MESSAGE FROM A ROSE

BEAUTY COST PAIN

I was admiring this beautiful rose sent  to me by my sister Leah Felix and began to notice how the beauty of this rose is fenced by thorns.  Not just in the stem but all around. 


So I began to ponder...
Why are they there? 
What's the purpose? 
Are they protecting the beautiful rose by being a guard to its fragrance? 

I also thought of how often I have picked or held a rose and got pricked by the thorns. 

This conversation could go several ways, but I want to send out a message of the heart to my young sisters and daughters!

My heart bleeds to see how our beautiful daughters are being abused, getting pregnant before finishing school or getting married, are just allowing themselves to be used in roles that they are not prepared to be in.  Wives, mothers, caretakers, sugar mammas etc... leaving many broken with self esteem issues or other negative emotions and setbacks. 

Like the rose, to be picked it comes with the prize and cost of being pricked or perhaps bleed.   

You see your petals are soft and sweet and can easily be crushed and destroyed if you are picked from the top. But if you are cut from the stem the thorns will be felt before the rose can be admired. 

Daughters your beauty must be guarded. Your fragrance must be preserved.  Put a cost on your picking. Keep your guard up until someone, the right someone, is willing to suffer to have you. 

Until then be guarded by the thorns that God has placed on you and around you for the one who is willing to bleed for you. 

He bled for you because... YOU'RE WORTH IT! 

With love from a blooming rose!

Virtuous Jewel

OVERCHARGED WITH CARES

CONSUMED BY HUMDRUM TASKS

Many today are consumed by their routine tasks and activities that there is very little or no time for a conversation or sit down time with the Lord. 

How does you day begin?  

What/who do you give priority to?

You may Facebook before facing the book (the bible), you answer text messages, respond to emails and voice messages before hearing the voice of God first thing in the morning.    

Perhaps you jump out of bed to the sound of an alarm or the shrieking voice of a child or spouse.  Before even thinking to pray or to give thanks, you go right into responding to the humdrum tasks that call your attention of the day.  

Doing this can create setbacks or set the wrong mode for your day.  A frustrated incident can map and or control your entire day.  Waking up and speaking with God first and hearing what He has to say can help you set a good course and give you spiritual direction.  

It is important that God becomes a priority.  As you schedule your day, include Him at the very beginning and throughout the day.  If you don't your energies will be zapped. Daily routines in itself have a tendency to drain you especially when you add extras and unexpected emergencies.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HIS STRENGTH IS PERFECT

Your strength is limited by many factors. Your health, your abilities, knowledge etc.. When God is placed first in your day and given top priority you will have the strength to complete tasks that were difficult because you now have help in the strength of the Lord and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 (KJV)

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Today's Activity - Make a schedule for the week

Make sure you include time for devotion and small quiet chats with God.

It does not have to be in hours or minutes but short moments reflecting on His grace and love. You will find that these special moments will build your relationship and the overwhelming humdrum tasks will become more bearable. You will find that you will have time for both Him and your tasks. Just make Him the first part of your day.

Prioritize your day as of importance and time. Schedule appointments that do not create conflict. Set time to respond to email, texts, Facebook or watch your favorite television show. Try multitasking whenever possible. Iron or fold clothes while watching TV. Return calls while doing the laundry or dishes. Review text/emails on your breaks. Learn also to ignore the unimportant things. Allow your voicemail to take messages. That's what it is set up to do. Learn what is considered an emergency. Be consistent but yet flexible. You don't have to do be a robot.

Remember, to seek out the Lord first before anything else so you won't be overcharged with the cares of your hectic schedule. When you do, His strength will be yours and you will be able to do other tasks. You don't have to respond immediately to calls or messages, but you can schedule for a more convenient time. You don't have to take on every requests that comes your way. Learn to direct others to the Lord or other sources. Don't let your daily cares take your eyes off the Lord, and lean wholly upon the leading of the Holy Spirit to assist you in all things. You don't have to be a robot with the process- Just let Him flow freely as you seek Him.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

BROKEN VESSELS

THE PURPOSE OF BEING BROKEN

To make a vessel the clay must be fashioned by the potter.  As it is being designed, it will experience severe heat from the fire so it can be fashioned into a vessel of desire. However, at times the vessel does not turn out as the potter wished.  So he kneads it again into another vessel the way he wishes.    

That process may cause the clay to feel some pressure as it is lumped back together and refashioned into a vessel of purpose.  

Jeremiah 18:4 (TLB)

But the jar that he was forming didn't turn out as he wished, so he kneaded it into a lump and and started again. 

That is the purpose of you being broken so that you can be refashioned.  Your discomfort, pain and difficulties may simply be that God is lumping you together to make you of good use and value.   It will not be an easy process, it may not feel good or look good, but it is part of His purpose and plan to make you a vessel fit for His use.  The good news is you will survive and will come out better and stronger than you were before.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  REFASHIONED BY DESIGN

The scripture above reveals that the potter breaks a vessel to shape a new one.  The old one probably has lost its essence or may have some flaws that only by reshaping and redesigning it can be put to  use.  It may have a chip or a crack, and it will take some tough scuffing to remove some of the scratches and or make repair.  But it is only to bring it to perfection.

As you experience the process of being broken, you may feel overwhelmed and feel that you will drown in your troubles by the pressure of being refashioned.  But here is some more good news:

You will not drown in rivers of difficulty

You will be be burned in the flames of fire

God will be and is with you 

Isaiah 43: 2 (TLB)

When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up-the flames will not consume you. 

Isn't it good to know that the troubles that faces you and the fires that you will experience will not cause you hurt.  That is why in the midst of your difficulties you must remain faithful.  You must also know that God is working to bring you to purpose and to be a strong tower for someone else.  Today let me ask....

Are you being broken or refashioned?

What waters of trouble are you experiencing?

What fires are you going through?

Are you understanding/accepting His purpose for redesigning you? 

Remember, you are being refashioned by designed.  In the midst of your difficulty God is preparing you to be a refuge and a strong tower for someone else.  If you are removed from the experience you will not have a testimony to share or have a story for His glory.  Endure the troubles and fires knowing with assurance that He is with you, and you are covered by His protection and love.  Stay in the secret place so that others will see the beauty when He is finished with you.  He is making a vessel for Himself.... His will, His purpose, His design- Not Yours!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

WILLFULLY FORGET

REACH FOR WHAT LIES AHEAD

To forget willfully is an act of the will. It is a choice that is made to move ahead. You cannot grab for something if your hands are occupied. It is only when you let go of what you are holding on to you will be able to have what is given.

Philippians 3: 13 (KJV) Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

To forget something you must have a replacement, but not necessary a substitute. If you substitute you may have the tendency to reflect back on what you are trying to forget. You may also create problems of expectations and or comparisons.

You must be willing to forget the things that hold you hostage especially in your thoughts.

You must be also willing to move from one place to another to achieve or to receive what lies ahead.

You must be willing to reach out and look ahead.

When you acknowledge that it takes forgetting and focusing on what's ahead, you will be able to take a step forward and attain the prize.

TODAY'S FOCUS: FOCUS ON THE GOAL

The apostle Paul knew he was not an expert, but understood the principle and knew that his energies must be focused on the goal and the prize ahead. He claims that he strain to reach the end of the race.

Philippians 3:14 (KJV) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

You must have a goal in mind, and keep your eyes on the prize. Note also that it is a prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. It is not attainable in your own strength nor on looking on to others.

It is time to reflect on:
What you need to forget
What you must reach for
What prize are you focused on
Are you pressing for the high calling of God
Are you running to win
Every athlete knows that a focused runner is not easily distracted when he is thinking of the prize. He is not concerned about who is running with or against him. The prize has already been established - Life eternal in Christ Jesus. However, the effort must come from you. Being focused and understanding that you must willfully forget what you left behind will keep you pressing forward to reach the goal. You must have a desire to reach the goal, and keep your eyes on the prize listening only to your heavenly coach. Run with the goal in mind.
Remember focus your energies on what's ahead not where you were or what you left. Keep your eyes always upward on the goal to achieve what Christ has already done for you. Let go of what is hindering you to grab on what is reserved for you. It is already there, but you must reach for it- Run to win!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel

A HARMONIZING INFLUENCE

RELEASE YOUR TENSIONS

As you are challenged by people who are controversial, different and those who may question your calling or purpose in life, you must ensure that your reactions are in line with God's holiness.  How do you handle others who oppose or challenge you?

Here's a nugget from today's devotion by Frances J. Roberts:

"Even your zeal to please me should never destroy another. Bless him, and know that it is possible that he may be fulfilling My purposes for him even though it seems he is hindering your own spiritual expression."

Many have reaped and or reaping the results of their action/reaction.  Perhaps they have played the role of God and allowed their zeal to cause them to lash out in fury and or unrighteous behaviors.  

You must understand that the things that happen may just be the very thing that God has allowed to fulfill His purpose in your life.  As the devotion states even though it may seem to you that it is hindering your progress spiritually, it may be just the very thing that's working out God's divine strategic purpose for you and or your offender. 

Today's questions: What tensions should you release to God?

Are you creating your own tensions by engaging in arguments, quarrels or debates that just zaps your strength and peace? 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  THE EFFECT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

God will allow a mix of circumstances to bring harmony and influence His plans for your life.  Life will seem unfair at times, and it may even feel like you must help God. Follow after righteousness it will minimize the negative effects of conflicts/tensions

If you are working in righteousness it will result and end in peace and quietness.

Isaiah 32:17 (KJV)
And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. 

If you are experiencing anything different than the peace of God in the place that you are, perhaps now is a good time to look at the cause of some of your challenges:

Has you zeal created animosity, competition or a desire to destroy another person, ministry or business?

How are you treating the naysayers and haters?

Are you blessing or cursing?

Are you standing ready to see their demise or their unfortunate end?

Are you standing in the way of God's purpose for you or the offender?

Today, God is calling you to a place of peace and quietness.  As you honestly reflect on the answers to the questions above, look deep within you, and see if you are truly experiencing the effects of righteousness.  You will know if you are when you can bear patiently the rebuff, reproof and or attacks of others even if it interferes or prevents the fulfillment of your dreams and desires.  You will know that even in this that God is working it our for His good and His perfect will and purpose.  

Remember, that "the path to holiness is strewn with many heartaches."  Life will deal some unpleasant and difficult blows. However, understanding God will bring you through victoriously will help you to relax in His peace and assurance forever.  No matter what you are facing today, you can release your tensions to Him and trust that He will work in each situation to suit His will and purpose and bring it to perfection. He is a "Harmonizing Influence.

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

THE PROCESS OF GRACE AND FAVOR

IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT IT

Ezekiel Chapter 16 has a remarkable story. It may not directly be linked to the process of grace, but it speaks volumes of God's love and restoration. The message of the Lord came - it was time to tell Jerusalem (you who are reading) of their abomination (sins)

NATIVITY (Verses 3-5)

God's word reminded them of their origin and their birth, and the state they were in when He found them. Abandoned, cast out, unwanted, rejected covered in their own blood. No one looked at them or had compassion on them.

THE RESCUE

Ezekiel 16: 6 (KJV)
And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, And when I passed by thee, and saw thee polluted in thine own blood, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live; yea, I said unto thee when thou wast in thy blood, Live

...

NURTURING AND CARE (Verses 7-14)

These verses reflected the growth, provision and care that was given in every area of their development and stages of life.  The nurturing and care was specific to their need.  They were given the finest of everything.  Their reputation of their beauty became great among the nations.  It was perfect because of the gifts that He gave them.  

THE FALL AND THE PUNISHMENT (Verses 15-41)

But then they thought they could have gotten along without Him.  Their trust and love was turned to themselves and not in the giver of the gifts.   

AWARESS (Verses 42-58)

God again had another conversation with them - A let's talk session that brought them to the awareness of the things they did and how it affected them.  They were made aware of what they were given and what they exchanged.  It may be the time that God wants to have a chat with you! 

Can you relate to the story?

Which portion or phase applies to you?  

Have you played the harlot in your relationship with Him?

It's time to get back into the favor of God

TODAY'S FOCUS:  GRACE AND FAVOR

Grace and favor are God's gifts to undeserving sinners who despite all they have done, He makes them available. It is a gracious act which allows you to face your past and acknowledge your shame.

Ezekiel 16: 59-63

For the Lord God says: “I will repay you for your broken promises. You lightly broke your solemn vows to me, yet I will keep the pledge I made to you when you were young.

I will establish an everlasting covenant with you forever,

And you will remember with shame all the evil you have done; and you will be overcome by my favor when I take your sisters, Samaria and Sodom, and make them your daughters, for you to rule over.

You will know you don’t deserve this gracious act, for you did not keep my covenant.

I will reaffirm my covenant with you, and you will know I am the Lord. Despite all you have done, I will be kind to you again; you will cover your mouth in silence and in shame when I forgive you all that you have done,” says the Lord God.

Although God is ready to repay you for your broken promises, He will keep His pledge that He made to you. You will be overcome with favor. He will make atonement and make all things right for you even after all you have done. (Read through the chapter and reflect on the amazing process of grace and favor)

Remember, It is important that you trust God through the process of your experience. If you have broken your vow return to the place where He found you. Confess your fault and acknowledge His love for you. Know that the God who rescued you from birth will rescue you again with his love and favor. Let your confession include...

I will trust the process of Your Grace Lord! Then live for Him!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

INTEGRITY AND DEVOTION

TWO INDISPENSABLE VIRTUES

First let me apologize for not being as consistent over the past couple weeks due to the recent passing of my precious dad.   This has been a real struggle for me, but God gives strength day after day.  Thank you for your patience and understanding. 

Yet through the midst of life challenges, difficulties and circumstances, we must maintain these two indispensable virtues of integrity and devotion if we are to have inner strength.  However, inner strength must result in outer action.  What's on the inside will show on the outside.  

In this time of moral decline and crumbling of structures, foundations are shaken. 
How strong is your foundation?
How do you maintain your inner strength when life presents difficulties?
How is your integrity and devotion?
How is it manifested outwardly?  

You can be easily pulled into negative actions as a result of life's threats, but if you are characterized by integrity and devotion you will remain faithful.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  CHARACTERIZED BY INTEGRITY AND DEVOTION

Is your life characterized by these two virtues?

Let's begin by defining the meanings-

Integrity: 

1.  The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.

2.  The state of being whole and undivided

Devotion: 

1.  Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity or cause.

2.  Religious worship or observance 

As you review the meanings, you will note that you must be honest and have strong moral principles, and you must demonstrate love and loyalty to the person or cause. It is not always easy to demonstrate them during times of adversity, however, it must and will be revealed if it is part of your character.   

With this in mind you must understand that these virtues are a way of life and cannot be put aside when conditions change.  Your honesty and loyalty are not subjected to the weather, good times or bad times but must be consistent and in line with your character.  It's not whether someone is kind to you or not or whether you are happy or sad.  When you are squeezed and put to the test, your outward action will tell if you posses it or not.  It will be manifested in the fires of trials, in the loss of a loved one, in the anguish of pain and many other day to day struggles and temptations.  

Remember, "Integrity and devotion have always been indispensable virtues."  It is very important that in these times of moral decline that these two become more apparent to demonstrate your commitment and faithfulness to God and to others. Be diligent to keep your inner strength so that it will reflect outwardly.  How you respond will determine and reveal the truth of your DNA and inner character?  "How much does integrity and devotion characterizes your life?"

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel