POST ELECTION CHALLENGE

THE CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Now that we have voted, I would like to see the campaign continue with prayer! Based on many comments I have heard and read, many people said, "God answered our prayers." So we must agree what started with prayer must continue with prayer! 

1 Timothy 2: 1-4 (KJV)

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

The last part of verse 2 spoke to me as I reflect on our community and what has been happening in our territory, country and nation. Could it just be that we have not done as we are encouraged to do? Well there's no use crying over spill milk, so we will take the opportunity to do right. So whether or not our candidate won we are exhorted by scripture to pray for all those in authority. It is to our benefit so we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

So the first response to the celebratory victory is prayer! Intercessory prayers and giving our thanks to God. 

We must intercede for our governors, senators and other officials asking God for His wisdom, knowledge and guidance. Yes, prayer is needed more so after the election so they can elect the right commissioners, assistants, board/cabinet members and other individuals and fill the necessary positions with the most qualified, honest and God fearing persons. More so instead of criticizing, complaining and engage in other negative behaviors let's pray for God's mercy upon their lives and their salvation.

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? IT PLEASES GOD! (verse 3)

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A COMMITMENT TO PRAY

We cannot afford to leave our future up to chance. It's not the time to seek for campaign rewards or any other benefits. It is the time for prayer that our lives will be spent serving the Lord and doing good. In the end it all works together for good to them who love God and are called to His purpose. 

Let's pray and leave the outcome and results to our God.

Daniel 2:21 (KJV)
And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

Daniel 2:21 (TLB)
World events are under his control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom and scholars their intelligence.

LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN - I AM ON, ARE YOU?

If you accept this challenge, join us from today as we dedicate Wednesdays for prayer and 1/2 day fasting over the coming months for our leaders and all in authority including our church leaders. Unless otherwise noted our prayer line will be open from 12:00 noon.

CALL 1-470-88 TWIGS - 1-470-888-9447

Remember, it's to your benefit to pray for all men including your governor, president, senators, pastors, and all other officials.  It is God's will that all men be saved. Praying is your job, removing them, setting them up and saving them is God's. 

Take your responsibility of prayer seriously  

THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH!

GOD BLESS AND KEEP THE FAITH!

Virtuous Jewel 

FALLING IN LOVE

UNQUENCHABLE DESIRE

When one falls in love, they have an unquenchable desire.  It's like a thirst that is never satisfied.  You can never get enough of your lover.  You want to be with them every moment.  You spend every waking moment thinking of them and want to talk with them often for long periods of time.  

If this is the way love is expressed in the natural.  How do you suppose we should express or demonstrate it in the spiritual with the lover of our hearts and souls.  

Have you fallen in love with Jesus? 

• How do you really feel about Him?
• How do you express your love to Him?
• Is He a secret lover, night time or seasonal lover or is your love on display 24/7 for all to see?  (How is it evident)

Here's how some of the great men of scripture expressed their unquenchable desire:

Psalm 84:2 (KJV)

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God

Isaiah 26:9 (KJV)

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Song of Solomon 3:4 (KJV)

It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Today, make Jesus the Lover of your soul.   

TODAY'S FOCUS:  STAYING IN LOVE

In the scripture found in Solomon it gives a practical example of a love that one would appreciate in today's society.  If you found true, genuine love you would hold on to it, introduce it to the family and friends and definitely show it off.  

Love is pursued, preserved and maintained.

Therefore, it must be nurtured and nourished for it to bloom and remain long-lasting.

A detail review of Psalms 63: 1-8 reveals some things that must be done to preserve the love between you and the Lord.  

1. Rise early and seek Him 
2. Thirst and long for Him
3. Praise with Joyful Lips
4. Bless Him while you live
5. Meditate on Him 
6. Rejoice
7. Follow after Him

In what other ways can you preserve or maintain your love to the Lord?

In Psalms 42, the Psalmist makes a strong comparison when he states, 

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."

And again in Psalm 143:6 (KJV) he writes,

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. 

What comparison (s) can you make of your love for the Lord? (make a list)

Are you desperate for Him to the point of tears? Psalms 42: 3 (KJV)

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Remember, just as important it is to pursue and fall in love you must maintain it. You must be desperate enough to go at all lengths to seek Him, find Him, please Him, spend time with Him, show Him off and hold on to Him.  He must be your everything. He wants all or nothing.  

God Bless and Keep the Faith!  

Virtuous Jewel

ATTRIBUTES OF GIVING

GENEROUSLY, HAPPILY, WILLINGLY WITH A PERFECT HEART GIVING

Today, many people cringe at the topic on giving maybe through a bad experience or because they do not see the need or just don't believe in the process.  The attributes above are found in the remarkable story in 1 Chronicles 29. 

Let's take a closer look at 1 Chronicles 29: 8-14

They gave of their best treasures - they didn't give the left overs or the things they didn't want but the things that were found precious.  

And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite. 

They rejoiced in and after their giving - That shows they were excited, happy and joyful that they were able to give.

Then the people rejoiced 

They gave willingly - No one had to beg, coerced them, promise them a blessing or anything.  They understood the cause to build God's house.  

For that they offered willingly

They gave with a perfect heart - They were moved from within to give not superficially but out of a heart that was sincere.  
Because with perfect heart they offered willingly to the Lord:

The truth of the matter is that the people recognize that the things they had belonged to the Lord.  They also knew that it is The Lord that gives, reigns over and even gives the strength to obtain the riches they were giving him.  In reality they were giving him back some of His very own treasures.  

1 Chronicles 29: 12, 14
Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.

But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.

TODAY'S TOPIC:  WORSHIP IN YOUR GIVING

The first verse of 1 Chronicles 29 states, "the work is great: for the palace is not for man, but for the Lord God." 

How about  you? Is your affection set on the house of the Lord? 

1. How much different would you think now about giving after you have read these verses above?
2. Is there anything in your treasury you can give?  What?
3. Are you generous, happy, willing and giving from a perfect heart?
4. Do you recognize the source of your riches or do you give credit to your own abilities?  

Are you ready to worship? Take a look at verse 20

And David said to all the congregation, Now bless the Lord your God. And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and worshipped the Lord, and the king.

After all was brought into the treasury, they continued to bless God with other sacrifices and offerings on the morrow after that day. (verse 21) This would probably be too much to ask of today's people.  But there is a command in giving unto God especially if you claim to be of the descendant of Abraham.  Review the following versions of that command.  

1 Chronicles 29: 18

KJV

O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee

NIV

Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.

TLB

O Lord, God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Israel! Make your people always want to obey you, and see to it that their love for you never changes.

As a leader David set the example of giving.  He gave even above that which he had collected.  He saw the work was great,  and because he understood that it was God's house he set his affection there.  

Remember to rejoice as give out of your very treasure.  Know that God triest the heart and have pleasure in uprightness.  Give to God willingly, generously, happily and with a perfect heart.  You can only build with your provisions- with what you provide. Make the man or woman of God's heart rejoice with you and watch out for your own prosperity.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

 

RELEASE FOR RELEASE

PRAISE PRAYER ACTIVATES RELEASE

Jonah 2: 7, 9,10 (KJV)
When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple
But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.
And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.

From this scripture it is obvious that praise and prayer go together.  It's like a lock and key.  

A reading on the entire chapter of Jonah 2 will bring enlightenment to this statement. From the first verse Jonah prayed unto the Lord His God out of the fish's belly.  He cried and the Lord heard his voice.  

Note that in the first few verses, Jonah cried out his situation, his troubles and what he felt God had done to him. He spoke from where he was, his surroundings and limitations that he could see and understand.  But when his soul fainted and he had no strength left he remember the Lord.  

His prayer took a different direction when he made the sacrifice to give thanks and praise. 

It was that key, the key of praise that unlocked his prayer and opened the deadbolt of heaven's portal.  It was that praise that was heard that activated The Lord.  

God then spoke to the fish and it vomited out Jonah upon dry land.  

TODAY'S TOPIC:  SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name,

What does your circumstances look like right now?  

• Are you having a Jonah experience?
• Have you talk to God and everyone else about your situation and problems?
• Does it seem that there is a deadbolt on your prayer?
• Are you complaining to God about how unfair He is and how tired you are?

How desperate are you for your release?

1. Reflect back on what brought you or took you there, and if it's self inflicted repent and go back to the cross and accept His love and forgiveness. 
2. Empty your soul of all complaints, guilt, confusion, negative reasoning etc...
3. Remember the Lord who has kept you through the process

Now, how about a sacrifice of Praise?

• Begin with a prayer of Thanksgiving.  Yes even for the situation that you are in right now.   
• Praise up the situation then praise the solution, then praise some more.

Remember, he listened when Jonah complained, but He released when he made the sacrifice to praise through a fainted soul.   Praise is the last thing you would want to do when you are going through.  But as he did for Jonah when you have fainted and have no strength he will speak to your "fish" and to what's holding your release when your praise Him.  

GOD WILL REMEMBER YOU ONLY WHEN YOU RELEASE YOUR SACRIFICE OF PRAISE!  

God bless you and Keep The Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

PLEASINGLY POWERFUL PRAISE

PRAISE IS COMELY

Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.
Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise - Psalms 33: 1-3

Looking up the meaning for the word "comely" and found that it meant:

1. Pleasing and wholesome in appearance; attractive.
2. Suitable; seemly.

When I looked at it deeper, this next scripture came to me:

Isaiah 61:3 (KJV)

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified

Paul and Silas understood the Psalmist and the Prophet when they faced their circumstances.  Read Acts 16: 16-40 and reflect on the circumstances that brought forth their deliverance.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  A CHANGE OF GARMENT

Paul and Silas realized that their deliverance required more than their complaining and focusing on their situation.  It would take something that was pleasing and wholesome in appearance, something that would attract the attention from heaven. Something that would attract others - for even the prisoners heard them.  

What got the attention of heaven in Paul and Silas jail circumstances?

Answer: A change of garment - THE GARMENT OF PRAISE!

Nothing has changed. He is the same God yesterday today and forever.  My praise, your praise and our corporate praise will open up our "prisons", set us free and bring deliverance!

Do you need a change of garment today?

• What spirit are you wearing?
• Guilt, loss, mental anguish, suffering, spirit of heaviness, oppression and depression....
• What are the purposes of wearing garments? (the garment of praise)
• What does your garment say or tell about you? (good or bad)

Your garments speak volumes about you, your faith and your trust in God.  So replace your garments today and let God be glorified. Exchange the spirit of for the garment of: 

Mourning - Oil of Joy

Spirit of Heaviness - Garment of Praise

Remember as "the righteous" child of God it is seemingly suitable that you wear the garment of praise to open up the doors of prison for you, to set you free of your chains and bonds, to help bring deliverance to others and allow God to be glorified.  

Chose today to wear your Garment of Praise!

God bless and Keep The Faith

Virtuous Jewel

IT'S STILL ALIVE

MY KITCHEN EXPERIENCE

What a great lesson I learned yesterday from a cabbage! 

I had a pack of all ready shredded, all you have to do is mix the cabbage coleslaw mix preparing to add to my Sunday meal.  When I took it out of the refrigerator, I noticed it was black and didn't look so appealing so I threw it out. I then remembered that I had half of a cabbage from a previous menu.  So I opened up the crisper only to realize that it was not looking good from the surface at all. I was attempting to throw it away when I realized something remarkable. 

In the middle of what looked like a horrific, spoiled and rotten cabbage was a fresh new healthy cabbage springing forth. I also noticed that the cabbage though withered and black on the top was very firm. It was then I decided to save my cabbage.

I proceeded by taking off the first outer layer as I have done with lettuce purchased and just one day from the store spoiled. When I removed only half of the first layer I realized that it was good and although I took off a good piece off the top for precautionary measures only the surface was dark. I knew from previous experiences that whenever it is cut with a knife it would get dark in a couple of days. Needless to say I immediately got inspired and completed the process of my coleslaw that I wanted to make.

TODAY'S TOPIC:  THERE IS LIFE IN YOU

From reading my experience some of you may have thrown out the cabbage but I saw life and wholeness beneath the surface. Is that where this thought would come into play?

"one man's trash is another man's treasure."

Many stories have been told of people who were pronounced or presumed dead were still alive when they began moving or someone noticed some form of life in them; or have you gone to the trash and seen people taking things from the garbage that they can salvage and use.  While the owner thought it was over with it could still be put to good use.  

What about you?

Have you been judged on the surface on how you look, how different you are, how simple you appear?  Have you been thrown and tossed aside and then someone saw value in you and noticed you?  

• What was the experience like?
• What was it that caused you to spring back?
• What lesson you learn or you can share on this blog?

Like me you're probably saying, thank God I didn't give up.  When you see what God did with your mess and after a good washing of the blood of Jesus you are renewed, refreshed, revived and made into something precious and a jewel and gem of value.  

The experience was a personal journey for me as I can identify with others how it feels to be cast out and refused.  But God - His redemption and His infinite mercy and love proves to be as powerful and mighty to save as it was back in the apostle days.  HALLELUJAH!!!

Today I encourage you, don't be discouraged by people who tell you, you're worth nothing, you won't grow, your season is over, you should quit, you're old or almost dead.... 

Romans 4:19 (KJV)
And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb

Dare to believe God that there is still life in your dead situation and circumstances.  Like Abraham and Sarah the fruit is still yet within you waiting for the right time and shall come forth.  The seed of promise is yet alive even in a dead womb!

Remember, nothing can stop your growth, block your progress, hinder your advancement or promotion.  Shave off what's dead, cleanse what needs to be cleansed and change what needs to be changed.  

Salvage what's left and produce.  

THERE'S STILL LIFE IN YOU!

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

EMERGENCY FUNDS

DEPOSITS AND WITHDRAWALS

Do you have an account you can withdraw from when an emergency hits?

As a banker and financial adviser I know first hand the importance of making regular deposits for later emergency needs or withdrawals.   

Let's look at the definitions: 

Deposit

noun

1. a sum of money placed or kept in a bank account, usually to gain interest.

2. a sum payable as a first installment on the purchase of something or as a pledge for a contract, the balance being payable later.

verb

1. put or set down (something or someone) in a specific place, typically unceremoniously.

2. store or entrust with someone for safekeeping.

Withdrawal

noun

the action of withdrawing something.

an act of taking money out of an account. 

a sum of money withdrawn from an account.

Reflecting on the above meanings think of your experience or the feeling you had when a need or an emergency arose and you had to take a trip to the bank to withdraw some of the funds you deposited.  

1. Were you excited, anxious or afraid? 
2. Was your need greater than what you had deposited? 
3. Was there insufficient funds?  
4. Did you have to take a loan for that emergency?

As you reflect on these questions in the natural, let's take a greater look from a spiritual standpoint.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  SPIRITUAL BANKRUPTCY 

PRAYER BANK: 

Each of us have an account in the Prayer Bank of Heaven and are given an ATM card with a password 32484 (faith) in Jesus name to withdraw from when we need to make a purchase or need cash whether it is for ourselves, a loved one or another individual.  

 

But the availability of funds depends on the DEPOSIT to WITHDRAWAL discipline. 

If you fill up your prayer bank daily you will have something to withdraw from when the economy (enemy and life circumstances) strike.

Most people cannot withdraw from their own funds and always need a loan, (need someone to pray for them),  and are afraid that God will not hear them because they have not on speaking terms or have not been on a consistent communication relationship with him.  

You can't just make deposits only on payday or when you get your income tax (Blessings) you must make them every opportunity you get, because you never know when the weather will change.  You can't wait for when you have more time, when you not working, or when the children go to bed etc...  You must sacrifice (and those who save in the natural know that if you wait until you have a lot - things will always come up)  every chance you get to steal away and pray. Store up for the rainy days. There are also times of drought.  But God promises the comfort of the Holy Spirit to be your Helper Who prays and intercedes when you can't utter a word.  Emergencies do come up.  Natural and spiritual disasters winds will blow and satan sends darts every minute so you must have sufficient funds (prayers stored) for those "need now" withdrawals.  

How healthy is your Prayer Bank?

• Are you or have you been spiritually bankrupt?
• How consistent is your deposit (prayer time)
• How does you need match your deposits.  (Can you withdraw from your own funds) 
• Can you rely on your stored up prayers
• Do you have to get a loan? (pastor, friend or the police)
• Is there a reserve if the situation last for a long time?
• Do you have a plan of action for replenishment?

While it is because of God's mercies you are not consumed.  It is a requirement that you be consistent and watchful in prayer as you pray daily.  Do not faint, but pray without ceasing.  

Remember, you can only withdraw from what you have deposited.  Anything over will result in an overdraft and you may get your prayers returned for insufficient funds. As in the natural your deposit bears interest so God will give you back more than you invested once you understand that it is only through and by His grace and mercies and not through your own efforts.  Invest wisely and save up not just for the rainy seasons but for times of drought.    

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel