A FORM OF GIVING

LEARN TO GIVE

The topic of giving is one that one that most people shun today. Most people are reluctant to give because there are many schemers out there. Some are concerned about what people do with the money that are given to them. Others are concerned about the economy, lack of a job or some are just plain out stingy or selfish.

Today, I would like to approach you on a very special aspect of giving. One that requires you to act from your heart. One that requires your personal involvement and does not solicit anyone else but you. Are you ready to give? Then......

F O R G I V E!

Forgive is an action word and must be demonstrated. When you give money, time or any gift it requires an action. It is demonstrated and can be seen in deed and action. Both the recipient and the giver receives something. It is an exchange between two or more persons and can benefit more than one individual. Let's discuss:

How is forgiveness demonstrated?

What are some of the steps involved?

Is there a limit or are there boundaries?

To forgive is a form of giving. You give whether the person deserves it or not. Just like you would give money because you are moved to do so. It's a heart thing. You must feel it coming from within extending outward. To forgive requires you to understand that it is not just a casual throw up of the hands and say, I forgive you, but understanding that this is a release of your own release, peace and blessings.

Let's look at how the act of forgiveness benefits the giver and what would stop the flow of the blessings in today's focus.

TODAY'S FOCUS: STOPPING THE FLOW OF YOUR GIVING

Forgiving is an act of Giving. Beside that it is a part of the word it is scriptural. It also has a promise attach to it. See Matthew 6:14(KJV)

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:  

How does it tie in? Let's compare it with Luke 6: 38 (KJV)
Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Because forgiving is an act of giving, what you give you will get. Verse 15 of Matthew 6 clearly states, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Luke shows you the provision and rewards of giving. So it is with verse 14 of Matthew- when you forgive, you will be forgiven.  

On the flip side you will choke your overflow if you are stingy and selfish and refuse to give. Men will not give unto you and there will be no overflow but a cessation of your blessings. God will not forgive you if you do not forgive. So like wise the flow of your blessings can be hindered if you do not forgive. So many ills have resulted because of the lack thereof. Families have been torn apart long time friends are no longer friends, merciless and unnecessary killings and other actions continue to be the fruit of it. Some major sicknesses and diseases have manifested itself. Some have died, and the guilty were never released.  

If you say the word using the last syllable first it would be give for (give-for - forgive). So give for God has forgiven you. You can forgive because you were forgiven.
As you look into your own life of giving consider the following: 
Is there someone you need to forgive?
What are some of the things that may be a sign that you are stopping the flow of your blessings?
What are the benefits that you will have as a result of your forgiving?
Can you share your story?

Remember, to forgive is a gift that is wrapped with love and sincerity so forgive genuinely. Forgive as if you were giving to yourself.  If you are experiencing a drought and there is no overflow it could be that you need to give in the area of forgiving.  Don't take your giving to the grave with you. It's no good then, and it can only be used now. Don't stop the flow- Give liberally, and..... FORGIVE WILLINGLY!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SIT STILL AND WAIT

WHAT'S YOUR HURRY?

Ruth 3 tells an amazing story with a great message to the possible dilemma most women faced today.

You are told, "if you want something bad enough you must go after it." The story in Ruth is also suggested as a basis for the statement. There is a missing ingredient that is often overlooked and that is..... Waiting- for the right moment! The right thing can be the wrong thing if not done at the right time!

In Ruth 3:14-18, Ruth followed the instructions of her mother-in-law Naomi. She was patient and did not take advantage of the situation or the open opportunity that could cause her hurt and her integrity:

14 And she lay at his feet until the morning: and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, Let it not be known that a woman came into the floor.

15 Also he said, Bring the vail that thou hast upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley, and laid it on her: and she went into the city.

16 And when she came to her mother in law, she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her.

17 And she said, These six measures of barley gave he me; for he said to me, Go not empty unto thy mother in law.

18 Then said she, Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall: for the man will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing this day.

You will note that she did not rush into the opportunity of her availability or vulnerability but kept herself reserved for Boaz to see and notice her. She did not forced herself on him or call up a couple of girlfriends either, but kept her mouth quiet and laid down until morning.

Notice that she didn't have to give up anything, but verse 17 sates that he told her do not go back empty and filled up her veil before he knew her.

If you learn to wait you'll go back with something instead of being stripped of your everything!

TODAY'S FOCUS: YOU WILL BE REWARDED

How would you have dealt with this situation had you been Ruth? (Read the entire chapter of Ruth 3)

• Would you follow all the instructions of Naomi?
• Would you be quiet abut the matter?
• Would you take advantage of the situation?
• Would you follow further instructions?

Let's take a look at what could have happened:

Ruth could have taken advantage of the opportunity.  Boaz was tired and full from eating a hearty meal.  She could have slept with him and probably trap him into a pregnancy so he would have to marry her. Perhaps make a big stir and letting everyone know she was in the threshingfloor or even compromise her reward of getting Boaz.  She could have been stuck with the other kinsman.   

Ruth was rewarded.  It appears that Boaz knew of her and had watched her at work. He heard about her reputation from the other workers.  He knew she was different, and because of that he wanted to make sure that everything was taken care of first before he made a move.  He knew there was someone else in front of him and wanted to make sure that nothing stood between them.  Ruth was willing to follow the wisdom of her wise mother in law and..... SIT STILL AND WAIT!

Today, most women are in a hurry, they don't care if the man is married and have not gotten his divorce yet.  "They buy lies that say, they don't sleep together, they don't live together, they don't talk, he never loved her etc..... and would compromise themselves to giving up too easy.  Some women are the aggressor.  They would not wait for all this protocol like Ruth, but would try to get in good before they know what the man's agenda, motive or plans for them are.  

Naomi's wisdom proves that it pays to wait.  Let first things be done first.  Let him get rid of his past or prepare for you before you sell yourself short.  You should not lose anything before you make that commitment.  In your courtship, in the process let him show you what he is about before you show your goods.  If you wait long enough you would know his motives and his intentions. 

Remember, don't be too much in a hurry, but learn to sit and wait for the process. Follow instructions given by your mentor.  Don't expose or indulge before all has been completed.  You cannot enter into a new contract for the same thing if you still have one existing- Settle old accounts!  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

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PRESERVED FROM THE EVIL ONE

YOUR DEFENSE POSITION

Today many are concerned about the recent law of same sex marriage and have taken various positions to defend their beliefs - for or against it.  They have their proof for their defense. Some end up in arguments, hateful acts and violent rallies. 

Let's take a look at the defense position of Mordecai in Esther 4: 1-3 (KJV) 

When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;

And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

This seems like a rally, but a different one. One that in one sense showed boldness as you will note that "none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth." Why they did may be controversial, but they did it in every province where the news came. A further reading of chapter 4 states that the news went to the Queen who sent clothes to clothed Mordecai, and he refused it.

Mordecai gave details of the situation to Esther's attendant, Hatach who she had sent out, including the decree so Esther could know the extend of the matter. Esther's response was the natural that she knew and feared for her life. But Mordecai made her aware that she too would be affected as she was also a Jew. The words came back again to Esther - that if she holds her peace deliverance can come from another place, but she and her household could be destroyed. These final words brought an awareness to the Queen.... Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther's final response in verse 16 was one that showed that she too understood her position of defense. She said, "Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish." WHAT'S YOUR DEFENSE POSITION?

TODAY'S FOCUS: PRESERVED BY DESIGN

Whatever decree, statutes or law that have been set that affect your spiritual beliefs or whatever evil and wicked authorities may try to do to manipulate your faith and standards God can turn it around. You are preserved by design. 2 Timothy 4:18 (KJV) And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Esther and Mordecai knew how to challenge a decree that affected them. They didn't retaliate or use means of the flesh. What are some of the ways and actions have you taken or others have taken to deal with a decree or law that offended/affected you?

• Did you use Esther and Mordecai method of prayer and fasting?
• Did you take the matter into your own hands?
• Did you write a nasty letter or email to defend yourself or your faith?
• How about the telephone call or text?
• Did you get a group together and try to sabotage or create a riot?
• Did you try to manipulate or just agreed just in face to avoid conflict?
• Did you try to get through the decree by denying who you are like in Esther's first response?
• Did you just kept quiet because it doesn't affect you personally?
• Other ???

We have several examples of scripture that show us how The Lord delivered many from evil work. Job held his integrity, Daniel kept himself even when the decree was signed and the Hebrew Boys did not bow down. How are you demonstrating or have demonstrated that the Lord will or has preserved you? Share your story....

Remember, you are preserved by design. God has given you His promise of protection. Even when you walk in the midst of trouble He will revive you. You do not need to use the weapons of the flesh to fight back. Your position of defense should not be carnal. Esther and Mordecai's example of defense should be your model. That position of defense preserved them from the evil one and saved their lives and the lives of the whole nation. It also commanded respect to their God and their beliefs, promoted them and changed the law. God is faithful- He will preserve you from the evil one unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

BE A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN

COMPLIANCE

Are you in compliance with your community/state/territory or systems?

Compliance means, " The action or fact of complying with a wish or command." Too often individuals complain about the systems and their community, but they are not victims but perpetrators. Even faith believing individuals are caught up in some of the snares that create the evil in the community/territory.

One becomes afraid when they are out of compliance. Here are some examples:

1. If you are driving with an expired driver's license, registration or insurance you will try to avoid the policeman or be careful not to have an accident. 
2. If you are not honest in paying your taxes you will be mindful of the IRS
3. If you are writing bad checks you will dodge the collectors and bank representatives.
4. If you are stealing from your employer you will become anxious when the boss is around.
5. If you are harboring an offender you will be very watchful of the Law.
6. If you are a habitual liar you will be afraid of being caught.
7. If you are not paying your tithes and giving with a cheerful heart you will avoid engagement within the church.

If you are in compliance with the law you should not be afraid. Take a look at the scripture below in the MSG version however, please read the KJV/TLB and other version of your choice- They will send the same message.

Romans 13: 3-5

Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.

How's your conscience?

TODAY'S FOCUS: DOING WHAT IT RIGHT

Are you robbing "God or Caesar?" Scripture says give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and give to God what belongs to Him? (Mark 12: 17)

You may say that this scripture does not apply to you or you may not be guilty of the examples above- But are doing what is right? Are you a contributor to the ills in the community that you live in? A look at the more subtle examples spiritually or naturally may seem insignificant, but they are evil in nature and intent.

You lie to scheme you way out of trouble or to get benefits

You tell the children or answer the phone yourself and say you are not home

You ask a co-worker to punch in for you while you not at work

You give an excuse when you don't want to do something

You exact from others over the worth

You sell something under false pretense

You are dishonest in your personal/business dealings

You are not straight forward even if it's to protect yourself/others

You engage in behaviors that are not becoming

You make light of mischief

You call evil good and call good evil

You do not stand up for truth or righteousness

You are partial and have discriminative preferences

You avoid processes and policies by always looking for a shortcut

You assist others to cheat, lie etc...

You cover things that need to be brought out

You keep quiet when you should speak out

You refuse to help when you can .........

Most people feel if they are not directly associated with a situation they should not be concerned about it. I am not referring to danger or meddling in other people's business. However, some things that are happening and you know fully well that it should be reported to save the life of someone, or prevent further recurrence should be reported or addressed accordingly.

Doing what is right requires you to sometimes expose truth about yourself and people in high position and places. Like Esther had to expose Haman. Had she not done that she would also be affected because eventually they would trace the association of Mordecai. As Mordecai told Esther - so the word to you is, "who knows if you were placed into the kingdom for such a time as this. (Esther 4)

Remember, you must be a responsible citizen. Do what is required within the law and not just within the law of man, but more so be obedient to the laws and commandments of God. You have no need of fear or terror if you consciously do what is lawful and right in the sight of God and man. You would be free from the authority and fear. Know that God has place authority as servants for good and not too punish the upright but the wrongdoer. Therefore it is necessary to submit to the authorities as the MSG version states, not only because of possible punishment but also to keep your conscience clean. DO WHAT IS RIGHT ALWAYS!

God Bless and Keep the Faith

Virtuous Jewel

FINANCIAL VULNERABILITY AND DESPERATION

SOME ROOT CAUSES

Today many people are looking for quick fixes and get rich quick schemes to meet their financial obligations or fund their activities and or habits. They speak or act out of a place of desperation or vulnerability and from a place of discontent. They are never satisfied- they want more and more and more...

Life's circumstances can bring desperation and vulnerability. One must be grounded not to fall prey to the gimmicks presented or even opportunities that are cunning and deceitful.

Desperation means - "a state of despair, typically one that results in rash or extreme behavior; hopelessness, distress"

It can also make one vulnerable to their circumstances and succumb to things that normally they would never think of doing or saying because of their vulnerability.

Vulnerability means - "is the state of being open to injury, or appearing as if you are. It might be emotional, or it can be literal." 

In any case it causes and will result in harm and hurt if not corrected quickly.  You can be- "susceptible to attack, easily influenced or affected, especially sensitive, highly impressionable and open permitting an action to be performed." Identifying and accepting your circumstances will allow you to make the necessary changes- Not just medicate but cure financial vulnerability and desperation.  

Many deny the fact that they are desperate or vulnerable. They put on a good show. What you see on the outside is far different from what's going on in the inside or even the truth.  You must be honest about your vulnerability and desperation, and come to the truth that you are.  It is said, "Confession may affect the reputation, but it is always good for the soul." 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE CURE TO                                                                     FINANCIAL DESPERATION/VULNERABILITY  

ARE YOU IN DENIAL?

Have you lived in it so long that you are comfortable and believe it to be truth?

If you have today's scripture has a cure.  

Romans 13:11-14 (KJV)

Be Alert and Awake

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

• Are you asleep or awake?
• Are you aware of the time that you are in?
• How is your salvation status?

It's Daytime- put off the works of Darkness

The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

• Are you aware that the night is over?
• What works of darkness are you engaged in to satisfy your desperation or vulnerability?
• What does your armor consist of?

Walk honestly and Be Sober

Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying

• Are you honest with yourself?
• Are you sober
• Are you given to riotous living and sexual illicitness or lewd and lascivious behaviors

Put on Christ so you won't Satisfy your lust

But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.

• Whose DNA do you have?
• Whose fragrance are you wearing?
• Are you making provisions to satisfy your fleshly lust?

These questions answered honestly will show you your state of desperation and exposed how vulnerable you are. If you are not lined up with Christ and in the obedience of His Holy Spirit you will satisfy the desire of your desperate hunger and open to be vulnerable. The following examples gives us a picture:

• You are unemployed and offered a "too good to be true" offer or investment proposition
• You just broke off with someone and have been praying and someone shows up who is not a believer and makes no attempts to do anything spiritual, but yet you feel God sent them
• After praying for something you get a call that offers you what you just prayed for but with conditions that are not in line with your faith or beliefs
• You indulge in gambling, lotto and other games to try and get money using funds already allotted for bills or the little savings that you have
• You are easily persuaded to give or become vulnerable to people who have a "crying wolf" spirit" or a sobbing sad story
• You are a giver and believe in seed sowing and sow to ministries that are all about prosperity because you see the big building and large congregations or maybe the status and wealth of the ministers 
• Many others.......

Remember, your need can make you desperate even after you have prayed. Be sober and watchful- satan is a roaring lion seeking who he can devour. Also know that even Satan himself can come as an angel of light. Finally, reflect on the words of the Wise King - The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow to it. Proverbs 10:22. We cannot add to it- It is complete, and you do not need to do do anything for it. Don't be fooled or blinded, but put on the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make provisions for the flesh. It's time to wake up - Your salvation is nearer than when you first believe.

These things will help you improve your financial position! It is not just confessing I am the head and not the tail, above and not beneath, I am blessed in the city...., but doing what is commanded, following the principles of giving and being good stewards.

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewels

A JEWEL IN HIS CROWN - WAIT ON GOD'S BEST

CHALLENGED BY WAITING

We will be sharing our A Jewel In His Crown by Priscilla Shirer with you weekly and trust that you too will enjoy the rewards and blessings!

Most people want everything in a hurry:

Can't wait for the food to cook in the oven - you use microwave

Can't wait on the bus - you use the train

Can't wait on the letter writing process - you use the telephone

While these are means of getting things done sooner with the same results, there are some things that definitely requires a waiting process for the timing/results to be perfect.

A fruit requires the planting-seed time and harvest to mature and grow to it's full potential. It requires the sunshine and the rain. Perhaps it may need replanting or transferring along with weeding and pruning so it can develop and mature well.

One thing it definitely requires is patience especially to those that take years before you see any results. You must also watch for the signs that it is ready.

What's your hurry? Are you willing to wait for that perfect time?

James 5:7 (KJV)

Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

You doubt God's ability to do what He promises when you do not wait on Him or on His timing.

TODAY'S FOCUS: TIMING IS EVERYTHING Are you experiencing a harvest of how you sowed? Most people are because they did not have patience to wait for the right timing. Let's look at the following:  

What's the problem with waiting? James 5:7 What ingredients goes with patience? Colossians 1:11 What must be put on? Colossians 3:12  

A baby requires the trimesters to fully develop or else it can result in premature birth, other defects or even termination. The same holds true for relationships, investments, purchases and quick decision making ie... job...  

Can you relate to the above statement? Perhaps you refused to wait or was pressured into the decision that you knew you were not ready for or the timing was not right. Think about what's going on with you now...

• In what ways have you settled for less than God's best?
• Are you reaping the consequences of your hasty decisions or actions?
• Did you follow the instructions or process?
• Did you do a research or your homework first?
• Were you forewarned but decided to do it anyway?

Make a list of the things that you are settling for that's less than God's best and use the scriptures below to make the necessary adjustment or His perfect timing:

Strengthen yourself in the word according to His glorious power - Colossians 1:11

Dress appropriately as God's elect - Colossians 3:12

Wait patiently and until the timing is right - James 5:7

There may be some things you have to live with, but you can still trust God to help you through the process. Just like you won't throw a child away that is premature but will nurture it so it can develop or get help, you would try to get the car fix if you bought a lemon, you would get the house renovated etc.. ask The Lord to help you through any decision that you have made outside of His will and timing.

Remember, Your Heavenly Father knows you best, and He also knows what is best for you. He is the God of your salvation and will never lead you wrong for He is the God of all truths. Be of good courage and wait on Him.  Let your pray be... I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope. Psalm 130:5  The rewards are worth the wait!

Make this confession: From today, I am waiting on God's Best!

See our Facebook post #rediscoveringmyvalueinaJewelinHisCrown

God Bless and Keep The Faith

Virtuous Jewel