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)