IT COST THE GIVER

A FREE GIFT 

Around this time of the year, to celebrate July 4th, there are blowout sales and other promotions to commemorate the festivities associated with the celebration.  

                                                        There are signs everywhere inviting customers to purchase goods and make other offers. 

 The sale items are things that are of a necessity to every consumer, and they are set up to attract the buyers.  

 Sales can range from 10% to 80% and more...    and include a free promotion. 

People get excited when someone gives them a gift especially if it's FREE or expensive. 

But..

Have you ever stop to think that the gift you got, while it was free, cost the giver?  You may probably even think that you didn't deserved it. 

There are some things people may also think about when they see a promotion or a sale.  

What was the original cost?

Was there a markup for the sale?

What's the catch? 

Many would choose carefully purchasing just what they need, while others would just go all out and indulge.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  INCREDIBLE FREE GIFTS

There are some promotions that are just incredible and hard to refuse- They give you options of continuity and even lifetime memberships. (gym, clubs, subscription, products...)

 

There's a promotion that is just not for the July 4th celebration, but it has been on for quite some time.  It is a red tag promotion that has an incredible FREE Bonus. 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16  

This promotion costs the recipient NOTHING, but THE BLOOD OF JESUS! It provides a host of products, with free bonuses and a lifetime membership.  The forgiveness of sin, removal of guilt shame and a love that lasts.  

It has a warranty guaranteed by the Maker to repair or replace any defective or broken parts.  It covers, accidents, health, financial, family and anything else you could imagine or need.  

But.... It must be claimed, accepted and activated. 

When you receive a gift card, you are required to call the bank or go on your computer to activate it.  Without activation you will not be able to enjoy the rewards.  

So likewise the free gift from God, His son, Jesus Christ, must be claimed, accepted and activated.  He doesn't require much, but He requires a heart that is appreciative and thankful.   

Two good things happen when a gift is given-  The one in need is provided with a blessing, and God gets glory for the incredible gift.  The giver is also remembered and will be prayed for.  

The rewards of a promotion or gift benefits everyone. 

You are challenged to move by the extravagance of God in your life- Give and receive gifts, and thank God always for His son- His Gift too wonderful for words. 

2 Corinthians 9:11-12,15 (KJV)

Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Remember to show your gratitude for a gift that does not cost you.  It is an act of ingratitude if you do not thank and appreciate the giver of the gift. God has given you an incredible gift that while it did not cost you, it cost Him his life.  You have a warranty that is guaranteed to last a lifetime.  No language can praise or thank Him enough for that incredible gift.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

RESPONSIVE OBEDIENCE

LIVE IN RESPONSIVE OBEDIENCE

You are commanded to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. While others can encourage you and inspire you, it is your responsibility to be obedient and live a life pleasing to God.

Your response to obedience will be evident in the life your live. It will reflect in your attitude towards God's word and will also be reflected in how sensitive you are to the people and things of God.

When you know and understand Who is at work in you, you will do what is pleasing to God. You will not only do it as a routine duty, but you will do it rejoicing in responsive obedience.    

Philippians 2:12-13 (KJV)

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Responsive obedience will allow you to be obedient and follow God's instructions whether you are in church, the supermarket, school, home or at work.  You will respond in obedience whether you are among Christians or not- when you have an audience or when no one is around. 

Here are some questions to consider in responsive obedience:

Are you challenged to obey God?  

Do you obey out of duty or excitement?

Are you living in responsive obedient in every area of your life?

Have you given the responsibility of your salvation to others? 

What about your "makeup"

If you are experiencing difficulties in responding in obedience or applying your "makeup", it's probably the time to adjust your makeup. 

TODAY'S FOCUS: ADJUST YOUR MAKEUP

When people are in a hurry they have a tendency to apply their makeup on the run and most times without a mirror.  Sometimes they may apply too much or too little in some areas, they may miss a spot or have makeup on their teeth. However, it is only when they stand before a mirror or seen by another person they are made aware of the areas that they missed or may have misapplied the makeup. 

An adjustment is now become necessary as they are redirected to adjust their makeup.  

Although most people do not like to be told when they are out of line as they may be dealing with some self-esteem issues or other image delusions.  This is where the word reveals their condition and becomes a mirror.  

"Makeup" is not necessary the cosmetic but also applies to various areas of your life, and how you are made up. It begins with a renewed mind. Romans 12:2

Let's look at a few specific areas that you must respond in responsive obedience and apply your make up:

What other scriptures can you apply in these areas?

Spirit: Apply the right spirit - Check your heart and your motives.
Psalm 51:10 (KJV)Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me

Conversation: Have the right conversations- Your conversation must be holy and seasoned with grace.
Colossians 4:6 (KJV)Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Dressing: Dress right- Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. You dressing must be the hidden man of the heart.1 Peter 3: 2-4While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

Eating: Eat right- Feed on the word for what you feed your body will be evident in your growth and application.1 Corinthians 10:31 (KJV)Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God

Seek God's help as you respond in obedience, and He will help you to do what He desires you to do.Hebrews 13:21 (KJV) Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Receive and believe the word of God as truth so it can work in you.

1 Thessalonians 2:13(KJV)
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is 
in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Remember, Don't put the responsibility of your salvation on anyone. Adjust your makeup by following God's instructions and live in responsive obedience whether you are in the audience of one or many.  Be obedient in your spirit, conversation, attire, and all other areas of living. Be sensitive and exert all your energy in pleasing God.  Know that God himself is at work within you, and when your live in responsive obedience you give Him great pleasure.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SPREAD OUT

EXPANSION 

Today, as their need arises,many expand their homes, businesses, education or other things in life to accommodate growth. Expansion happens to make room for the growing demand of a product, a larger family or to broaden the scope of dreams and aspirations. 

For most people, expansion is considered only when growth is in view and can be seen in the natural.  It becomes necessary- for example; when you have two children and another baby is on its way to consider moving out of a two bedroom house to make the family more comfortable.      

However, it would be least considered when you have no children.  Your one bedroom home would be considered quite adequate and more than enough for your current situation.  You would not see the need for expansion or making any major adjustments or changes unless you change your thinking. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:   SPREAD OUT- THINK BIG!

A barren woman can begin to sing when she changes her thinking.  She can rejoice as though she has a house full.  As she changes her thinking she can declare what the word says that she is ending up with more children than the married woman.  

Isaiah 54:1-3 (KJV)

Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord.

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 

This scripture encourages you to think big.  Think above and beyond your circumstances. This is the type of expansion that takes a spiritual view of things and is not easily digested by the natural mind. You will engage in many conversations about how, when, why, if.....

How can a barren woman sing for joy of children when she is not able to have any children or have even experienced childbirth? 

It can only be done when she takes God at His word and begin to rejoice by filling the air with song and celebrating her children that she does not have.  She does not allow her limitations in the natural to prevent her from expanding or spreading out.  

Her expectations will allow her to expand her home and make room for the children that she will be blessed with even in her barrenness.  She may need to get a bigger home, get more furniture, adjust her schedule, get some books on child-raring, and prepare herself mentally, spiritually and emotionally.  

It's time for your expansion!  It may not be children.  It can be anything.  So let's get going- Clear the lot to pitch your tent, get a good enough piece of property, not just for where you are now but for the increase that will come.  Get enough materials and safety stakes, and ensure that you have enough room for growth. 

The scripture above does not limit you to just your own growth but the growth of neighboring cities, abandoned areas and even the nation.  It's time to resettle and expand. Let's discuss:

How can you relate/apply the text that the abandoned has more blessings now than the one whose husband stayed with her?

Are you ready to celebrate and expand for what God has for you? 

Are you ready to change your thinking and spread out?

Are you limiting yourself to what you have or do not have now?

Are you preparing for so much and no more?

Are your future expansions only on what you see, know or feel? 

Remember, to spread out, you must think big and prepare for growth.  Don't settle for just elbow room.  Plan to be comfortable- You will soon be bursting so make room now for what's coming ahead.  Enlarge your house, build additions- You will soon be growing and need more room.  Stop limiting yourself to your present condition. Regardless if you are barren now, think big, think future- Your descendants will rule, possess and inherit what's you leave behind!  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel