write the vision and make it plain.  The Lord has plans to prosper you, however, don't forget to leave a legacy.  Teach the trade, share the word, anoint, appoint and identify the next and the next to the generations to come. 

Thank you for posting your comments and sharing our posts with others.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

THE REAL CAUSE

THE BLAME GAME

Often times when one is caught in a compromising position it is so easy to pin blame on someone else for your actions.  Take a look at the scripture below:

Genesis 3:11-13 (KJV)

And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
And the Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.  

Adam was caught naked and was asked, "who told thee that thou wast naked? Did you do what I told you not to do?  Immediately he release himself from the responsibility of his actions. Notice also how the chain of blame continued.

Adam blamed the woman, and the woman blamed the serpent. 

They didn't realize that each one, while they may have been enticed or influenced by an offer, made the choice themselves.  They could have said, No Thanks.

Just for thought, who could the serpent blame? Hmmnnn?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  TAKING FULL RESPONSIBILITY

In our study in 1 Kings 19 Elijah takes us through the same trend when he was asked by God, "What doest thou here, Elijah?"  

Let's focus on his response: 

(1 Kings 19:14 KJV)

And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. What doest thou here, Elijah?

In this case Elijah began telling God, like a child who was caught red-handed and is about to get a spanking, how good he was, who did what and who wanted to do what.

Was his response the real cause even after God had given him a great victory?

What do you suppose was Elijah's underlying issue?

How do you respond when you are confronted about your actions or in a predicament?  

Which character best describes you?

1. Adam - immediately throw blame?
2. Elijah - trying to declare his innocence?

Remember, you are accountable for your actions.  Like Adam they may come with unfavorable consequences, but like Elijah you will be called to take full responsibility. Apostle Paul made it clear that now that you are grown you should man up and put away childish thoughts which will result in childish behaviors. 

Food for Thought:  Have your thoughts grown up with you?

God Bless you and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

TIME TO ARISE

FORTIFYING YOUR STRENGTH

 

Most athletes have a daily routine to renew their strength and vitality.  It requires some disciplines and routines to include healthy eating and drinking habits.  

In the verse below Elijah was recovering his strength after the Angel touched him and commanded him to eat.

1 Kings 19:8 (KJV)
And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

Arise, eat and drink and go in the strength of the Lord!

This shows that the meal that was sent by God was to strengthen him.  If you are experiencing weakness of some sort look to the word of God to sustain you.  Do a self check with the following:

What has wearied you?

What are you feasting on?  

Is it able to sustain you?

Where are you heading? 

Who is your companion and friend?

Are they going where God is?

These questions will help you identify your position and where you are heading.  Like in Elijah's case, and throughout the Elijah's Fast journey,  the cause and the awareness have been identified in 1 Kings 19: 1-3, the symptoms in Verse 4, the cycle was broken in Verse 5-7 and in verse 8, recommit yourself by going to the mount of God.  

Horeb is wherever you can find God -  What are your suggestions?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH

Reflecting on the above scripture and the flow of the story of Elijah you will note that it took some effort on Elijah's part.  He had to eat, drink and get up.  

WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOW THAT YOU HAVE EATEN?

If you check the verses prior you will see that Elijah tried to go back down after he ate the first time, but the angel of God came again the second time and this time he arose. 

IT'S TIME TO GET UP FROM WHERE YOU ARE

• Don't let your circumstances or people determine your happiness.  
• Don't let people's opinion limit your growth and development
• Don't let people change you
• Don't let your past influence your future
• Don't accept defeat
• Don't be comfortable with what is not spiritually, morally, emotionally and physically right

DON'T LIE DOWN AFTER A VICTORY FOR IF YOU DO YOU WILL LOSE YOUR STRENGTH!

Remember, God can find you even if you run and hide.  He will feed you, but it's up to you to get up and go to Him.  Like Elijah, go in the strength of what God has given you.  Feed on Him and His word will sustain you. Go where God is and associate with His people so you can be glad.  
Know that.... THE JOY OF THE LORD IS YOUR STRENGTH!

GOD  BLESS YOU AND KEEP THE FAITH

VIRTUOUS JEWEL

A WOMAN'S PLACE - PART 5 IN THE COMMUNITY AND WORLD

SHE RULES

We are told that, "Deborah was one of the rulers of the Israelites prior to the 

monarchy period that with Saul (circa 1047 B.C.). These rulers were called "judges," an office that traced back to a time when Moses appointed assistants to help him resolve disputes among the Hebrews (Exodus 18). Their practice was to seek guidance from God through prayer and meditation before making a ruling. Therefore, many of the judges also were considered prophets who spoke "a word from the Lord."

Judges 4: 4

And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time.

There are many who are against women as community and world leaders especially if she is a christian woman and or a wife.  Hopefully a look into this remarkable woman who was not only a wife but a warrior and a judge would help eliminate the discrimination and query. 

Please feel free to read the details in Judges 4, 5 as you see her role as a warrior, judge and prophetess.

TODAY'S FOCUS: RULINGS AND PREDICTIONS

Let's take a look into the following verses - Judges 4: 5-10:

5 And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

7 And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand.

8 And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

9 And she said, I will surely go with thee: notwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall not be for thine honour; for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman. And Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh; and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet: and Deborah went up with him.

1. What are your thoughts on verse 5 - the children of Israel came up to her for judgement?  Do you think they were not men in their community?
2. What about verses 6,7 when she sent for Barak and gave him the instructions from the Lord?
3. What do you think of Barak's response in verse 8?  Do you think he questioned her ruling or the fact that she was a woman?
4. Note Deborah's response in verse 9, what do you think that did to his ego? or do you suppose He respected her prophecy?
5. How was the command followed in verse 10?  Do you think Deborah made a difference?

While this story should not make you lose the respect for our men leaders, it should help you readily embrace God leading through women.   Watch how the prophecy comes to pass in verses 21,22:

Then Jael Heber's wife took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples, and fastened it into the ground: for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died.

And, behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, and I will shew thee the man whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead, and the nail was in his temples.

Share your thoughts on the outcome of Deborah's ruling.  (How do you suppose Barak felt when He realize the prophecy came to pass just as predicted and the victory was through a woman.) 

Would you consider Jael a woman soilder or leader?  (Chapter 5: 24-27)

Chapter 5 is known as the "Songs of Deborah."  Her rulings, courage and wisdom gave them 40 years of peace.  

Remember, God gives gifts to all.  While Deborah ruled, her rulings came from a greater power and she ruled in truth.  Know your place as a woman, respectfully give advise and counseling, and let the God of all truth grant you the courage to pursue His calling.  Today, many women are pursuing leadership careers.  You are encouraged to seek the counsel of God.  Your gift will also make room for you.  Don't push or run after it!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

A WOMAN'S PLACE - PART 4 IN THE CHURCH

SILENCE IN THE CHURCHES

More than ever the woman's place in the church has become a controversial issue especially among doctrine driven churches.  The following scripture is the basis for their reasoning.

1 Corinthians 14: 34-35 (KJV)
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law.

And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

What was Paul addressing in these two verses?
Does it have any bearing on the previous conversation of the chapter? 
What if they don't have husbands at home to ask questions can they speak?
What are your thoughts on the last part of the sentence, "It is a shame for women to speak in the church?"

Take the time to read the entire chapter in the other versions especially the TLB. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  DENIED OPPORTUNITY

1 Timothy 2:11-12 (KJV)
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

This scripture has apparently been used to closed the door to many women ministering in the church when the scripture says that the gifts of God are given to all.  So let's discuss:

1. If this mean she is not allowed to teach, should she teach children, women, new converts or others in the church?
2. What does usurp authority mean? 
3. Can she do so if given authority?

Does silence in the church means absolute silence or are certain areas restricted?  Please give your reasons with scriptures.  Bear in mind the following questions..

If women are to be silence in the church, why are they praying and singing, allowed women sessions and conferences, testify or bring other exhortation?  

If they are to be silence and be in subjection can they hold other positions, ushers, secretary, moderators, finance, board members, etc...  

Is it apparent to you that everything else is permissible except teaching, preaching and the other gifts?  

We look forward to your comments seeking God's truth to the matter.  

 

Remember, that all things must be done decently and in order and that God has an order of authority.  However, the gifts of God are not gender base but those whom God has called.  God's gifts and calling are also without repentance. Romans 11: 29

God Bless you & Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel