SUMMER AWAKENING # 1

Summer Time

School is out- Summer is the time when children are left with relatives and friends. They are left sometimes on their own, with a neighbor or sent to camps or other summer activities. 

This leaves them time to idle, get into trouble and or other mischief.  They can also fall prey to domestic violence, and other sexual promiscuity.  They can also be the target and victims of human trafficking and abandonment- but it does not need to be so! 

Summer time can be for family moments and connections, bonding/quality time, visits/vacations, or projects: Think about:
What project can you do with your child/children this summer?
How can you arrange that project and make teachable connections?

TODAY'S FOCUS:  TEACHABLE CONNECTIONS   

Let's make this summer one that the children will remember- One that they can talk or write about in the coming school year! 

Read this article by Dr Steven Carr Reuben - Making the Most of Teachable Moments

http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/lifelonglearning/early-childhood/teachable-moments/index.html

As you read think of your daily schedule and routine that can be used as a teachable moment to connect with your child/children.  (Use every opportunity and the following as recommended by Dr. Steven Carr Reuben

• Recognize that your children often learn moral lessons unconsciously, in casual moments.
• Be aware of situations that represent moral choices.
• Talk with your children about the ethical challenges represented in everyday situations, the media and popular culture.
• Praise your children for their ethical choices.
• Point out ethical behavior in others.
• Let your children see your own thought processes regarding ethical decisions.

Remember, don't give to much opportunity for the children to be idle.  Get them involved in a home project this summer which involves the entire family.  Use every opportunity as a teachable connection with various situations, individual or groups, and let your actions teach more than your words. 

God bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

SUMMER AWAKENING INVITATION

DANIEL PRAYER 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR

The school year has ended and summer is here!  Teachers have breathed a sigh of relieve and looking forward to some down times. Our children are off for the holidays- Some are planning travel, visits with friends and relatives and other summer activities.  Parents are probably wondering how are they going to manage for the next weeks, while others are engaged in other part time or summer assignments. 

TWIGS Ministry like many others, believe that the children are our future, and the covering of prayer is very vital to the sustenance and existence of that credence.  

As you are aware the school system and our children have been the target of many major attacks to include violence, sexual immorality, drug abuse, frauds and many other perils that affect our youth, community, territory and country.  

The results have caused severe/harmful physical, mental/emotional/psychological and spiritual damages and even fatalities. 

Our ministry has been diligently praying for the past 12 months for everyone involved in our school system- We started on August 1^st - 30th, 2016 with a full month of identifying and praying for everyone every day.  Then every Monday, following our prayer guide, we prayed for a specific group which we would focus on for the week.  We used our guide each week of the month- that way every group would be covered, and we rotated the group the next month.  

The school system group consisted of the following individuals and also included school facilities, supplies, equipment, transportation…..

President, Governors, Commissioners, Assistants, Executive Leaders and other officials, Principals and Assistants, Guidance Counselors, Financial Advisers and Leaders. Teachers/Aids/Other department faculty-
Monitors, Custodial Workers, Lunchroom staff, Security-
Secretaries, Registrar, Administrative Assistants and all other Office Staff, Librarians and Nurses, School Bus drivers, Transportation Workers, School Crossing Guards, Pastors, Ministers and all Clergy, Men and Women of Faith, Law Officers, Therapists, Psychologists and other Advisers/Groups, Parents, Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, Daycare workers, Social Workers, Mentors, Nannies, Friends, families, and..... 

THE CHILDREN OF 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR!

TWIGS Ministry, has a proposition for you in  A Summer Awakening - One day, two nights that will transform your summer and bring awareness and wholeness.

TODAY'S FOCUS: A SUMMER AWAKENING

Our Daniel Prayer Warriors of the 2016-17 School Year would like to close off this journey inviting all these individuals listed to our Summer Awakening event with Pastor Godwin Prospere from Orlando, Florida- 

A Powerful Man of God, Pastor teacher/educator who is ready and equipped to take you on the journey towards a Spiritual Progression. 

This is not just a religious event but an event directed to add value to families, respect for authorities and enhance better relationships between men and women in general accordingly:

Theme:  A Summer Awakening – A Move Towards a Spiritual Progression

One day/two nights Of Worship, Spiritual enrichment, and impartations.  Saturday, July 29^th, to Monday, July 31^st, 2017

Saturday, July 29, 9:30 AM -1:00 PM  

Give a church experience to attendees nourishing the 

believer's heart. 

Many children and even parents do not have any idea what it’s like to attend church or as a matter of fact know what people do in church for the time they go.  This will enable them to experience fellowship, worship, hear the word, develop or establish a more consistent attendance.  

Acts 2:42 (KJV)

And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Our hope is that this experience will allow families to begin to pray together and have godly reverence and develop a deeper relationship with God. 

3:30 PM:  Outline Christian disciplines and encourage stewardship

This session will help with questions of the whys and why should we and the importance of following guidelines and principles- what is expected of you as a believer and child of God.

Sunday, July 30, 7:00 PM: 

 A Focus on the family- Trends and implications of the 21^st Century Family. 

Titus 2: 2-10, 1 Timothy 5,6, 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 

Celebrating the family by establishing and bringing back biblical foundation/construction of the family versus to a social structure.

This is an invitation to all who are involved in the school system to attend to bridge the gaps, mend brokenness, bring back respect and honor, identify and distinguish the child and adult misconception, understand the model of a family and potential damages if not followed appropriately and for impartation and prayer for the upcoming school year.

Monday, July 31^st, 7:00 PM:  

The Dichotomy of the Brains- This is for couples and all men and women in general to help them understand the different brain functioning between men and women to foster better relationships.  (Understand the rivalry between the male and female- boys and girls don’t get along at school, brothers and sisters in the family, men and women in the workplace)

Hebrews 3:13, 10:24 (KJV)

But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

Hebrews 10:24-25King James Version (KJV)

And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

We would also like to give you an opportunity to participate in our program- If you would like to render a selection either as a family, couple or youth group, please let us know so we can include you in our program. 

Transportation will also be provided - Call (340) 643-8423 or (340) 690-9094

Remember, what we plant will grow- Therefore, it is very important that we plant good seeds this summer to reap a good harvest in the 2018-19 school year- This event will definitely help to do that!  Thank you for sharing our Summer Awakening towards a Spiritual Progress event with your friends and family, and invite everyone involved in the school system (as listed above) to the event.  We look forward to seeing you as I am sure you will agree that these sessions are very important in saving and securing our family positions and safety of our communities.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

HARVEST OF BLESSING

TIRED OF BEING GOOD 

The Christian life calls you to a work of service and sacrifice.  However, many people do not always appreciate the things that are done for them or given to them.  

Sometimes, the people who need help the most are the least likely to be  appreciative. They are the ones who will use and abuse you and still complain and talk bad about you.  

This type of reward for doing good can affect your desire to give and cause you to get fatigued and weary.  It makes you feel that you are taken advantaged of, and ultimately make you stop doing the things that you should.  

It may make you question your self-worth, ability and quality of your service.  You may even begin to judge, question or even condemn yourself and lose out on your blessing.

It is important that you do not become weary in well doing- you must keep on going, for if you do not give up you will reap a harvest of blessing.                                                       

       

Galatians 6:9 (KJV) - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Your season, your harvest will come at the right time. Don't let anyone give you a setback for your blessing.

TODAY'S FOCUS: HARVEST A GOOD CROP

A good harvest comes from good planting.

The scripture above indicates that if you are faithful in doing good and do not faint you will have a sure harvest.

This becomes difficult when people belittle and or discredit you, question your abilities, accuse your good intentions and cause offense.

The first thing that comes to your mind is that you should stop. While it is true that you should stop casting your pearls before swines, you should also see if it is an attempt to stop your productive harvest.

Be deliberate but careful. Be intentional and consistent in your season of planting because you cannot have a harvest without planting seeds.

Let's discuss some of your gifts or things assigned to you:

Who have called you?

What area have you been called to serve in?

What gifts do you have?

How have you been called to served?

What seeds you have been given to sow?

Whose lives are you impacting?

Who and what is discouraging you?

Who do you look to reward you?

It is easy to get discouraged when you look for the applause of men and do not know who rewards you.

In spite of all this, you must also seek opportunities to do good especially to those who may cause you the greatest hurt. Sometimes the closest people to you are the culprits- Family members, friends, close associates and even your Christian brothers and sisters.

Galatians 6:10 (KJV)

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

The opportunities that are presented are given to you to reap a good harvest. The more you don't feel like it, the more you should. It is through your seed planting and enduring the heat and the scorching you will develop and learn. Plant good seeds- What you plant will grow and you will reap the harvest you have planted.

Remember, do not allow yourself to get fatigued at doing good. At the right time, you will harvest a good crop. Don't give up or quit doing the things that you are called and or assigned to do. Do good every time you get a chance to regardless if you are appreciated, praised or forgotten. Don't have preferences, but work for the benefit of all even to those who accuse or misjudge you. Know that it is the Lord who rewards the faithful.

God bless you and Keep the Faith

Virtuous Jewel

IT'S TIME TO TERMINATE INVADERS

HOUSE INVADERS 

In the Caribbean and other continents there are many invaders like gongolos (millepedes), lizards, roaches, frogs, rodents etc... that invade our homes. They come as uninvited guests and usually bring their companions along.  They also attract other invaders.  

These invaders can become a nuisance- As they make your house their home, they breed and multiply, and can be uncontrollable if left unattended.  

House invaders causes damages to various areas of the home and can bring destruction to clothing, documents, furniture, cabinets etc...  As they develop they claim ownership to your home by attaching themselves to your stuff. Some may even cause you to get a liking for them.  They will make you so accustom to them that you become comfortable and unaware of their harmful effects.  

House invaders can develop into heart invaders.  They can affect your spirit, penetrate your heart, and they can cause you much stress. 

House and Heart invaders outstay their welcome and become hard to get rid of. They stay as long as you let them with no intentions of leaving unless they are terminated.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  IT'S TIME TO TERMINATE 

House and Heart Invaders are found everywhere.  While they may have preferences depending on their species, they have the same intent- to invade your home.  

These invaders are also stingers (bees, jackspanners, wasps, centipedes...) and cause fear.  They will overrun you and prevent you from living in peace and comfort.  

Here are some questions to think about:

Do you enjoy the company of these invaders? 

What would you do?

Would you leave your home for them?

Would you allow them to stay long enough to attract others or multiply? 

Of course your answer would be a resounding NO WAY!!!!  

Take a look at the following scripture and ask yourself,

What/Who have I allowed to invade my personal space and life?

What/Who have I allowed to sting me?

What/Who have I allowed to overstay their welcome?

What/Who am I refusing to deal with?    

Daniel 11:16 (KJV)

But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed. 

Invaders terrify homeowners and calls for immediate action.  They are not friends.  You should seek the help of terminators and apply products to terminate them permanently.  You should also ensure that you take precautionary measures so that they do not return because they will return with a vengeance.    

Remember, invaders must be dealt with immediately before they are allowed to infest your home. Don't let them overstay their welcome. The various types of invaders that come your way must be dealt with in the same manner you do to rodent and other animal invaders.  They must be terminated or else they will control and or ruin your life.  Be careful and watchful for any trace of re-entry.  Guard your heart and mind!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

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