A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER (12/13/16)

A LESSON FROM THE ANT

It's good to be back with you from my travels and look forward once more to our weekly blogs.  I encourage you to engage, share and comment so we can encourage and enlighten each other. 

The wise King Solomon encourages us to be wise and take a lesson from the ant.   We are told to watch closely, and it will teach a thing or two.  No one tells it what to do, but yet when summer comes it stores up food and stock up provisions at harvest time for the coming winter months.  

Are you a sluggard?

How prepared are you for the winter? 

Proverbs 6: 6-8

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:

Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler,

Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.

The provisions made avoid the ant from suffering through the winter. It prevents them from overworking in uncomfortable and unfavorable weather conditions because of their wisdom. 

Although there are many financial counselors and financial advisers, many people are still struggling in their winter years.  You find that most people in their 50's, 60's and 70's are now trying to settle down and trying to accomplish things that they could have done in their younger years. Not because they were constraints, but because they were lazy and chose to sleep rather than stocking up.  If an ant can do it with no guide, you too can by learning the lesson and asking God for wisdom to avoid unwanted permanent house guests.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A PERMANENT HOUSE GUEST

Today, laziness and procrastination is prevalent throughout humanity. Oversleeping has taken over overworking. Sadly, many have not prepared themselves for the winter of their lives or retirement.  Some are getting their first home through a mortgage in their late 60's; some are reluctant while others have no choice but to work well pass their retirement age.  

The BIG question is..... WHY?

Answer..... 

Because they have chosen to have "a nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there."  They sit back and take life easy and sleep the day away day in and day out.  Some don't even know the difference in day or night, it does not matter to them- sleep is all they do. 

But... 

What good is that to them? NOTHING

What comes next?  POVERTY

Certainly if you chose to sleep away in the summer of your life, inevitably your winter will result in poverty.  You will be a statistic of the many that are dependent on the system, family, friends and others, not through extenuating circumstances, but through negligence and the spirit of slumber. 

Don't be called a fool- Consider the ants.  Make provisions as the old adage says, "make hay while the sun shines."  It may rain tomorrow, and your chance to do it may not be possible.  

Reflection questions:

Am I sleeping my life away?

Am I being productive or procrastinating?

In what way can I be like the ant?

What do I need to store up for the winter?

How can I make the provisions?  

What steps I need to take immediately to avoid having the inevitable permanent house guest of poverty? (who, what, when, how)

Remember, make every day count.  Be productive in the summer so you can make your winter a lot more easier.  It's never too late to start.... Make the necessary changes to be comfortable in your winter years.  If you don't you are making provisions for poverty to become your permanent house guest.  DON'T NAP YOUR LIFE AWAY!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

HEAVENLY BANK

DEPOSITS - THE WAY IT WORKS 

As a former banker and financial adviser I know first hand that to make withdrawals you must make deposits.  As you continue to make deposits your balance grows. The more you put in the greater the interest amount.

  

The noun definition of the word deposit states that it is:

1. A sum of money placed or kept in a bank account, usually to gain interest
2. A sum payable as a first installment on the purchase of something or as a pledge for a contract

The verb definition is:

1. To put or set something or someone down in a specific place (unload rest...)
2. Store or entrust with someone for safekeeping

As you reflect on the definitions pay special attention to the importance of making the deposits.  Whether it is placing, paying or setting it down.  It is placed in a bank that enables it to grow.  It is paid as an installment that allows you the purchase of something or it is placed or set down in a specific place to be able to have something of tangible value at a latter time.  Deposits or retainers are kept in a bank or safe place for safekeeping.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  DEPOSITING TREASURES 

Most people make deposits into their bank accounts to save for future needs or for a rainy day.  They make an earnest deposit on a piece of property to secure the purchase of a home.  Deposits are preserved for latter use. 

The bank would keep the money safe in a vault or through the financial system in their account until such time as they would require a withdrawal.  The real estate agent would also secure the initial deposit until such time as the contract is ready to be executed.  

People also place their treasures into safekeeping.  God has a bank where He stores your treasures. He collects  tears.  They are considered very valuable that he stores them up in the bank of heaven.  

Psalm 56: 8 (KJV)

Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?

He also collects and saves prayers.  He secures  the prayers of the saints, and secures them in a special golden vial.  The prayers of the saints fills up the bowls, and they become an aroma of sweet perfume incense to Him. 

Revelation 5:8 (KJV)

 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

Remember, your tears and earnest prayers are important to God.  They go to His treasured collection in the bank of heaven.  They are reserved deposits for when you need a withdrawal.  Don't be afraid or ashamed to cry, and be fervent in prayer. To gain interest... Make regular deposits! 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!  

Virtuous Jewel

ADDED THINGS

WORRIES WON'T HELP

Are you pursuing God or more concerned about added things?

You are required to seek after God, and the things that are righteous first and foremost, then all things will be added unto you.  

In the book of Matthew 6: 26-34 Jesus gave the antidote to worriers! Let's take a look at what He speaks to them:

DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHAT TO EAT:

Look at the birds- They don't sow, reap or store up food

Your heavenly Father feeds them. 

Lesson:You are more valuable to Him than birds

Question: Will all your worries add a single moment or height to your life?

DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHAT TO WEAR:

Look at the lilies and flowers of the field- They don't work or shop for clothes, but yet there is no color or design like theirs

They are beautifully clothed by your heavenly Father.  

Lesson: God will attend to you as he attends to the appearance of flowers- Solomon and all rich men cannot be compared to them. 

Question: Shall He not clothe you, o ye of little faith?

God's children should relax and not worry or fuss for they should know how God works and supplies their every need.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WRONG PURSUIT 

The heathens, people who don't know God, worry about what they should eat and with what they will be clothed- Not the children of God. They know How God works and what He does. 


God wants to do His best for you but your pursuit must be for Him first rather than what you need for your natural life. 

Don't be too preoccupied in getting that you can't appreciate or receive what God is giving you.  

Worrying about food and clothing is the wrong pursuit. If you give Him first place in your life it will be automatically given to you. 

Most people believe they will miss out on life if they don't pursue the things they need, but many times, they leave God for last when they do.  

The good news is that God already knows what you need. Don't worry about missing out on life.  The kingdom of God and His righteousness are reserved for those who pursue Him first and put Him and His righteousness as top priority.  

"Steep your life in God-reality, God initiative, God provisions." 

Then you won't need to worry about tomorrow.  There is enough trouble in today.  Don't think on what may or may not happen tomorrow.  The truth is, once you put Him first, God takes care of every tomorrow.  He will help you deal with the hard times when the time or need arise. Don't be anxious, live one day at a time.

Remember, Your destiny and your tomorrows are in God's hands. So don't worry about not having enough food or clothing because your heavenly Father already knows all that you need.  If He feeds the birds and formats the color and design of the grass and flowers of the field, He is much more able to take care of you.  Give your attention and focus on what God is doing today.  Know that if you seek Him first and make Him your top priority, all of your human needs and concerns will be met- All things will be given to you day after day.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

INTRICATE BEAUTY

PATTERN OF INTRICATE BEAUTY

A pattern is used to give a shape, model or fashion to something.  The pattern is used as a guide to form the design.  A pattern can also have various pieces that must be woven or knitted together to form the design.  In putting the pieces together it requires some stitching, blending and mending.  

So likewise at times God fashions our life through the pathways of joy and sorrow. His design is a pattern of intricate beauty ordained to do good works. 

In designing a pattern all the pieces may not be of the same cloth or quality.  It may take several styles and colors, but when blended together, it is created into a masterpiece of beauty. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WORKMANSHIP

You and I are considered His workmanship created in Christ to perform goods works. He will weave it with joy as well as sorrow.  At the end it will shine out like gold because it was designed by purpose.  

Ephesians 2:10 (KJV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

You are fashioned according to the pattern.  You will and must endure the process to bring you into the full finished product of His workmanship.  It may require some tearing, cutting and blending with others of a different culture, background or likeness, but at the end he will create His own craft to work for His plan even before the world began.  

Remember, you are a pattern of intricate beauty.  Rest assured and do not be dismayed or even discouraged.  Do not fear the end will reveal and reflect the desired results for you and God.  Every detail including both the good and the bad are part of the pattern and process to form you into a masterpiece.  Let Him work in you through Christ so His beauty can be seen in you. 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SEATED WITH GREATNESS

GOOD COMPANY VS BAD COMPANY

Parents often tell their children that they don't want them mingling with bad company, but encourage them to sit with company that will influence them with greatness.

Bad company will corrupt good manners- Thus good company will elevate you to greatness.

It is often said birds of a feather flock together. However, the influences of your company will cause you to react in likeness with them. Whatever, character traits they have can have a direct impact on your character. You can also be misjudged by your company.

TODAY'S FOCUS: SEATED WITH CHRIST

You are saved by grace and have been raised up together with Christ. Once you have been redeemed and forgiven from your sins, you will enjoy great company with the Savior.

Ephesians 2:6 (KJV) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Today it is important that you check your company to see if you are influenced by common or great company.  Ask yourself: 

Who am I seated with? 

Whose company delights me?

What are the influences that exist as a result of my company? (good or bad)

Remember, your influences come from the company you keep.  If you surround yourself with trouble, most like trouble will follow or lead you.  There is a company that is of the heavenly hosts that raises you up.  This type of company causes you to be seated with greatness.  It influences your character- It is rich in mercy and love. That is definitely the type of influences you want that you will be able to influence others to greatness.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

NEW LIFE

NEW BEGINNINGS 

New beginnings are not meant to be challenges, but they can be great opportunities for a fresh start.  Too often many people bring along their luggage and baggage into a new season when the new season is for the new life experience.  

Scripture states that the old life is done away with when one accepts Christ- He is a new creature.  They now have a chance to begin fresh. 

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

New beginnings are also a season for change and a season to adapt to a new way of thinking and living.  It takes a change of heart and mind. Change must be evident in your conversation, character and habits. 

 

Ephesians 4: 22-14

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

The new man is created in righteousness and holiness so the past is behind him.  He is renewed in mind and spirit.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  FORGETTING THE FORMER THINGS

God wants to do a new thing, but it will require you NOT to remember the things from before your new life.  Remembering the former will keep you in a position of defeat and prevent the flow of the blessings of the new life. 

Isaiah 43:18-19

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Living with past memories will block your view and appreciation for what's in front of you.  As you live in the past, you will relive the hurt, experience disappointment and live with guilt and shame.  It is important that you let go and forget so that you can step into the new way and receive the new blessings.  Let's discuss: 

How are you hindering the flow of the new life blessings?

Are you still remembering past hurts and wrong done to you?

Are you still lustful and indulging with activities with the old man?

Are you resentful, unforgiving, unloving....?

If it seems that you thoughts and behaviors are resembling that of the old man, it's time to do a new beginning check.   Ask yourself..

What have I brought along in the new life?

What thoughts/behaviors do I still have?

What habits am I still engaging in?

What do I need to let go? 

Remember, God wants you to forget the former so you can embrace the goodness of the new life.  He wants you to trade up the life with the old man and make a new covenant with you.  He is ready to do a new thing, but you must be ready for it.  You must be willing to accept that you are a new person in Christ, and that your new life is a fresh start for a new beginning.  Let go of the former and embrace the new.  New beginnings are opportunities- Use them for a change for the better!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

JOURNEY IN FAITH

THE INTENDED PURPOSE

Joseph's remarkable story in Genesis 37-50 proves that the intended purpose of the experience is what matters. Can you relate to Joseph's story? As you reflect and think about the story you may be thinking and asking several questions. Perhaps you may ask: Why the stops? Why can't you just have a straight flight to the destination? Why do you have to wait at the bus stops or in transit? These questions are so necessary for you to understand the purpose of your journey.

TODAY'S FOCUS: FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE

Joseph’s story teaches…..
Don't focus on the route of the journey - Think on the purpose of your destination.

He was thrown into the pit so the Midianites merchantmen could help serve as part of the process. He was sold to for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites who took Joseph with them down to Egypt.

When Joseph got to Egypt the Midianites sold him to Potiphar who was an officer of Pharaoh.
Genesis 37:36 (KJV) And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard. This route of the journey was necessary so Potiphar's wife could look on him, accuse him so he could be thrown in prison.

His prison route was necessary to interpret the dream of the butler who would go back to report to Pharaoh so he could get to his destination to save his father's household and people.

Joseph was forgotten for almost two years, but the hold over and wait sharpened his skills as a leader though he was in prison.

Then the butler remembered Joseph when Pharaoh had a dream that Joseph interpreted his dream when he was in prison.
Genesis 41: 37-44- Joseph was then fetched out of prison and brought to Pharaoh. He interpreted the dream, made ruler over his house and over Egypt, made second to Pharaoh, saved Egypt and his family.
Are you Having a Joseph experience? Trust the God of the journey. As He was with Joseph and made him prosper, you too will prosper, stand out and rule in adversity.
Remember as we recall the story, Joseph journey was deliberate and intentional for him to accomplish his assigned purpose. The dream fulfilled through adversity. You too will experience setbacks, accusations and wait periods before your dream comes into fruition. But like Joseph remain faithful, remain true and at the appointed time regardless of the route it will come to pass. Read the entire event and be encouraged that God knows the plans He has for your life and will bring it to its expected end.
God Bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel
(Cliparts used from google images)