FIRE BURNS

GATHERING FIRE

You cannot gather gather fire into your bosom and your clothes not get burned. Neither can you walk upon hot coals and your feet not experience the effects of the fire.

Proverbs 6:27-28 (KJV)

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

This question with an obvious answer should allow you to think of other areas in your life you are messing with fire. Not just with your own fire but messing with the enemy's fires.

If you play with the temptation of the enemy you will reap results that are almost inevitable. They can be very costly and in many cases irreversible.

Have you been gathering fire sticks or walking on hot coals, it's time to face the truth and seen how fire burns.

TODAY'S FOCUS: FACING THE TRUTH ABOUT FIRE

Let's face the truth on some matters:

It is almost impossible to have a relationship with the opposite sex, spending time in private with them, late hours of the night in secluded areas constantly and avoid the temptation of sexual activities. The result of that can be unwanted pregnancy, embarrassment to the family, adding to the statistics of one parent in the home raising a child and other emotional distresses.

Fires starts with a spark

Fires are meant to burn

Fires can get out of control

Fires can cause major damages and losses

Gossip or spreading a rumor can be a fire spark that once shared gets the opportunity to burn. The fire of gossip gets out of control because it has been spread to many and the many spread it to many thus causing major damages to friendship, relationship and even losses to include souls to the kingdom of God.

You cannot pick up a snake and then pray God for protection.

"Prayer at this point is like seeking guidance when the route has been predetermined by self-will and the destination is already in sight."

The truth is that fire burns and takes prisoners. Therefore, it is very important that you do not mess with the fires of temptation, gossip and other fires of the flesh. They will expose and manifest themselves inevitably. There is no turning point when you have reached your destination except through God's mercies.

More truths in question:

• Are you guilty of starting your own fires and creating stress in your body and soul?
• Are you carrying a fire spark that starts dangerous fires in your environment?
• Are you carrying the fire of truth and revival?
• It is wise advice to spread the fire of God's truth to evil and temptation. Revival also causes heartburn fire. These types of fires are encouraged to burn out the other fires that will cause damage to you and others.

It is wise advice to spread the fire of God's truth to evil and temptation. Revival also causes heartburn fire. These types of fires are encouraged to burn out the other fires that will cause damage to you and others.

Remember, save your soul, your mind and body the agony from the fire. Give the devil room to pass, "wide berth", when he comes knocking. It is no secret that most of our stresses can be avoided if we trust in His grace and obey His commands! Start the right type of fire-FIRE BURNS!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

HOLINESS MATTERS

TRUTH IS STRAIGHT FORWARD

Many people can't handle truth.  They prefer not to face it especially if it's something bad or something that will interfere with their comfort.  Others know that they are not told truth, but yet they tend to ignore.  

God is a God of truth, and therefore, truth matters to Him.  Truth is straightforward. There is no way around it- It is either so or not so. Therefore, when He commands and gives a directive, it must be followed.

Truth however requires you to take action.  It will require you to act out the command. For example if you were told the truth about your life and that you cannot live the way you do, but need the saving grace of God, you would need to act out in faith, accept Jesus into your heart, repent and be baptized.  

Straightforward, "you cannot perfect your own righteousness."  It must be done through Christ and He must have your consent.  

There were many who were confronted with the truth straightforward.  Let's take a look at two examples: Which one can you relate to?

Herod  (Herodias) Matthew 14:3-12

David (Batsheba) 2 Samuel 12

When truth is presented it should direct you to holiness.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LIVING IN HARMONY WITH THE MESSAGE

Straightforward truth reveals that - You cannot teach one thing and live another.  You must live in harmony with the message.  Your life must reflect what you say and do.  

Because you cannot perfect and make yourself holy, God needs your consent.  You must also desire as in David's case the need to be holy.  (Psalm 51).  The receiver must be in harmony with the Giver so that when you call He will answer.  

God wants your life to line up with the message.  It is a process of action, and He will gently try to bring you into harmony.  Sometimes He will allow circumstances to help equip you, but He will bring you through if you are willing to cooperate and accept His plans for you.  

Do you desire to be Holy?

What are you going to do to live in harmony with the message?

What can you do to enhance your life with the straightforward truth?

Remember, Holiness matters, and you must live in harmony with the truth of the message.  Your consent to let God work with you must follow your desire to live in holiness.  That desire will cause you to take action.  Be patient with the process.  

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

LOOSE THE CORD

GIVE YOUR BURDENS TO THE LORD

Whether or not we want to admit it, our children are a great part of our worry and anxious thoughts.  As parents we are concerned about every area in their lives.  Even when they grow up, we cannot seem to shake off the anxious concerns and loose the string.  We carry their stress, problems and just day to day happenings real or imagined about them.   

Are you a parent, teacher, caregiver, spouse or someone who is anxious about your child or loved one?  Here's where to store your concerns, cares and burdens. 

Psalm 55:22 (KJV)

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

The Daily Devotion (Highroad of Surrender) by Frances J. Roberts says stop getting anxious, "The little ones are in my care... Trustingly place your child in His hands." 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LOOSE THE CORD OF AFFECTION

Despite the fact that you have tried your best to raise your children right, they may chose paths and or make decisions that are causing you to worry about them.  Even when they make good decisions, it may still cause you to worry.  

You may be concerned whether they will be able to pay a debt or a manage a job/assignment they have undertaken.  You may be anxious about if they would be treated right by their spouse or if they will have children, will they get into trouble or be hurt when they leave the nest and the list goes on and on...

Or perhaps you have a friend or loved one who is experiencing health, financial, relationship or other issues and you take a personal responsibility to worry for and about them.  You would follow them and take them with you everywhere.  Everything reminds you of their situation, and you would go at arms length to help. 

If you are experiencing anxiety, stress, sleeplessness and their situations are a greater part of your thinking- IT'S TIME TO LOOSE THE CHORD:

• Bring your child or loved one in prayer
• Make a list of the concerns
• Focus on the scripture above and say it out loud slowly then begin to feel the effects as you release them and their concerns to the Lord. 
• Confess scriptures regarding the solutions to your concern
• Trust your child or loved one in God's care
• Live Free

Jesus specializes in blessing children if they are allowed to come to Him.  Therefore, the best thing you can do for a child is to release him/her to God.  As you depend on Him, He will perfect all that concerns you.  

Remember, worry has never made anything better.  As a matter of fact the restricted tries to get loose.  If they are not given given freedom they will break away.  Worry makes prisoners of real or imagined concerns.  Trust God with your loved one... "Loose the cord of affection lest it break."

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

GREAT GAIN

I would like to start off today's blog with a few questions:

1. What is your definition of godliness?
2. What is your definition of contentment? 
3. What brings you contentment?
4. What are the most important things to you in life?

 As you contemplate on your answers take a look at the following scripture:

1 Timothy 6:6-11(KJV)

But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Many today allow covetousness to be the root of their gain and then it interferes with godly contentment.  They fall into the snares set up for those who are not content and breeds lusts and other evils.  Men and women of God are cautioned to flee themselves from these temptations.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  FOLLOW AFTER RIGHTEOUSNESS

While it is the love of money and not money that is the root of all evil, a godly person with a contented heart will follow after righteousness and the things that will bring spiritual gain.

In your quest for gain and contentment ask yourself...
Am I following lusts or righteousness?
Am I pursuing only the things of the flesh? 
What things I am pursuing to bring spiritual gain?

You can know whether the pursuit is evil or righteous by your motives and the fruits that your gain produce.  If you are a follower of righteousness you will produce the fruits of love, joy, peace, faith, patience, kindness and a good temperament because righteousness produces fruits that are of the spirit and not of the flesh.  (Galatians 5:22-23)

When you follow righteousness, it will also demonstrate that you are of Christ and that you are walking in the spirit. (Galatians 5:24-25)

You will also remain in a position of humility. You will be patient when you face day to day challenges and when faced with tribulations.  Great gain is found in inner peace, and you will be trusting even when your outside circumstances are challenged.    

Remember, it takes a combination of godliness and contentment to acquire greatness.  If it's only money that you are after, it will ensnare you.  Your lustful desires will bring forth fruit of unrighteousness, cause you to err from the faith and engulf you with many sorrows.  Learn to be content and live in righteousness.  If you flee the temptations you will produce the fruits that will bring you inner peace.  Don't live to regret, live a righteous life.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel




 

  

 

JUDE - FULL COURSE MEAL

FIGHT WITH ALL THAT'S WITHIN YOU

You cannot read the book of Jude (a one exclusive chapter book) and not come out

full. It reflects the fate of the condemned and fallen, and exhorts that you should fight for the faith that was once delivered to you.

You are put in remembrance of the circumstance in verses 5-6 (KJV)

I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.

And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.

Therefore, it is important that you guard the treasure of the gift of His grace so that you will not allow the already condemned to trap or deceive you. You are reminded of that so that you can remember that by the same hand that God delivered He also destroyed.

Here are a few reminders of the fate of those who were defected verses 5-7:

The Children of Israel who murmured, complained and disobeyed

The Angels who left and changed their position

Sodom and Gomorrah who turned to a lustful and sex-sin-city burnt up with fire

All these served as a warning for those who will not fight and remain in God's grace.They will experience the same, destruction, thrown out and burn.

But there is a people who will not blaspheme. Like the Archangel, Michael, they will give a simple rebuke because they know that God will take care of them. They won't live by their own instincts, nor go the way of Cain, Balaam's greed or Korah's rebellion.

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE REAL LIFE

The real life is to build yourself up in the most holy faith by praying in the Holy Ghost, staying at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and stretched out for His mercy.  

While you are ask to be aware of the evil and ungodly, the real life requires you to stand in the gap for others. Review verses 20-23 and list some of the things we are asked to do: (Make a list and also indicate how it can be accomplished)

There is only one that can keep you from falling, redeem and restore you and that is Jesus Christ your Savior and Lord. It is to Him that all glory, majesty and honor be proclaimed. Anything else or anyone else will fall as those examples you have been given. For desert of this meal think of some in your lifetime that have erred and what has happened to them- This should help you quickly find your way to the redemptive grace of God.

Remember, what has been told to you that in the last days many would come whose purpose is to do evil and lure you to do the same. Do not follow the examples of those who have changed their position. Take the way that leads to the real life. Stay within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you. Do not stray but wait patiently for the eternal life that the Lord has promised you. The splendor and majesty of His glory is your reward to live forever in His presence, sinless and perfect in a world without end- Glory Hallelujah!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

A PROMISE OF COMFORT

SADNESS AND SORROW

Death has darkened the doorway to happiness to many, and it seems like sorrow has robbed many of their peace and joy.  Though death is part of the process of life, it still brings sadness and grief to our hearts especially when it happens suddenly and unexpectedly. 

God has promised to comfort all those who mourn.

Matthew 5:4(KJV)

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. 

Relying on God's promise gives you the opportunity to see Him at work and gives you the peace as you trust Him through the process  He will make good His word through your sadness and sorrow. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE GRIEF PROCESS

The period of grief seems to last forever.  A week seems like a lifetime. Sometimes you may feel stuck in time, and it may appear that you are left all alone in a world surrounded by unanswered questions. 

The process may come with some physical pain, mental anguish and bouts of emotional feelings.  Some even experience regrets and guilt. Death is inevitable.  We must face it- people who we love will die.  

Despite all this, it is important to know that you are not alone in and through the process.  There is someone who knows how you feel through His own personal experience with death.  Because of His great love for you He endured to make good His promise to comfort you.  

Isaiah 53: 3-5

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

It's encouraging to know that the Lord understands your pain for He is acquainted with sorrows and grief. You can rest assured that you will come through because He has already borne your grief and carried your sorrow. He was stricken, smitten, afflicted and bruised so that you can experience peace through all that you are experiencing now.

Remember, He can be touched by the feelings of your infirmities, and by His stripes you have been and are healed from every emotional, physical and or spiritual discomfort and pain. Know that His promise of comfort is fresh with every experience. He will keep you and be your comfort in and through the process. Trust Him to keep His promise!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

BUILT FOR ADVERSITY

BROKEN IN ADVERSITY

How you react to adversity tells much about you and your built.  Adversity raises an awareness of how strong your faith is, how anxious you are or if you really believe what you say.  It also gives you an opportunity to put into practice your beliefs.  

Proverbs 24: 10 (KJV)

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

It is in the midst of adversity your strength is put to the test.  Do you believe that God will keep you only in the good times? Can you believe Him to keep you through the hardship of affliction even while you are going through?  These questions will allow you to see yourself when adversity comes. 

Whether you want to accept it or not darkness comes to both saint and sinner.  There is no escape to death, grief, suffering and loss.  It is part of the process called life.

Adversity causes brokenness and pain.  It will come around in your life time.  Many times it will come unexpectedly and without warnings.  It has no friends, and it is not partial in judgement.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  ADVERSITY IS A GREAT TEACHER

Adversity is also a means of preparation for future challenges and or for ministering to others.  Many times your experiences are teachable lessons and opportunities to prove God's goodness and receive His promises and provisions.  

Are you anxious in the times of adversity? Perhaps it's the time to see if you are built well- built to stand the pressures of adversity.    

Adversity also is geared to teach, instruct and help you identity some of the things that must be done away with.  It can be the food and fuel that will demonstrate if you are called for purpose and the mission assigned to you.  

Isaiah 30:20-22Living Bible (TLB)20 Though he give you the bread of adversity and water of affliction, yet he will be with you to teach you—with your own eyes you will see your Teacher. 21 And if you leave God’s paths and go astray, you will hear a voice behind you say, “No, this is the way; walk here.” 22 And you will destroy all your silver idols and gold images and cast them out like filthy things you hate to touch. “Ugh!” you’ll say to them. “Be gone!”

Reflect on the scripture above, and as you do ask yourself...Are there any lessons to be learned?Are there places that I shouldn't go?Are there things that must be thrown out? Are there things that must be straightened out?Are there things that must be destroyed?Don't let adversity cause you to be broken and bitter - Prepare to be used!

Remember, adversity is unavoidable and is designed to help you see your strength. If you cannot stand and survive it tells that you were not truthful or serious about your beliefs or position. It gives you an opportunity to clean up your act, get back on track, allow you to hear God's voice again, get rid of some things that take the place of the true God and your relationship with Him, enable you to testify of God's goodness and provide you with the ability to minister to others.  The Spirit of God within you will give you the stamina and courage to face adversity- Instead of crying out, Lord save me or why me, you will say, Lord USE ME!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel 

CHASTEN IN LOVE

PROOF OF LOVE

Today there are many who are abused, hurt or even killed and the response though unbelievable is, because of love.  

While this should not be tolerated, because love does no evil do his neighbor, let's look at a need for correction.  

A father who loves his son will discipline him.  It could mean that he will experience pain from the beating or punishment.  It will be done in love because he loves his son and will not suffer harm to him.

Proverbs 3: 11-12 (KJV)

My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:

For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Think about the time when you had to correct your child or loved one, and think about your reasoning, the struggle you had to even approach them, but you know you had to do it because it was good for them.  

How Have you been corrected by God?

Did it hurt?

Did it allow you to return or are you still bitter about it?

Correction is evidence that you are loved by God- Don't resist it!

TODAY'S FOCUS: GOD IS NOT WILLFUL

In love God chastens, not to afflict or grieve you. It may feel that way especially when you have done wrong or fallen out of fellowship with

Lamentations 3:33 (KJV)

For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

Let's explore and discuss the following:

Are you experiencing the effects of correction?

How do you view God's chastening? 

Do you feel that He is angry with you for what you did or didn't do?

Do you see it in the light of David's expression?

Psalm 119:71-72 (TLB)

The punishment you gave me was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws. They are more valuable to me than millions in silver and gold!

Can you share an experience like David of something that was taken from you, something perhaps God did not allow that turn out for your good? Perhaps like David you have learned a valuable lesson that you can share with others and the value it has placed on God's love for you.

Remember, 

God's chastening or correction is to save you from deeper suffering, pain and hurt.  It is necessary not just to promote discipline but to provide an opportunity to get you back to a place of restoration and harmony with Him.  

Like a father who corrects his son it's because He loves you, he takes the time to correct you.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous 

Jewel

THE THREE COMPANIONS

CONFESSION, REPENTANCE AND PRAYER

These three are necessary to strengthen the will and bring you into holiness - Daily Devotion, Come Away My Beloved.

It must also come from an inward desire to be humbled, eager desire to seek God and a desire to change.  

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Once you are called by the name of the Lord you are obligated to seek God fervently not just for yourself but for others.  With the three companions and the right desires you will see, hear and receive from God. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE POSITION OF HUMILITY

The three companions flow together and brings you to a position of humility.  Without it you cannot make a good confession, will not repent and cannot pray.  

All three represents acts of humility:

Confession allows you admit that you are guilty of committing an act.

Repentance demonstrates the action of sincere regret or remorse.

Prayer is a solemn request for help or expression of gratitude.  

Could it be that the reason you are not seeing answers to your requests is because you have not positioned yourself properly? 

As you reflect on the above ask yourself:

Am I in the position of humility?

How consistent and comfortable am I in using the three companions?

If you are not able to answer positively, make use of the three companions of confession, repentance and prayer and humility will come as a result of them.   

Remember, You cannot confess, repent repent or pray if you are lifted up with pride and or arrogance. You must take the position of humility. God will not hear your prayer from a proud position. It is in the position of humility accompanied by admission, sincerity and solemn expression that He will heal and bring you to total victory. Today be motivated to the right position by the help of the Holy Spirit.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel