A GOOD WORD

THE CURE FOR ANXIETY

Concerns about your health, finances, children or other life issues causes anxiety. A bad report from the doctor, a disturbing phone call or distress in your community or nation can create fear which can cause more complexities.

Anxiety is the result of worry and fear. When you are overwhelmed by anxiety it will make your world look darker and limit your faith and ability to cope. It will magnify the problem and make your heart heavy. The cure is a good word.....

Proverbs 12:25 (KJV)

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.  

Too often we allow negative thoughts and the actuality of our situation to rule and govern our feelings and happiness. You should practice speaking the word that relates to your situation to overcome the thoughts and cancel out fear.

TODAY'S FOCUS: WORDS OF LIFE AND TRUTH

While the evidence of your situation may be bad, you do not need to keep confessing what is but what God says.  Confess them in prayer out loud consistently, and use them like you would use a prescription.  

God's words is truth, and He will stand behind His word to perform whatever it says.   Here's a good word that will provide comfort as you are assured of God's constant presence with you.

Deuteronomy 33:12 (KJV)

And of Benjamin he said, The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between his shoulders.

There are many more words of truth and life in the scriptures that you can make your own and or personalize to your situation/circumstances.

What are you anxious about today? Make a list of your concerns 

Are you experiencing fear? Make a list of scriptures about fear

Make a choice to guard your heart and focus on what is true about your circumstances in the word of God.  Choose...

Faith over fear

Trust over doubt

Prayer over worry

Truth of God's word over the lies of the enemy

Remember, read and affirm God's words over your situation.  Pray and confess them until you become familiar with them and can quote them every time a negative thought comes to your mind.  Don't be anxious about anything, but with prayer, request and thanksgiving turn all to the Lord.  He is with you and will never leave you or forsake you.  His word is truth - It has power and life.  

God Bless you and Keep the faith!

Virtuous Jewel

FAITH BUILDER

FAITH COMES BY HEARING

Many people are looking for answers to their situations/problems and have tried many avenues looking for solutions to no avail.  They have no source they can trust for all have failed.  However, before you can trust, you have to hear and listen.  

Are you waiting on something that you have prayed for or God has promised to you in the word?  Here's some good news -
Unless the Word of The Lord is preached, there is nothing to hear.

Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  

For your faith to be developed you must listen and absorb the word of God to build up your faith.  Therefore, it is important to welcome and embrace the gospel and those who come bringing the good news to you. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE PREACHED WORD

Although not everyone appreciates or is open to hear the word of God, that is the only source to ignite and receive faith. Build your faith by hearing and reading the word of God. Ask yourself.....

Are you open to the word?

How can you hear the word?

IT TAKES A PREACHER!

Preachers are faith builders.  They must preach the word so people can have something to hear. The message version states, "unless Christ's word is preached, there's nothing to listen to.  

The preached word is good news.  It encourages trust and builds faith. If you are sick and hear the good news of God's power and ability to heal or if you are facing a financial situation and hear the word that Jesus will take care of all your needs, a level of trust begins to form in your heart and then your faith is stirred.  

Preachers should not neglect the preaching and teaching of the word. It should be a matter of priority and done happily because it helps the hearers to discover the treasures that are theirs through Christ Jesus.  

Here's how the Paul describes himself as a faith builder in Ephesians 3:8 (TLB)

Just Think! Though I did nothing to deserve it, and though I am the most useless Christian there is, yet I was the one chosen for this special joy of telling the Gentiles the Glad News of the endless treasures available to them in Christ;

Remember, your daily prescription should include hearing and listening to the word of God.  Doing that will ignite the sparks of your faith to believe and receive the promises of God.  Faith builders are instruments of the good news - If you are a faith builder, do it with joy for the preached word is what allows listeners to have faith.

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

BE MERCIFUL

DO IT GOD'S WAY

It is natural for the flesh to want revenge and to recompense evil for evil. However, as you reflect on the life of Jesus you will note that He was merciful and full of compassion, forgiving and gracious.  He didn't, even when he could, use His authority to hurt those who wronged Him.  He extended mercy and is asking you to do the same.

Luke 6:36 (KJV)

Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful

Today ask yourself- In what ways can I extend mercy?

It is perhaps also easier to extend mercy to those whom you love and know.  Mercy should not be limited to your circle of friends or family, but should be extended to the less liked and those you consider your enemies.  Jesus demonstrated that when He died on the cross.  He unselfishly extended mercy to the condemn, loss, outcasts and all sinners including you, and He is asking you to do the same.  

TODAY'S FOCUS: ATTRIBUTES OF MERCY

The attributes of mercy cannot be hidden, but must be demonstrated.  Here's what the scripture proclaims:

Exodus 34:6 (KJV)

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Mercy should be given freely without reservations or expectation of benefits.  It should not be done to profit or for a promised reward.  It should be done out of a heart of compassion and love.  As you reflect of the attributes of our Lord....
What are some of your attributes?
Do they line up to His? 
Are you extending in exchange for something?

Remember, you were wrong and didn't deserve His mercy, yet He forgave you.  You didn't measure up, yet He extended His grace to you.  While you were lingering in your mess filled with shame and guilt, he was longsuffering and patient with you. He stood by you when times were rough and spoke the truth about you because He saw what you could become instead of who you were.  Today He is asking you to do the same to others.  Extend mercy not only to those who deserve it but more so to those who don't- That my friend is Grace!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SUFFERING IS PART OF THE PLAN

COUNT YOURSELF FORTUNATE

If you find yourself suffering because you are a Christian, count yourself fortunate. It shows that the Spirit of God and His glory is in you and others have noticed.  If you were suffering as a result of your own fault or because you broke the law then you should be concerned.

1 Peter 4:12-16 (KJV)

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Here are some questions to consider:

• Are you a changed and born again believer?
• How Ready are you to suffer for Christ?
• What are some of the sufferings that you are experiencing?
• Are you suffering as a result of your actions?
• What is your attitude towards the suffering?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE PRIVILEGE OF SUFFERING WITH CHRIST

You have been given the privilege not only to believe in Christ but also suffer for His sake. There is no getting around it for all those who decide to change their lives will experience suffering by those who do not love Christ.

If you are godly, you will suffer - 2 Timothy 3:12 (KJV)

"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

You should not be ashamed to suffer for Him, but rather you should be happy to know that you are recognized by others as His child.

God has called you to partake in His suffering so you can be a part of the reward of glory. The world will hate you because they hated Him. As long as you remain in Christ you will have to endure the sufferings of those who hate him.  

Think about:

What are some of the sufferings that Jesus endured?

What are some of the sufferings that you may have to endure?

What are some of them that you see similar to that of Christ?

As you go through the sufferings be happy to know that you are bearing it all for your love for God and feel privileged to be a part of the glorious reward.

Remember, once you suffer for Christ and not as a result of your faults/failure to live godly, you should rejoice. Know that suffering for Christ is evidence that the spirit of glory and of God is within you. Don't be ashamed, or think it strange, but know that when His glory is revealed you will have exceeding joy.  It will be worth the journey.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

WE'RE SORRY

PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGIES 

Due to internet challenges and other circumstances beyond our control we were unable to post our weekly blogs.  

We will resume again next week.

May God Bless you, and remember to Keep the faith!

Virtuous Jewel

NO WEAPON CAN HURT YOU

OPPRESSION IS NOT OF GOD 

It is so easy when the winds of adversity hits to feel oppressed. You may feel that God is angry with you and is trying to get back at you for something you've done. Even godly people (like Job's friends) may tell you that perhaps God is displeased with you or that you may need to check your life. With all the good intent they may have their judgement may cause you to feel oppressed. Thank God for the depth of His grace that He so liberally and freely has given. If we accept it we know that He is not trying to get back at us for anything but wants to restore us to Himself.

The following scripture states that you will be established in righteousness, and that you will be far from oppression. So there is no need to fear for terror, for it shall not come near you.

Isaiah 54:14 (KJV)

In righteousness shalt thou be established: thou shalt be far from oppression; for thou shalt not fear: and from terror; for it shall not come near thee.
It is also states that even when these things gather and come your way that you should not think for a minute that it was sent by God. He promises that if anyone tries to attack you they shall fall.
Verse 15 Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.

Be assured that God will fight for you and will guard you with His promise word. He does only make it but keeps it to the very letter.

TODAY'S FOCUS: GOD'S RIGHTEOUS DECREE

FORGED WEAPONS - God created the blacksmiths that fires up and create weapons to destroy and kill, but no weapon that can hurt you has ever been forged or made.
Let's take a look at the following meaning and then read the scripture:

Forge  n.1. A furnace or hearth where metals are heated or wrought; a smithy.
v.tr. 1.a. To form (metal, for example) by heating in a forge and beating or hammering into shape. b. To form (metal) by a mechanical or hydraulic press. 2. To give form or shape to, especially by means of careful effort

Isaiah 54: 16-17

Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.
God has made this decree to those who have been established in righteousness through His grace and mercy. In this decree He has also established that your accusers that accuse you will not stand up a day in court, and every case brought against you will be dismissed. This is what you can expect as a servant of the Lord.
Remember, you have nothing to fear because you are built solid and grounded in the righteousness of God. Trouble and terror and those who want to attack and accuse you will fall. Know that God is not the one who sets up or assign these attacks, and even though you feel the effects of the attacks- no weapons that can harm you has been formed. Finally know that - The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 9: 9
We invite you to join us today at 12:00 noon and 8:00 PM for prayer and the word.
Call 1-470-888-9447
God bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel

A MOUTH WIDE OPEN

TEST GOD

God wants to fill you up with good things, but the problem is your mouth is always shut.  You hold back your praise, you hold back your blessings, you hold back sharing your stories and testimonies, your praise and thanksgiving to God and refuse to shout!  

God showed up when the children of Israel opened up their mouth in Egypt and in the wilderness. Their cry was heard and the Lord delivered them and fed them.  

Psalm 81:10 (TLB)
For it was I, Jehovah your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Only test me![a] Open your mouth wide and see if I won’t fill it. You will receive every blessing you can use!

Perhaps you hold back on expressing your pain, hurt or desires. A mouth wide open get's satisfied and gets renewed strength in comparison to eagles.   

Psalms 103:5 (KJV)
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

If you are ready to test and prove God's word open up your mouth!

TODAY'S FOCUS:  EXPAND YOUR PRAISE

The scriptures above shows that God wants to fill you up with good things, but it requires you to extend and open your mouth wide.  

Let's take a brief moment and discuss:

• How satisfied are you?
• Have you proven the scripture?
• In what way can you open up your mouth?
• How will God fill it?

Perhaps you are challenged and or experiencing weakness-

If you are limited in your blessings could it be that you have not expanded your praise? If you are weak in strength, could it be that you do not have an opened mouth? It could be that you are drained because of a closed mouth. You need to expand your praise!  You can begin by counting your blessings and begin talking about the goodness of the lord.  

You have kept your mouth shut for too long. 

You have stayed on the sidelines and watch while others secure their blessings and wonder when will it be your turn.  

Your time of favor has come- you must break the silence by expanding your praise! Think on his goodness, think of what He has done for you and break out into singing, praise and a dance- Open up your mouth and watch God fill it up!

Remember, God will keep His promise to fill up your mouth if you open it.  Your strength will be renewed like that of an eagle.  You will be satisfied as you share the goodness of God with others.  Test God and expand your praise.  You will be amazed at your blessings and strength.  A mouth wide open WILL be filled!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

POINTLESS EFFORTS

DON'T TRY TO IMPRESS GOD

I am inspired by our Jewel in His Crown journey by Priscilla Shirer!  Particularly our last chapter, "An Emerald called Grace"!  This journey truly speaks to all women and I am blessed and honored to lead this series.  (Get the book and the journal) 

Most Christians today feel that they are good in themselves, and that they pride themselves on how perfect and upright they are.  They brag on how better they are than others or how they don't do this or that like so and so reminding us of the Publican and the sinner.  

However, in Titus 3: 3 says, "For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another."

It is the acknowledgement of that the kindness of God came to us through Jesus Christ.  It is not by our righteousness.  For our righteousness is as filthy rags before Him.  It is by His mercy, love and abundant grace which He freely gave through the shed blood of Jesus Christ! 

So....  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  (Titus 3:7)  How do you see grace? What does it mean to you?

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)    

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 

Not of works, lest any man should boast    

If you see it any other way or by any other means you are saying that Christ died in vain.  It is pointless - you will never achieve righteousness any other way.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A CANDIDATE FOR GRACE

You are candidate for grace on the onset of your birth.  You are a candidate for grace if you feel that you are abandoned, messed up, unworthy or see yourself in Titus 3:3. However, God's grace came in time not only to save you but to allow you to experience His love and abundant life in the now. 

As a candidate of grace you cannot frustrate the grace of God or take it for granted. You must see its significant and true meaning.  You must give grace your full attention, and acknowledge the essence and truth about it.   Paul was a good candidate for grace, and he did not take it lightly.  Here's what he says...

Ephesians 3:8(KJV)

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; 

Many because they know his resume' may say, he is not qualified and his record does not mirror holiness, but because of his acceptance and understanding that he is a sinner and a product of the grace of God -  his mess became a message.  He was able to write the many epistles so you and I can read today.  What about you?

• Are you in need of His grace?
• Do you see yourself as a candidate of grace?
• Are you allowing grace to show you your weakness and God's ability to save?
• Are you frustrating the grace of God by works or your own righteousness?

Remember, God's grace is freely given and it is not of works.  Quit trying to impress God with your good deeds. Understand that it is through the mercies and kindness of God through Jesus Christ you have redemption and can live and walk holy.  Today, appreciate, embrace God's grace.  Accept His invitation to receive His grace.    You cannot have it any other way- not by working for it, buying it, earning it or thinking about it. Not even because you are lucky, pretty, wealthy or worthy but because of Jesus!  If you have it any other way, Christ would have died in vain.  Grace came when you were helpless, and it is necessary for survival - You can't afford to live without it.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel