BE GUIDED BY THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

A MESSAGE IN MY EXPERIENCE

Just before going on our prayer line last evening I decided to make a cup of tea. I took the canister from the cupboard and without focusing on the contents took out a spoonful and put it in my cup to sweeten my tea. After stirring for a while, I realized that there was a little roughness in the bottom of my cup, but I thought it was probably the make of the cup or just that the sugar needed to be dissolved a little more. But after stirring a for a while longer my spirit was awaken by the Spirit of God within me which said, take up a spoonful. To my surprise I took up a spoonful of Basmati rice.

After thanking the Lord for my obedience, I immediately realized a deeper message. That gut instinct we use sometimes to describe when something doesn't feel right, look right is the Spirit of God speaking to us. I could have just swallowed without checking and who knows what the outcome would have been.  

I wish we would listen more sometimes to the Spirit of Truth! Many of the heartaches, heartbreaks and troubles we experience would be less or not happen at all! (John 16:12-15 (Can you relate or share an experience from not trusting the spirit within?)

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH IS COME

John 16:12-15 (KJV)

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

Although you should never judge a book by it's cover, the old adage -

"If it looks like a duck, walk like a duck, talk like a duck or perhaps even smell like a duck then.... It must be a duck" holds true in many or all situations especially when it relates to the unction within.   

Today, let's look at some truths about the matter:

You may be faced with a decision to relocate, take a job, marry a mate, chose a place to live, purchase a home, car, equipment etc., join a church or partner with a ministry, accept friendships/relationships, enter into an agreement or business contract or at a four way intersection in life.....

As you make the decision consider the following:

• What have you been feeling from the get go?
• What has your spirit said directly to you about it?
• What has the Spirit of truth showed you or brought to your attention?
• Have you received evidence that it is a yea or nay?
• What has been revealed to you by others about the matter?
• Are you in doubt or fear?
• Have you had repeated negative experiences?
• Is it against your moral/ethical, spiritual, physical beliefs/senses?
• What does it smell like?

There are many testimonies that many have shared as a result of them not going forward-  Such as:  the company didn't last for the job they didn't take, the person they wanted to marry was not honest, truthful and had serious and unacceptable behaviors, the church/ministry had issues and ungodly principles, business had a bad reputation etc.....

Today, if you have made Jesus the Lord of your life you are guided and led by His Spirit.  You know that feeling that comes as it has in the past when you did not follow It's leading caused you much grief, yet you struggle because of the benefits that you may lose if you let it go.  Is it worth the pain of the superficial happiness or temporary gain?  Bear the hurt and shame now than pay the consequences later or for a lifetime.  God may also be setting you up for something better- A nickel though it is bigger in size does not have more cents or value than a dime.  He Knows Best!

Remember, the Spirit of truth is to show you things to come.  it reveals the future and gives evidence before hand to guard and protect your from the dangers and threats ahead.  Don't waste your season and moments with things that you know will not last or is going to be short-lived.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

PROVEN PROMISES

A PROMISE TO THE REDEEMED

Today many are overwhelmed with difficulties as they face the challenges of life. The wait for the answers seems like eternity. There seem to me no light in the tunnel, the end seems hopeless and in the far distance and the clouds are forever grey.

You may be alive and just existing, not enjoy the joy and peace that you should. Everything seems to be coming at you all at once, and perhaps you feel like you having a Job experience. Rest assured that there is hope in God's promised word.

Here's what He is saying to you today....

Isaiah 43 (KJV)

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

If you are overwhelmed, note the promises next to your circumstances and do not fear: (Make a list as you answer the questions, include and apply these  promises in prayer)

What are the waters you are passing through? (He will be with you)

What rivers do you have to cross? (They shall not overflow you)

What fires are you walking through? (You will no be burned)

What flames are starting to burn? (They shall not kindle upon You)

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE PROMISE HAS BEEN PROVEN 

God's word has been proven true time and time again. Every promise He fulfills. 

As you reflect on the scripture above,  let's take a look at the following:

He will be with you when you pass through the waters:

• The Children of Israel walked through the red sea on dry land and He was before them in a pillar of cloud and fire (Exodus 13: 21-22; 14)

Rivers will not overflow you:

• He saved Noah and his family from the waters of the flood (Genesis 6-8)

You will not be burned or flames kindle you in the fire:

• The Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3)

There are many other examples in scripture of God's faithfulness to the promise above: Add more to the names below:

He took Jonah out of the whale's belly, and brought the

Israelites by the leading of Joshua through the Jordan into Jericho- He will bring you out!

Now that your mind has been refreshed with the proof of God's promise reflect over your life and recall - what waters and fires have you escaped? Write them down and journal the victories you have experienced. Like the examples in scripture that have encouraged you, please share your story to encourage someone who may be overwhelmed by the waters and fires of life.

Remember, God's promises have been proven. He is the same God yesterday, today and forever. He will not fail. He has even asked you to remind Him of His word. Make the choice to trust that He will and has already made a way out of your waters and fires. Don't drown or get burn- Turn to the promises of God for they are true and He is faithful!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

BE MINDFUL

THE THINGS WE DO

Today, I just want to bring you to a conscious awareness of the things we do and are not aware of and can be applied to our trust or lack of trust in God.  

On occasions I find myself talking to the dogs - This is how it goes...
Hey Tyler, what's up?
King you OK? 
The other two (Have different names) What going on you two?
When I'm leaving the house- Tyler and King be good take care of business.

Some people talk to their plants and flowers. I've heard people speak to fruit trees and tell it to bear, give commands to their pets, some people even speak to the dead at funerals, some people speak to their cars to start, speak to people on TV especially on the game shows giving them answers, fussing at players of their favorite sports/teams, some have conversations with people when they are not present out loud and the list goes on and on......

I'm not speaking of the mentally challenged individuals, but normal regular people who do this with consciousness- The strange thing is while we have never gotten an audible answer we would do it over and over again. I know that the dogs didn't answer when I left, but when I get back home I say hi to them and ask how did they do sometimes - were they good or chased away strangers or visitors...... 

Why do we continue to speak to these things that we know will never be able to answer us?   We may be challenged as we look and see that they have not responded or perhaps changed for the worse.  Sometimes we may seek help or get involve in things that may get us in trouble or not considered as appropriate behavior/conduct. I've seen and heard of people kick the dog or give a non performing pet away, cut down the tree that's not bearing, turn to other mediums etc...

On the other hand, think about this though....
They may have answered with a bark or respond to a command, the fruit tree may have answered by bearing fruits and the plants may have answered by blooming and growing beautifully etc..   

What do you think caused the result?
While you reflect on the above make a list of some of the ways that you have gotten a response to some of the things that your do in the natural, and then be mindful of today's focus.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HIS WAYS ARE NOT OUR WAYS

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 55:8)

Reflecting on the things we do conversation above, why do we not speak to our Heavenly Father on a regular basis or converse more often about the things that we desire or what concerns us? Many people may say He does not answer or He is so far away.  He may not have answered the time you wanted, or perhaps he answered you differently.  

Have you considered....
Has He not answered with a job, a child, protecting you from evil, saved you from an accident/tragedy or that relationship that didn't continue, the business deal that went down, given you health and strength to go through the loss, pain, or brokenness. Has He ever caused you to go hungry or kept you in your right mind when you went through the fires of trials/hell..... saved you washed you from your sins/past, gave you hope of a bright and eternal future?

The next time you feel like God hasn't heard you or is not talking back to you, look around you and count your blessings.  Look for Him in the small things and be forever THANKFUL for the things He did or didn't allowed- You could have had a more unpleasant result or perhaps even been dead!  Take time today to think of the things you have spoken to God about- The imaginary and or prayerful conversations you have had with your Daddy and consider:
How has He answered?
Are there tangible evidences?
What Has he Held back from you?
Are you open to His blessings that are packaged different from what you expected?
Are you thankful for the small things?

Remember, be mindful of the things you speak to God about.  God ways are not our ways.  He sees the end of a thing from the beginning.  Sometimes He may answer through a word of scripture or wants you to draw to Him in the silence.  Listen for His voice, watch for the answer, and accept the result even if it's packaged differently and when He say's no - Know it's for your good and His purpose.  Have faith in God!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

UNITY - A NECESSARY KEY FOR REVIVAL

THE NEED FOR UNITY

"Unity is strength" is an adage used for decades, but unfortunately it is not always practice.  Here's today's word on unity:

Matthew 18:19-20 (KJV)
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them

1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV)
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

What benefits can you reap as a result? 

• So God can do what we ask
• So God can be in our midst
• So there will be no division
• So we can be joined together
• So we can have the same mind and judgment

Could it be the reason we have not what we ask, God does not show up anymore in our gatherings, there is severe division, we are not together in mind or in our decision making, is because we are not living together in unity?

The answer is..... A definite YES-  A lack of unity could very well be the cause. 

TODAY'S TOPIC:  UNNECESSARY COMPETITION 

Take a good read of 1 Corinthians the 14 chapter and see the apostle Paul's instructions on the importance of unity.  

As you read what example of disharmony or lack of unity can you relate to if these instructions are not followed?

Why is it not necessary to compete?

What are  the instructions to unity in the chapter?


There are many breakups as a result of the lack of unity -
What do think are some of the reasons?  (Share examples where appropriate)

What do you think verse verse 32 is saying?
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

If two can agree for God to be able to work- imagine what will happen if a whole church or a community agrees to walk and work together.  Revival fire starts with one match understanding that it needs the sulfuric side of the match box to light. If the match box allows the match stick to strike against it in agreement together they will light up the flame.  How about you and you and you?  It's time for unity and it begins with each and everyone in harmony.  Not competing to be heard or competing to show who is more qualified, stronger or better, but all working together as one body with many members in love preferring and respecting one another.  

Remember, nothing should be done in strife or vain glory- for God is not the author of confusion but of peace.  Christ prayer was that we all would be one as He and the Father are one.  The need for unity is very important for the growth of the church, for the salvation of sinners and for sweeping revival in our community, territory and nation.  Follow after charity and desire spiritual gifts, but do it in unity.  When we agree we can ask anything from the Lord and He will do it.  Because of unity, He will dwell with us, and in His presence we will have unstoppable and overflowing  revival.

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 
 

WORSHIP INSTRUCTIONS

WE MISSED YOU!

We apologize that we were not able to post for the past week due to some challenges. Pray that you spent time going through the blogs you missed.  Thank God we are back and up and running again. Please let us know how you have been enjoying our blog.  We invite and encourage you to be a partner with us in our mission to reach others for the Kingdom of God.  May God Bless you always!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE MAJESTIC GLORY OF GOD

There is a Call to Worship God today- not for the things you want or in the things you possess but for the beauty of His Majesty.

Psalm 29:2 (TLB)
Praise him for his majestic glory, the glory of his name. Come before him clothed in sacred garments.

The scripture above gives some basic instructions for worship:

The Reason- For His Majestic Glory and The Glory of His Name

God has given us a beautiful world outside of the things that we possess. His wonder in the heavens, the sky, the clouds, the hills, the earth, the trees the mist, the animals, the birds and even us His creation all speak of His majestic glory!

The How - Clothed in sacred garments (Beauty of Holiness) 

Beautify yourself with living holy.  Let your clothing be sacred and with righteous living. Remove any other garments that would tarnish or soil your clothing.  Make it a common practice to confess your sins and cleanse your soul.  

Describe the feeling and or experience of the glory of God:

What do you see as you look around God's beautiful world of nature?

What indescribable beauty do you see?

How do you see the glory of God in the things you see?  

Whatever you are doing... STOP!!!!
Take a look at the sky and what's around you in nature- See the majestic beauty of His glory, and join with the host of heaven and praise God!

Remember, wake up to see the glory of God dressed in holiness and righteousness and release your praise.  God inhabits the praises of His people.  Make it a practice to reflect on the majestic glory of God and appreciate the natural beauty of His creation each and every day.  "In awe before the glory, in awe before God’s visible power. Stand at attention!  Dress your best to honor him."  Encore your Praise again and again!

God Bless you and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DON'T BE A CRISIS DRIVEN PEOPLE

INCLUDE HIM

Many people begin their day without including God.  They run to work, run errands and do their various activities without even a whisper of thanks or gratitude for keeping them through the night.  Then they wonder what happened when all their plans fail.  

NEWS FLASH

When you got up this morning God included you.  He painted the sky, trees and flowers with His majestic colors.  He breathed into you and brought you forth,  and allowed you to have your movable parts.  Without His command you would not be a part of today.

The Psalmist David knew the importance of acknowledging God first thing in his day. He also had a hunger for Him and sought Him early in the morning.  He understood what life would be like without Him.  Most importantly he did not want to be without His protection or caused the wrath of God to destroy him. He understood the need for worship especially early morning worship.  He knew if He met God and included Him in his plans for the day he would succeed.  He desired no one like he desired God.

Psalm 73:23-28 (TLB)

But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand!
You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven!
Whom have I in heaven but you? And I desire no one on earth as much as you!
My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains! He is the strength of my heart; he is mine forever!
But those refusing to worship God will perish, for he destroys those serving other gods.
But as for me, I get as close to him as I can! I have chosen him, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful ways he rescues me.

As you begin each day consider the following questions

What about you?  

Who do you connect with first thing in the morning?

Who do you hang out with?

What touches your lips first? 

What are your plans to include Him in your day?

Is He on hold until church time?

Can you take Him where you plan to go today?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HE WILL BE FOUND IF YOU SEEK HIM

God is always with you as long as you stay with Him.  When you leave Him and seek Him he will be found because he is always there.  You create the need for Him when you leave His covering.  

2 Chronicles 15:1-4 (KJV)

And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded:                
And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The Lord is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.

Now for a long season Israel hath been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.

But when they in their trouble did turn unto the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was found of them.

However, it seems that most people are crisis driven.  They seek God only when they are in trouble or facing severe hardships.  Their cries come out only during an emergency. The children of Israel stayed a long season without the true God who was their protection and covering.  They were without a teaching priest and law because they were out of compliance and forsook the Lord.  As the scripture states, if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.  But they recognized their need for Him and sought Him, and He was found because He was never far away.  What crisis are you facing today?

Ask yourself...
Have I left serving the true God?
Have I forsaken His law and commandments?
Have I forgotten to seek His wisdom and counsel?
Is He my strength or am I leaning on someone else?

Whatever you do know that God loves you and is calling you back to Himself.  He is holding you up by your right hand to lead you back to your place of rescue and safety.  Don't forsake His wooing - choose Him to be your God and priest.  

Remember, don't wait for a crisis to turn to God.  He is never far away but is always near you.  Begin your day with worship to only one true and living God.  Make Him the first part of your conversation, put Him before your every decision and get as close to Him as you can.  If you do you will receive His protection, and He will always be with you. Don't run the risk to travel without Him for when all fails He will remain!

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

THE VALUE HAS BEEN DETERMINED

MORE VALUE 

Day after day you hear the term, "the bigger the better" or "the more the merrier" and many other terms which indicates that larger means more.  This is not always the case in most important instances.  It all depends on what you are trying to compare.  

Take a look at the following:
A nickel may be larger but a dime has more value! 

A nickel is equal to five cents while a dime is equal to ten cents. 

In comparison to the nickel the dime is smaller, but in value the dime has more worth. 

Food for Thought:

Nothing you do can increase the value of a nickel, and nothing can decrease the value of a dime.  The values have been set from the making and already established.  

How do you determine the value of things?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE PACKAGE

Reflect on the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17- Review Goliath's profile versus David's.  Even King Saul questioned if he could fight an army man being just a boy.  (verse 33) - But David was not afraid.  He knew that he was packaged right.  He knew that he had the experience of God's faithfulness not just in his mouth but in word and truth.  He was willing to risk it for he knew his worth and source of strength. 

Take a look at the following adages and express your thoughts:                               (you can write an experience share a story or quote a scripture)

• Big things come in small packages
• Small ax cut down big trees
• Don't judge the book by the cover
• Big things have small beginnings

GOD ALWAYS GIVES THE BEST......DON'T SETTLE for second best!

Have you been begging God for a nickel when you could have a dime? 

Are you staring your gift of value in the face and rejecting it because of the size, looks or how the package is wrapped?

Are you fulfilling your seemingly urgent need with a substitute?

Are you settling for something or someone that's not your choice?

Are you accepting man's choice instead of God's choice for you?

Take a deep look at your motives and priorities.  Ask yourself if you would rather have value and worth or size.  Become knowledgeable and seek God's wisdom and leading for every decision whether big or small.  Most importantly your identity and value are not in the packages, however, the way you select them will show how you value yourself.  Don't go on sale- Keep your price tag at cost or higher.  

Remember, God may have your package wrapped a little different than what you expected. But He has your best interest at heart.  Know that it is God who determines worth and value- He knows what's fitting and packages your blessings just right for you.  There's nothing as second best.  Make wise choices - Don't miss out on His best for you!  YOUR FATHER KNOWS BEST!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel