RESPONSE UNDER PRESSURE

IT'S ALWAYS ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

If you have ever squeezed your hand in a car door you can certainly imagine the pain I felt slamming a steel door (like school bathroom steel door) over my fingers! The excruciating pain and constant throbbing could have easily retrieve to a fleshy reaction.  My initial reaction was a shrilling scream. followed by praise and prayer for the removing of the pain, blood clot and any other ills that might result from the pressure of the squeeze.  

I sent out a 911 to my prayer warriors to stay on the wall on my behalf.  Day by day with pray let my request be made known.  Of course I iced and rub, but my confidence remained in trying to trust in the great physician.  

Unfortunately, it isn't always the case with many.  The outbursts and verbal words would be from a natural and carnal place because many cannot take the pressure of the squeeze.  Even as faith believing people we can crumble.  We may not cuss and fuss, but we can express words of unbelief as have happened to me many times in the waiting process.  What about you.....

What would be your first reaction?
What would be the first words out of your mouth?  

Go ahead and share an experience in the comments section- Keep it real!



  

Many people would swear or use profanity when they stump their toe, pinch their finger or fall. As they speak of the incident they would use unpleasant adjectives and even flashy carnal phrases to describe the experience.  
  
It is important to know that you are a light that shines in darkness. You represent Christ daily by your words and actions even under pressure.  Your reaction to the distress reflects the hidden man in your heart and will show your strength and even your belief in what you teach/preach.  

Though you must realize that you are an earthen vessel, you are commanded to shine so the light of the knowledge and glory of God can shine out through the Christ in you. 

2 Corinthians 4:6-11(KJV)

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

When you do everyone will recognize  the power of God, because the flesh man reacts in the flesh and with a fleshy vocabulary.  
How do you deal with the pressure from the squeeze?
Are you shining with the light of the knowledge of God?

TODAY'S FOCUS: IT WILL MANIFEST ITSELF

You must understand that you are not of your own, and the life of Jesus Christ must be made manifest in your mortal body.  Who you are will be manifested under pressure.  Let's look at the contrast of the spiritual person reactions under pressure: 

2 Corinthian 4: 8-11 (KJV)

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

You live in constant danger as you serve the Lord. 
That's why it is so important to react as the light when faced with opportunities through distresses.  God will never abandon you.   Don't look at yourself, but look to God. The Light of God is a priceless treasure. Live as lights for many are watching your reactions as the preached gospel.   

Remember, your fleshly bodies are constantly facing death and will continue to experience pressures. Your response under the tight squeeze of distress and pressure will reveal the light of the glory of Christ when you understand that it's about Him.   You serve the Lord, and every one of this distresses serves as opportunities to show forth the power of God to a dying and lost world.  Keep going- Don't give up and don't quit.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DEVELOPED IN PRISON

PRISON WALLS 

Prison walls can be intimidating to prisoners and those without.  It stems as a reminder that the prisoner is restricted and freedom is limited.  Some walls have no windows so there is no view or connection of the outside world.  The days appear to have more hours and time seems to stop.  Prison walls can break or make you. 

However, prison walls can be the very thing that is needed to bring you to the quietness that is required to reflect on why you are in there.  For some it is an awake to consciousness.  Many has used it as a bridge to their salvation.  Many hymns, and books have been written from within the walls.  

Prison walls isolate and divide you from others.  They can become obstruction to connect you to reality, or they can be protecting you from harm to or from others.  In many ways prison walls are retainers. They keep, preserve and maintain you.  They may even restore you and give you opportunities to be noticed.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP

Although prison walls can cause you to be isolated from the world and make your surroundings a very dark place, prison walls can be an opportunity for development. It can and will create skills for future promotion or entitlement.  It will require you to use your time to reflect and look beyond the walls with hope.   

Not every prison sentence carries a "death sentence" but an opportunity for a brighter and greater future.  The timing (years spent within these walls) can be used to develop you into an effective leader, instructor, author, world changer and so much more.  

Let's reflect on the story of Joseph.  Although He was wrongfully accused and sent to prison, he did not let that dampen his spirit or change who he was.  The prison walls limited him to what he was accustomed of doing.  However,  he served as excellently as he would if he was tending his father's flock.  This caused him to be noticed and given a leadership position.  

You see his future position needed the experience and so these walls served as the opportunity he needed.  He had the gift in him, but he needed the experience.  His brothers pit plan and Potiphar's wife lies had all served their purpose.  He needed the walls to develop himself.  

What about you?  Whether you are behind the walls from the wrong you have done or as Joseph wrongfully accused-  Are  you complaining about the walls that restrict you or are you proofing and developing your skills?  What about the book you wanted to write, the classes you needed to take, the weight you wanted to loose, or the plans for ministry and other spiritual/personal development? 

It is in the quietness of the walls when you are not disturbed you will develop your gift.  When your back is against the wall, you will hear directly from God.  No sunlight, but God's light; no noise, but peace; no one to give you advice, but His spirit will speak within your spirit.  You will hear, this is the way, walk in it. You will hear and see the "inner you."

Reflection Activity:

Take time, lie down quietly and reflect on the prison walls that are around you or imagine you within prison walls.  You can't go to work, talk on the cellphone or have contact with anyone.  Review the following and allow God to speak directly into your spirit and as you pen down your answers look for the purpose of your prison walls. 

What would God need you to change about you?

What would God have you develop?

What would God have you move forward with?

What would God have you to say?

Remember, you don't have to die in prison.  Your dreams are not destroyed, but developed.  Like Joseph, you can soar, and put your best out.  Your skills will be noticed and required at the appointed time.  Use the time to develop yourself and your God given gifts.  Prison walls are not always a bad thing, it could be the thing that you need to get your attention as David - He makes me lie down to restore your soul.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

DISCERNING THE LORD'S BODY

IT BEGINS WITH SELF EXAMINATION

The Lord died for the full redemption, restoration, healing and wholeness of mankind. His body was bruised for us and His blood flowed for our cleansing. But in order to receive it we must believe and accept the provision of His salvation.

Every year we celebrate the Lord's Supper as a memorial of the sacrifice on the cross and partake of the emblems of the bread and wine. Every man must examine himself and not eat or drink unworthily.

1 Corinthians 11: 28-34

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.

And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation. And the rest will I set in order when I come.

When you eat and drink unworthily you bring condemnation to yourself and can cause weakness and an early grave. Not only that you will pay for partaking unworthily, but because you do not acknowledge the power of the blood and understand the reason why He died.

It's time to make that self examination and see if you are eating and drinking unworthily. Judge yourself only and not another. Get it together now so you won't regret later. Don't allow yourself to wallow in your sins and refuse to partake, but don't take it as a regular meal for taking sake. 

TODAY'S FOCUS: COME TOGETHER TO DISCERN HIS BODY  Today we will be celebrating the Lord's Supper from 6:00 PM with a fellowship meal and our service follows shortly after. We invite you to visit with us at # 1 B Humbug, Christiansted, St. Croix VI . If you are off Island we invite you to view us live at www.twigscog.org where a blessing awaits.  1 Corinthians 11: 24-27 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

The Lord shed His blood for you and His body was broken for you. In His body He bore your shame, sickness and sorrow and shed His blood for your cleansing and salvation. Today as we come together to receive His body and blood let's discuss:How does the communion supper affect your spiritually? What reflections of the night He died comes to you?What are you expectations from the Lord?Have you examined yourself?What are you guilty of?What sickness, disease or need you discern in the emblem of the bread?What do you need to have cleansed as you discern in the emblem of the wine?

Remember, The Lord has already died for your sins. It is a finish work at Calvary. Every time your eat and drink of His body and blood you are doing it in remembrance of Him. Today, examine yourself and see if you are worthy. If you are guilty the blood is available to wash you and make you clean. If you are sick, oppressed and burdened discern His body that was bruised and broken for you. Don't be judged, chastened or condemned- Eat and drink worthily. 
God Bless and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel

FREEDOM TO CHOOSE

IMPOSING YOUR OPINIONS ON OTHERS

There are many people today with beliefs and opinions on various topics ranging from religious, politics, how to raise children, relationship, education etc.  Although there are principles and guidelines surrounding these, there are also some things that are allowed and is a matter of choice and preference.  

People should have freedom to choose the things that are not mandatory by any governing law - whether natural or spiritual. You should not flaunt your faith or belief (especially something that is not mandatory at someone, but keep it to yourself. 

Romans 14:22 
Thou has faith; have it to thyself before God.  Blessed is he that does not condemn himself with that thing which he allows. 

Despite this some still insist on imposing their opinions on others - For example:  

Some believe in eating meats and other animal products. Others believe in eating only vegetables and plant base products.  This difference of opinion can easily create an argument.  One trying to impose on the other to the point of disharmony. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  DON'T LET A GOOD THING BECOME EVIL

A good thing can become a bad thing. Don't let your liberty get in the way.  Too many times many allow the things that are permissible to condemn them and offend others.
Romans 14:19 
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.  

Let's discuss how your freedom of choice become a bad thing with the following: 
Does your freedom of choice offend or affect others?

Are you acting consistent with what you believe?
Are you trying to impose your opinions on others?

Are you living just to please others?
If someone is offended because of an action on your liberty and you insist on doing it anyway you are not walking in love. Not that you should walk on egg shells or refrain from your enjoyment or pleasure, but you should consider not offending with your freedom. Be considerate on the consequences of your action. You should also give others the freedom of choice to accept or pursue their own.
Remember, your freedom to choose should not come from what is not allowed. However, what is allowed could become an offense to someone. Let not you good be evil spoken of. Choose to agree and purse the things that make peace and that can edify. In doing this you will be serving the true law of liberty.
God Bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel

GOD DELIGHTS IN STEADFASTNESS NOT SACRIFICE

SUPERFICIAL LOVE

Many people today demonstrate or experience love from a superficial or just on the surface standpoint. There is no depth to their emotions.

Superficial love is just "skin deep". It goes no further - not reaching the heart.

Superficial love goes through the motions so it appears to the onlookers that there is love when it's just a shadow. The reason can be a lack of knowledge or fear. It is flexible and disappears as quickly as it comes. It can also be seasonal and is limited to the weather - when things are good and changes when things are not. Scripture referred to that kind as a morning cloud.

Hosea 6:4

O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O Judah, what shall I do unto thee? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goeth away.

Therefore have I hewed them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of my mouth: and thy judgments are as the light that goeth forth.

However, that kind is subject to judgement and destruction. It calls for repentance and the knowledge of God not sacrifice.

Is your goodness, love and relationship to God superficial?

Are you giving more sacrifice than faithfulness?

Is your steadfastness weather or season driven?

If your answer is yes, then it's time to return to the Lord so you can be healed and gain knowledge.

TODAY'S FOCUS: GOD'S DELIGHTS

A look at the scripture above states that superficial declarations of love last no longer than the morning mist and predawn dew. For as soon as the sun shines it is lifted. As soon as things are better, you go back to the same standard of living and lifestyle.

God is after love that lasts- not more churches or religions. He wants people to get to know Him, not just have more activities, programs or meetings. He wants you to know Him in an intimate and personal way.

If like Adam you have broken your covenant, repent rather than cast the blame or justify your reasons. You cannot give Him anything but what He delights in. God delights in your steadfastness not sacrifice. He already has it all and wants to give it all.

Hosea 6:6

For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

In what ways are you trying to know Him?

Do you need a prophet of doom to get your attention or are you willing to return on your own?

Remember, It's time to wake up to what God prefers and requires. He does not want your sacrifices, He wants your love. He does not want your offerings, He wants you to know Him. Listen to the warnings of the prophets and avoid the destruction that comes from not knowing God and truly loving Him. Then you shall truly know Him and He will be refreshing as the latter and former rain. Get to know Him, you will love Him.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

STAND IN LIBERTY

YOUR FREEDOM AND LIBERTY

Let's take a look at the definitions:

FREEDOM:

1. The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. 
2. Absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government. 
3. The state of not being imprisoned or enslaved.

LIBERTY:

1. The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
2. The power or scope to act as one pleases. 

Freedom gives you the right to act or speak in an environment absent from subjection to slavery or imprisonment. 

Liberty is your freedom to act and or live free.  Note, however, there are still conditions and or limits to its operation.  

Not walking in accordance of either can enslave you if you refuse to operate in every aspect, for you can easily be a prisoner or subjected to being dominated again.


TODAY'S FOCUS:   THE LIFE OF FREEDOM REMOVES THE YOKE OF BONDAGE

Let's take a deeper look into the meanings and take note of what your freedom and liberty actually means from a point of scripture:

Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  

What we are gaining from the scripture is that your freedom came from Christ so, therefore, you must stand in the liberty of your freedom you have in Christ.  While you have the liberty and pleasure to act as you please it must be within the boundaries of what is authorized to you from the one who has made you free.  You cannot be ruled or influenced by any other source.  

 

For example: As a citizen of the United States, you have the freedom of speech, religion, right to vote and other inalienable rights.  However, that does not give you the liberty to speak disruptively or disturb the peace or live in disharmony with others.  You can violate your freedom by riots, religious sabotage or illegal voting. You may suffer penalties under  the law and or end up in prison. 

 

Similarly your liberty in Christ does not give you the freedom to live as you please under the same influence or control you were before you came to Him.  If that is the case then you should have remained under his ruling.  Your freedom comes from a place for you to experience life- walking as a free person enjoying the blessings and the promises of an abundant life through our Savior and King.  So today, walk in your freedom and liberty, and do not go back to the habits and life of your former life in which you were enslaved.  Ask yourself....

How free is your life?

What were some of the things that had you in bondage?

In what way are you being entangled again?

 

Remember, don't compromise your freedom and liberty. The MSG version states that Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.  Don't be entangled again in the things that caused your slavery in the first place.  You are set free to be free. 

 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

 

Virtuous Jewel

 

 

 

 

IDENTITY CONFERENCE 2016

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

In Genesis 38 reveals a remarkable story of mistaken Identity.  Building on this we have set the theme of Conference 2016

From our previous conference many people perhaps know who they are, but they could be masking or claiming a false identity.  They compromise their positions because of life's challenges, they hide their true feelings because of past experiences or living in the past, they are afraid to disclose their fears because it may cost them and many more issues...... This conference will help to identify the mistakes, learn the effects, costs and remove the veil that mask their true identity.  


We are very excited as we finalize the plans for a Life-Changing, powerful and epic experience. Speakers are in place and Prayer Warriors are on the wall as prayers go up seeking God to make this a "matter of the heart" event.

By request and great demand our conference is opened to both men and women so we can hear from both genders what affects and traps them and how they can learn from each other.  It's time to keep it real!  No more mask - Remove the veil so healing can come forth from the exposure!

We encourage you to make this a "I must attend" event. Mark your calendars and begin saving as we have made this a minimal expense compared to the experience as we celebrate our Anniversary and Conference.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND TO MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016

We suggest that you register early so we can accommodate and plan accordingly. 

Look out for updates as we progress on our website at www.twigscog.org and TWIGS Ministry Facebook Page.

Please see attached flyer for details. If you would like flyers for your group, friends or family, please send me an email at twigsministry@gmail.com or through our website.

For questions or more additional information, please feel free to call 340-643-8423. 

Please feel free to share on your social media pages and with your friends and family!

Let us help you to remove the veil - Get your deliverance and breakthrough...

BE A PART OF THIS ONE OF A KIND EXPERIENCE!

God Bless you as we by the help of God identify the mistakes that have been made concerning our identity.

Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

LIKE-MINDEDNESS

LIKE-MINDEDNESS

To be able to to complete a task with another person or with a team, it is important to be of the same mind.  God is calling you to oneness.  Here are some of the things that it will require:

• Have the same love
• Be of one accord
• Have one mind
• Avoid strife and vainglory
• Esteem others better than yourself
• Don't be selfish, look out also for others
• Let the mind that was in Christ Jesus be in you

Philippians 2: 2-5
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

The mind of Christ is the missing ingredient in many of the cases when people do not walk in oneness. 

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE POWER OF ONENESS

There is power in oneness.  If you can do much by yourself, just imagine the possibilities for much more with the power of oneness.  A burden or load shared lightens the load. 

Many frictions and unbalances in marriages/relationships occur when individuals do not walk in accordance to the scripture.  

Take a look at the following characteristics:

Wrong motives, not in harmony

Difference of opinion and refuse to give in - want to have own way

Unstable, indecisive or can't make up mind

Quarrelsome, vain, aggressive

Better than others mentality, suspicious, accusing

Selfish, self-centered, arrogant, 

The above definitely does not portray one who has the mind of Christ.  Let's discuss: 

What mind was in Christ Jesus? 
How would you explain the mind of Christ in comparison to the above?
Which area you need correcting or improvement?

Call to Action: 
Reflect on Jesus desire for oneness of His people.  Review scriptures of  the relationship of oneness He had with The Father and the power demonstrated in oneness.  Know that the mind of Christ can be yours for the asking. 

Remember, the mind of Christ must be in you so you can be in one accord and avoid strife.  Oneness give you the ability to share the load.  It gives you the desire to think and look out for others beside yourself.  Oneness allows you to connect in spirit and strengthen each other.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel