ARTWORK

THE MASTER SCULPTOR

By definition artwork is, illustrations, photographs, or other nontextual material prepared for inclusion in a publication. paintings, drawings, or other artistic works.

Artwork expresses the artist inner feeling and love for the art.  The art is placed on display so the artist ensures that it represents him in the best form. 

However, a Sculptor is, "an artist who makes sculptures." It is an artwork that takes forming, carving and casting techniques.  Sometimes it uses force and pressure to make the design.  



God is our Master Sculptor, and is fashioning our lives by design into a beautiful masterpiece.  




He used His image to make us, but is reforming and refashioning us daily into the likeness of Christ Jesus. 

Ephesians 2:10 (TLB)                                   It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.  

Sometimes the first design may not look like what the sculptor had in mind, so he has to refashion it to make it represent his likeness.  

TODAY FOCUS:  BECOMING HIS MASTERPIECE 

A trip to the Potter's House gives you a visual picture on what it takes to become His Masterpiece.  See and hear what the word says: 

Jeremiah 18:1-6 (KJV)

The word which came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,

Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words.

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels.

And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying,

O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

As you watch the work spinning on the wheel, note the keen look on the face of the Sculptor.  The vessel isn't forming out the way He planned.  So He makes it into a lump and placed it back on the wheel again.  This time with a little more pressure, some pounding and reforming.  Finally it begins to look like what He had imagined.  

Behold....You are that vessel on the wheel.  You are being fashioned by the Potter, and in His Hand you are refashioned to the design that He originally planned for you to serve by your new life in Christ.  

The same word that came to Jeremiah comes to you today.  Allow the Master Sculptor to lump you and redesign you for His purpose.  Stay focus, and know that the pressures and discomfort is because He is refashioning you to showcase Himself.  

Remember, you are the artwork of the Master Sculptor.  You are fashioned into the perfect likeness of Christ by design. You are not a mistake but a Masterpiece. You were inspected, and your flaws, scratches and other deformities were refashioned by the Potter.  You are now what He had imagined and planned- His Artwork, to be used for and by Him. 

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel  

HYPOCRISY

HYPOCRISY 

Hypocrisy is defined as:

• The contrivance of a false appearance of virtue or goodness, while concealing real character or inclinations, especially with respect to religious and moral beliefs; hence in general sense, dissimulation, pretense, sham.
• The practice of engaging in the same behavior or activity for which one criticizes another

Hypocrisy develops characteristics of: 

• A Hypocrite - a person who indulges in hypocrisy; a pretender, deceiver or sanctimonious person.  
• A Plaster  Saint-  a person who makes a show of being without moral faults or human weakness, especially in a hypocritical way.

Hypocrites are blind to their own faults and failures. Hypocrisy also causes hypocrites to  be two-faced. They display a likeness or agreement in your presence, but they will immediately retaliate or encourage others to be rebellious. They are so blinded that they are acting out the very behavior they condemn.  They are a sham and very shallow minded, and give advice they won't take or practice themselves. 

The scripture gives a directive to hypocrites:

Matthew 7:5 (KJV) 

Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

If you have a large beam in your eye, you cannot see clearly to remove the mote in your brothers eye. Your own beam may see the brother differently or measure him by your standards of imperfection and point of view because of your unclear vision. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  HYPOCRISY DISTORTS VISION 

The scripture above makes it very clear that the board in your eye will prevent you from seeing the small speck in the eye of your brother.  You are in no position to judge or criticize another when you are doing the same or have faults of your own.  

It is important that you clear up your vision before you try to help others. Here's why:

• Your vision is distorted by your own failures.  
• You will jump to conclusion because of your own weakness
• You will judge others partially through your limited view
• You will be a Hypocrite or Plaster Saint

Here are a few things you should consider: 

• You must get rid of your own beam (faults) before tending to others
• You must treat others like you would like to be treated
• You should try to help your brother instead of criticizing and undermining 
• You must not worry or concentrate about the faults of others
• You must not be too quick to jump on the failures of others 
• You must not criticize the differences of others
• You must always view others in the light of love and grace
• You must not play a "holier-than-thou role but live the part
• You must give everyone a fair chance to express themselves
• You must respect the position of others 
• You must not be an initiator of gossip and confusion
• You must consider your ways and BE CHRISTLIKE

Remember, don't pick on others or jump to conclusion criticizing their faults when you have so many of your own and would not like to be treated the way you treat others.  Remove your beam so you can see clearly enough to help others in a non judgmental or critical manner.  Many are fighting the same battles you went through. Extend the same love and grace you have received from the Lord to others.  

God Bless You and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

UNASSIGNED BUSYNESS

BUSYNESS

Today many are going about their day as busybodies.  Unfortunately, many are engaged in mundane tasks that prevent them from actually doing the task assigned specifically to their qualifications or appointment.

Some do it blindly, some do not know how to say no, some feel if they don't do it, it won't get done, some feel no one can do it like them, some don't like to ask for help and others may not know how to organize or prioritize by importance.  

In any case, busyness in doing anything but your assigned task can lead to issues.  It can create setbacks, not meeting deadlines, not serving purpose and many other deficiencies or disasters.  

Busyness with other things than what you are assigned to do can affect your God given purpose.  It can rob you of many blessings to include promotions and advancements.  It can hide your skills and prevent others from seeing your worth and value.  It can also place you out of alignment from the will of God.  

Today, many are tired as a result of tasks that they have assumed and that was not assigned to them initially.  Take a look at what you have been called or assigned to do in all areas of your life.  Journal the answers to the following: 

• What's holding you back from serving your God assigned task or appointment?
• What are some of the things that creep into your day that you give attention to?
• What are your distractions? (source)
• What are the things that you have taken on that keep you busy? 
• What are some of the things that you can assign to someone else?
• Are you playing the role of superman or wonder woman?

As you write your answers, jot down also the things you can do to move you into fulfilling your assignment.  Allow God to show you His plans for your life and also be diligently focused on the areas you are appointed to serve.  

TODAY'S FOCUS:  Serving Your Appointment

Today many are called to serve in various areas of ministry.  While there are situations where it is necessary to perform dual roles, one must serve in their assigned calling or appointment so that the work can be done effectively. 

Avoid busyness in the base things and be available and ready to the work you are called to do.  Watch out for time wasters!  

It is also important to review who is taking up your time- Are they tied to your appointment or assignment?  

You must also be consistent in your assignment.
Don't  let a temporary assignment become a full time job and don't treat your full time job as seasonal. 
Acts 6:4 (KJV) 

But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Don't allow busyness to cause you to be a hindrance to growth.  Engage others and give them authority. A further read of Acts 6 will show you how when the work was delegated appropriately the word of God prospered, workers and membership increased and others submitted themselves to ministry.  

Remember, release yourself from mundane task, stick to your assigned task of praying, teaching, preaching and or ministering in the area that you are called or appointed to serve. Don't get too caught up in primary and trivial things.  Learn to assign and delegate tasks to other capable individuals.  Doing what God has called and appointed you to do will allow God's word to prosper and growth will be inevitable.    

God Bless you and Keep The Faith! 

Virtuous Jewel

TRUE LOVE

TRUE LOVE

There are many confessions of love

Some are made with conditions, some are made with exceptions while others are made through sacrifice.

True love is one of sacrifice and without gain. It is expressed before anything is given or any action performed.  

God showed true love by offering His son as a sacrifice while we were still sinners. He didn't require us to act or to give him anything before he did that. It was out of His genuine love for us that he put His love on the line even before we would be of any use to Him.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

One may understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and perhaps someone just might after much consideration die for a good man or cause. However, no one would risk their lives or die for someone who is not worth saving.

TODAY'S FOCUS: WORTHY OF SAVING

In the above scripture and comments it is obvious that humans would not be considered worthy of someone dying for them. They were ungodly, weak and rebellious.

You didn't deserve it, but He thought and knew you was worth saving-

Though you were not ready to be saved, He made the sacrifice through His love for you.

YOU ARE WORTHY- The provision for saving you was made through love.  If you are loaded with guilt, burdened by shame and compassed by sins,  you qualify and meet the criteria of His sacrificial love.

There is not greater love than a love of a friend who would give his life for you

John 15:13 (KJV)

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

Jesus is a friend who has true love for you. A friend who knew and knows all about you and decided to die for you anyway. That sacrifice does not require a gift besides your acceptance and renewal. It was given as a remedy for your present condition.

Remember, God's love for sinners caused Him to make the sacrifice of offering up His son. He thought you was worth saving and did that before you came to knowledge of Him. His love is the base of the sacrifice. Now that He has saved you, let Him live through you to save others!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

ROOTED AND GROUNDED

ROOTED  

One meaning of the word is to be established deeply and firmly.  If something is rooted it is secured and fixed to something solid.  Because of this, it makes it grounded. 

To be rooted you must also know the origin and cause.  Knowing this will cause you to hope amidst difficulties and challenging circumstances.  

Daniel knew that long before he entered the lions den.  He was rooted and grounded so when faced with the threats of the lions he rested in His faith and security of God's protection and will for his life.  

The eternal extraordinary plan of God is even known and talked about by Angels- This should settle and ground you in His love.

Ephesians 3:10,17 (KJV) 
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

TODAY'S FOCUS:  KNOW THE ETERNAL PLAN

It is important to be grounded in the foundation and not on the surface.  Surfaces are attached, and therefore not rooted and can be easily be removed. You can stumble or fall off when the surface is lifted. However, if you are rooted and fixed to the unmovable foundation you will remain secured in times of adversity.  

In times past God did not share His plan with everyone.  The secret is out now. God has shared the eternal plan with all of His children.  Even the principalities of heaven know that the "Gentiles will have their full share with the Jews in all the riches inherited by God’s sons; both are invited to belong to his Church, and all of God’s promises of mighty blessings through Christ apply to them both when they accept the Good News about Christ and what he has done for them."

When you are rooted and grounded you are not moved by threats, changes or the future, because you know the cause and origin of both your circumstances and Who has planted you. Know that you are planted in good soil through the word of faith. 

You do not need to check out the lions, think about if they are dangerous or if you will survive.  If you do, your faith is in the wrong thing.  Your faith should be in the foundation of the word that promises you that you will be protected and preserved.

Remember, let Christ be more and more at home in your hearts.  As you trust Him and know the security of your foundation, may your roots go down deep into the soil of His marvelous love.

God bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

 

SEASONS OF CHANGE

THE FOUR SEASONS: SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER

The seasons of life are very much like the seasons of the environment of Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  There are changes with every season.  As you reflect on the picture, although nothing shifts, you will note that each season brings a change to the existing picture. 

The view CHANGES with every season:

Spring is a fresh, perhaps a new beginning. Trees are flowering in color and everything is lustrous and blooming. 

 

Summer comes with the heat and fullness of life.  The fruits may be producing and the intensity of the weather maybe unbearable.  There might be some scorching to the plants and other livestock.  

Then comes the fall season that changes the color of things. The variation of colors brings an awareness and brings things into perspective as they can now be differentiated and categorized.  The leaves are falling, and the changes are taking place rather quickly. The anticipation of winter brings preparation.

Finally, at long last, winter is here.  The colors are not only faded, but the trees are now empty and bare.  The cold winter breeze and fallen snow have caused a chill that creates a longing that calls for spring.  

The seasons are cycles that call for change.  There are lessons to be learnt in every season as well as adjustments to last through the season.  It will depend on how well you embrace each season.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WEATHERING THE SEASONS

Each season plays an important role and teaches various lessons.  It also call for some techniques to survival.  To survive, you must learn to weather the seasons by being accepting and embracing your specific season and being content.  

You must see yourself, be yourself and acknowledge yourself in each season. As reflected in the pictures, while some things remain, the seasons come and will change the look of things, but should also prepare you for the oncoming season.

Picture yourself spiritually and physically in every season- Do you see you in....

Spring - Are you flowering and budding, beaming with delight and excitement?

Summer - Hot, passionate, on fire, producing fruits and yielding increase?

Fall - Are you preparing others to take your place, training and moving forward to your next assignment? 

Winter - Enduring the coldness of hardship, disappointments, toughing it and standing firm in spite of your pain?

You should not fear the coming of a new season.  If you understand the purpose of each season you will live in the moment.  Do you very best in each season so you won't live with regrets of the season that has passed because you have enjoyed and appreciated the moments.  

Remember, accept the changes that come with each season.  Think on the impact and purpose of the season that you are in, and look forward to the next season with joy.  Know that the seasons cycle, and that with each cycle you will grow and develop.  Learn through each experience, and always remember that there's life in every season!  Weather the seasons and Live Well!

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

 

EXTENDED BENEFITS

HEALTH BENEFITS

Most companies offer and provide health benefits to their employees during their term of employment.  Some of the benefits extends even after the employee is deceased.  

If the employee has dependents they too can be covered because of their connection to the employee who has the coverage.  This affords the dependents to have the same benefits assigned to the employee.  

It is important to know what benefit covers, read the privacy terms and conditions. After you accept and sign off, you must put your policy in a safe place and remember what it covers so you can use it as the need arise.  

Psalm 103 (KJV)

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

However, some benefits are contingent on the performance of the employee and will require them to remain in the establishment to receive the coverage. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  EXTENDED COVERAGE 

God has extended that same coverage to you and your children.  His coverage is everlasting and is contingent on remembering His commandments and doing them. 

Psalm 103:17-18 (KJV)

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;

To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 

Employers and good fathers look to reward extras to the obedient employees and children.  God is a good Father.  He is tender and sympathetic to those who reference Him. He knows you are dust, and your days are few and brief, and like the flowers one day you will soon be blown by the wind.  Therefore, He has extended His mercies and love to you and your children forever.   However, don't take advantage of the mercies and grace of God and cause your children to lose their benefits. 

Remember to obey and follow God's covenant.  Psalms 103 gives a condition of the extension of God's mercies.  It is constant and consistent, and those in your plan can be affected by your lack of reverence and faithfulness.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith! 

Virtuous Jewel