DON'T RUIN THE WINE

NEW WINE NEEDS FRESH WINESKINS

Wikipedia gives the definition of wineskins as: a bota bag or wineskin is a traditional Spanish liquid receptacle. Typically, it is made of leather (when made of goatskin it is known as a goatskin itself), and is typically used to carry wine, although any liquid can be filled into it.

Scripture states that new wine needs fresh wineskins:

Mark 2:21 (KJV)
And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.

Take a look at the picture of the wineskins below.  Analyze them with the scripture-

Look at the texture, form and specifics. 

The old wineskin is soft and has already expanded.  It's brittle and appears to have reach it's stretching capacity.  There's a possibility of leakage if new wine is placed into it.

When wine is new it is in a state of fermentation, and it expands as fermentation gases are released.  It can expand more than the capacity of the old wineskin and you can lose both the wine and wineskin. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  MAKE PROVISION FOR NEW WINE

It is important to put new wine in new wineskins because new wineskin can absorb and handle the expansion as they slowly age until the process of fermentation is completed. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                             

This picture reflects the damage and loss of the wine and wineskin.  The old wineskin cannot take the pressure of the fermentation process. 

So likewise the old you cannot take on a new process if you are not made NEW!

It is very important that you apply this principle to every area of your life. 

You need a new mindset if you are to change bad habits

You must take a shower to put on clean clothes

Here's some Food for Thoughts:

You must be born again to have God's spirit living in you.  The old man must be released so the New Man can reign.

If you are set in your old ways, you will not adapt to change.  Don't get set or stuck in old habits and paradigms.  

Don't shortchange yourself by having a limit expansion of your wineskin.  Don't lose your wine by being too lazy to change your wineskin.

Check your habits and unconscious behaviors/patterns- they may be the cause of your "new wine in old wineskins" culprit. 

If you don't change behaviors and habits you will cause severe damage to anything new. Let's discuss some old wineskins:

You cannot have old boyfriend/girlfriend if you want a new/good relationship

You cannot have a closet full of old clothes if you want a new wardrobe
You cannot have old behaviors for new resolutions
You cannot bad friends and expect to attract good ones
You cannot loose weight with old eating habits
You cannot get well with bad sleeping and unhealthy lifestyle
And more.....................

You cannot grow without the capacity to grow- Don't look for temporary growth. Therefore you must evaluate your wineskin (environment , ideas, religious doctrine, personal theories...) Don't stress the old wineskin- Replace it! 

It is a time to reflect and evaluate if you stand a chance of loosing your wine.  If you are brittle and has lost your expansion, it's time to make a switch- NOT a substitute. The old wineskin has reached its capacity.  Make room for the new ideas, new revelation, new makeover and much more by allowing this to be a way of life for you with anything new venture out on or endeavor to do. 

Remember, Don't ruin good wine.  Old wineskins are brittle and has lost their expansion capacity.  To get the new, you must get rid of the old- therefore, fresh wine must be put into fresh wineskins.  Just like you cannot put new wine in old wineskins, God will not put His spirit in an unclean vessel. A new mindset is necessary to make changes. Old habits and behaviors must die.  If you don't make the switch you will loose the wine and the wineskin. 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

ROYAL RULE OF LOVE

RESPECT OF PERSONS

External circumstances and public opinion should not influence the way you treat others. You should see everyone as a potential citizen of the kingdom of God. As you read and reflect on the following scripture think on the following:

Are you a respecter of persons?

How have you shown preference or favoritism?

Do you fulfill the royal law?

James 2:1-9 (KJV)

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

God is not partial and operates differently - The poor may lack material wealth and riches, but they are rich in faith. God also chooses them, (the down-and-outs), as heirs of the kingdom.

James 2: 5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Your motives play and important role in your decisions to treat others fairly and equitably. It's a heart matter. One that produces love or favoritism. If your respect is given because you view the rich as more important or perhaps they can influence or be of greater benefit to your establishment than the poor, then you are partial and judges of evil thoughts.

TODAY'S FOCUS: THE MOTIVES OF FAVORITISM

The faith of the Lord Jesus Christ does not require you to have respecter of person whether they are rich or poor. However, as you reflect on the verses above express your opinion of the following questions:

Do you think a drunk and highly intoxicated person should sit next to you in the front row of your church?

Do you think a dirty, smelly, homeless person should be allowed to sit up front with pastors, dignitaries or other distinguished guests?

Would you allow a person who is known as a notorious thief or criminal to be unsupervised or be given special treatment?

Should a backslider or sinner be treated with less respect and honor as the upright saint?

The scripture ask that you should not regard the rich over the poor, the expensively clad to those in rags or disrespect the sinner over the saints. Neither should you segregate or reserve the best for those who can extend courtesies and favors. However you should also use wisdom as not to cause offense or expose others to threats.

In the royal rule of love, you must love and help your neighbors just as much as you love and take care of yourself. Don't play up to the so called important people. The high and mighty may exploit you, while the poor has much faith.

When making decisions in respect to giving respect of persons,ask yourself..

Have I applied the golden rule?

Am I abusing the kingdom citizens or showing favoritism?

If your motives are clean and you are not judging by wealth, status or favoritism then you are not breaking the royal rule.

Remember, the kingdom of God is promised to those who love God. You cannot belong to the Lord Jesus Christ and look down on people who are less privileged. You should not show favoritism to a certain class and not the other because God loves every one equally. It is also wise to use discretion and observe other principles to ensure the safety and well being of others. Do well, and fulfill the royal law of love by doing to others what you would like done to you.

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

BEWARE OF PHILOSOPHERS

BE CAUTIOUS AND ALERT

Today many are led astray by popular individuals or groups who are known for temporary successes.  Many are enticed by the sound of words, logical reasoning and feel good senses. It seems that the more bigger the crowd, the better a thing is.  This has caused many to loose their footing and foundation.  Some have even lose their faith and the things they once believed in. 

You are warned to watch out for those who would try to destroy your faith and joy with their philosophies and vain deceitful words. 


Colossians 2:8-10 (KJV)
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Many have gone back to ordinances and rituals that were part of the old law, using philosophy and traditions to convict.  You must realize that God's ways are not ordinary.  Some things will be inconvenient to the flesh and can also be very opposed to natural reasoning.  

You have all things when you are in Christ Jesus, and you should not have to do any thing else to receive salvation.  Jesus has already done it all. 

The fullness of power is in Christ and not in anyone else!  Therefore, you must watch out for red flag indicators that reflect personal ideas instead of what Christ says in the word.  He is the highest Ruler with all authority and power. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  RED FLAGS

The scripture above ask you to watch out for individuals who would try to spoil your faith.  Here are some red flags that you can detect  that they are deceitful from the scripture: 
Shallow reasoning
Men thoughts and ideas
Philosophy and vain deceit 
Traditions
Worldly sanctions 

What other  red flags can you name that indicate vain philosophers?

You must also be aware of dazzlers and intellectual double talkers who try to drag you into arguments that are drawn out and or empty.   They make traditions and customs a guide instead of giving place and honor to Christ and the Holy Spirit. 
 

These are definitely not the ways of Christ, because every thing of God gets expressed in Him and is seen clearly as Him.  Additionally, they give way to superstitions, horoscope and other readings, and try to implement them as the doctrine and teachings of Christ. 

Remember, watch out for the red flags.  When you come to Christ, His power extends and is over everything.  The rudiments of this world and intellectual reasoning will never complete you.  There is no need for anything else for all and everything is complete only in Him.  He is the head of all principality and power. 

God Bless you, and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

FAINTING FOR HIS COURTS

 A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

It's much more than amazing when you see a scripture practically comes to life.  I was brought back to a practical experience when my spirit opened up to this scripture that I read on a bible cover case this morning.   Here's the scripture:

Psalm 84:1-4 (KJV)

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

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

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Here's the Experience:

Sometime ago we saw a bird trying to make a nest on our church window. She was chased a couple times because it was a bit messy having all those twigs and seeds all over the place.  However, when we realized she was trying to build a nest we allowed her to continue building.   After a little while we noticed one egg then another.  Day in and day out we watched as the bird came and sat on her eggs until finally she completed the process.

To our amazement verse 3 of the above was manifested one Sabbath morning.  As the windows were being opened, we noticed something unusual on the window ledge.  There where the eggs laid were two young birds just getting out the shell. It was only a pretty sight until the reflection and revelation came to me today.  

As the verse indicated, the bird found a place in the house of God and was  welcomed to build a nest to lay her young.   The melody that followed after they were born climaxed the experience of verses 2 and 4. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LONGING FOR THE LIVING GOD

The scripture indicated that David fainted and longed to enter the courtyard and come near to the living God.  His hunger for God was evident in the experience.  The fact that he saw how the birds were welcome to nest even within the altars made him realize the importance of dwelling in the house of the Lord.  

The experience we got was as magnificent.  It showed how things can develop out of the house of God.  This brought us like David to claim the Lord as our Lord and King. It gave us much delight and happiness.  How faint are you for His courts?

Today people are not as excited to go to the Lord's house as they should. Could this be the solution that is needed today?  Could it very well be why many are in turmoil is because they are not hungry enough and fainting for the courts of the Lord their God.  They are not eager or consistent with their attendance, don't go or show up very late when they do.  They don't attend prayer meetings and other services that would nurture and develop their spiritual growth. They are sad and unhappy and lack the enthusiasm to worship and praise the Lord.  Are you longing to go to God's house? 

When you are hungry enough and want total happiness, you would not just bring yourself to the house of the Lord.  You will want to bring your children and family along.   You will want to give them a strong spiritual foundation until they are strong enough to move on their own.  You will also not let others discourage you. As the birds kept building in spite of the fact the nest was being removed time and again, so you must be resilient and persistence and dwell in the Lord's house to get the blessings.  

The bird was aware of that process.  She was consistent and stayed closed by her eggs until they were hatched.  Then they came forth.  We watched as she came every day, kept them warm, go out and get food until they were fully developed.  Then the day came when they were old enough to fly on their own.  I am sure that they are the birds that fly around us chirping and singing.... They are still praising in their place of worship. 

It is also as important to have a temple in your own home ensuring that worship is a constant and consistent part of your daily living.  Do you dream of a room in your house to sing and pray and have a joyful time with the Lord?  Are your children aware that it is a very important part of the day?   

May people leave home and go days without praying or speaking to God.  Then no wonder why days are messed up, children are rebellious and relationships in trouble.  The days start with a hectic schedule instead of a prayer, the week goes by without a temple visit and the children are left without spiritual training.   It is the time and season to dwell in the Lord's house. 

Remember, God's house is beautiful and you should long to be there.  Dwell in God's house.  Raise your children there, and make a solid foundation for them.  Teach them the importance of laying at the alter and serving in his house.  Understand how blessed you are to live and sing in the place that you worship.  As the birds you will move around happily. 

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

GOOD ATHLETES

RUN TO WIN 

Many athletes run in a race, but only one wins.  All good athletes are disciplined and spends many hours in training.  Good athletes must be temperate by getting adequate rest and sleep and maintain healthy eating and living habits.  

Good athletes run to win.  They are prepared from their long and hard hours of training and they are focused on wining the medal or reward. They also must release themselves from things that make their running difficult. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (KJV)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Good athletes deny themselves from comforts and pleasures that will hinder them from running the race.  They will also have to make many sacrifices to stay fit. They will avoid...
Staying out late at nights 
Alcoholic beverages and other harmful stimulants
Foods that are unhealthy and will make them sluggish 
Getting their ego and pride in the way
Negativity and other self-demeaning talks

Good athletes will get a good trainer.  One who is skilled, knowledgeable and understand the rules of the game and tactics of winning.  They will also walk in the company of winners.

What are some of the characteristics and make up of a good athlete? 

What qualifies them to win?








This is all done to receive a natural reward.  This type of reward, even when maintain tarnishes or fades away with time. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WINNING THE ULTIMATE PRIZE

Athletes who strive for the mastery is moderate and exercise self-control.  They know that there are others in the race who have the potential to win as well.  They remain focus by keeping the ultimate prize in mind. 

They also know there's a likely possibility of them not winning so they must follow the rules and run well. 

2 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

The reward means everything to the good athlete.  They would do all that it takes to enter and win. Just like in the natural a good athlete would go at all ends to ensure that he is ready and able, so likewise a good spiritual athlete must be temperate and mindful.  

He needs to be proper nourished in the word, must rest in the promise and have faith.  He must avoid distractions and deny himself things that will cause him to lose the race. He must be diligent and watchful of distractions and have the guidance of his coach, the Holy Spirit. 

No one is exempt from entering the race.  However, the winners are those who are willing to enter, maintain themselves and strive to win. 
Let's discuss:
Who qualifies to run the race?
What/who can disqualify you from the race?
What can hinder you from entering the race?
What can hinder you from winning?
What must you do to maintain yourself? 
What is the ultimate prize? 

Remember, run to win for the reward and medal that would not fade or corrupt.  Though there are other athletes in the race, you have a chance of winning. You must obey the rules, train daily and deny yourself from the things that will affect you- Run to win life's best reward.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel