Day Three: Freedom-- Break Every Chain

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

-In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and He answered by setting me free. (Psalm 118:5)

 -1 Corinthians 57 tells us, "therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come." 

We're different, but why don't we always feel or act differently? Many of us wait for freedom to come in some magical or mysterious way; but freedom is here. It is NOW. Its easy when you've been in bondage so long to develop a habit of thinking and behaving like a prisoner. Well, we were prisoners and slaves to sin. We've all experienced physical, mental, emotional and/or financial bondage at some point in our lives. Because we're new creations and the old is gone, that bondage and sin doesn't define us anymore!Walk in freedom from the lies that Satan has whispered in your ear. Freedom from the pity parties over past mistakes; from impure thoughts, addictions, anything that had you bound. Those chains are broken-that chapter is over! Declare that you are first free in your mind! The word tells us that in order to be changed, we've got to renew our minds. 
It’s freedom we didn't deserve or work for. We may not even understand it, but it's ours! 

Prayer 

Lord, thank you for allowing us to meet together again in prayer. I ask for a special blessing for to those joining in. Tonight my LOV sisters and myself are coming before your throne seeking freedom. Your word says that you came to set the captives free. There are areas in our lives in which we are captive and need Your healing touch and freedom.Free us, Lord, from our addictions, sins, cares of this world, compulsive behaviors, depression, anger, low self esteem, debt, anxiety,lust, impure thoughts, pornography, masturbation, stress, fornication, adultery, bitterness, lying, cheating, hurt, guilt, shame, despair, overrating, gossip...free from anything that clings to us, and those to which we cling. Lord, purge us of anything that's preventing us from becoming what you have planned and purposed for our lives. We accept your invitation to bring our burdens to you and seek relief! We are weary and burdened and need rest. Lord, you're gentle and humble in heart, and extend rest for our souls. Your yoke is easy and your burden is light.Tonight, we stand free from all painful life experiences, from the cares, worries and anything that stifles our happiness. Your spirit is in each of us, and where your spirit is there is freedom...
Father God thank you for another beautiful day. God we're blessed to live in a country where we  have freedom. I declare freedom over all of our LOV sisters in Jesus Name. Every struggle, every debt, every hurt, every addiction, every thought that is separating them from coming closer to You, I bind it in Jesus Name. Father I declare peace over our lives. I thank you for breaking every chain that holds us back from living an empowered life.Thank you God for freeing us from bondage's of sin or anything that is not of You. God I pray peace, freedom, wisdom, guidance, courage, and righteousness. I pray once the shackles are removed from us that bondage will never return to us. 
Lord, I pray for the renewal of our hearts tonight. Renew us God. From this day forward we are new creation, and we are no longer slaves to this world. Thank you Jesus for hearing our prayers, I pray all these.

Lord once again thank you that we have set time apart to pray so that we bless others and be blessed so we can give you the glory you deserve. We need freedom. Freedom from everything that distracts us from being transformed in to Your image. Give us a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, so that we can cast aside any and everything that troubles us.We ask that you strike down any fears of the future that may reside in our hearts. Fears of the world and Satan. Any fears we may have to be the salt and light of the earth. Any fears concerning our health and finances any worries or doubts about loved ones who may not be saved. You said perfect love casts out fear. So in the name of Jesus we resist anything that seeks to cut us off from your love, blessings and soundness of mind because your word says you haven't given us a spirit of fear but one of a sound mind.Fear is a lack of spiritual freedom and we declare in your name we will not be brought under the power of anything other than Your Spirit.  In Jesus Name we pray mightily and in faith Amen.Thank you Father for the freedom you have purchased for us through Jesus' blood. We are free from sin, free from condemnation, free from pleasing the world and even ourselves. Free to serve you now and for all eternity. Free to be women, feminine and godly...free to do all that you have equipped us to do.

Day Two: Obedience

Yesterday we covered spiritual guidance, so now you may be wondering, "What do I do now? I've heard the voice of God, but I'm not sure I can do what he is requiring." One of the best stories in the bible that outlines the importance of obedience is Jonah- he ran from God after hearing his voice and receiving direct instruction. Many of us can be like Jonah, running and rebelling against what we know, in our spirit, is right. God isn’t concerned about how comfortable we are doing his work. He wants to see that we are willing to step outside our comfort zones to ensure that he gets glory and that his will is carried out.  For many of us, obedience is easy when we’re led to pray for our brother or sister in Christ, encourage someone with our testimony, participate in outreach activities, or clean out our closets and bless those in need. Well, God will probably urge you to go a little further. Like ending that relationship to enter a season of solitude, or going on a 40-day fast from that one thing you can’t go without; you know, THOSE things.

Remember:

- Obedience is an act of worship. We are urged to work toward complete holiness. So, we won't learn obedience overnight; it's a lifelong process that we pursue by making it a daily goal.

- God rewards obedience (Genesis 22:18 "And through your descendants all the nations of the earth will be blessed all because you have obeyed me.")

-When we obey God, it proves our love to him (1 John 5:2–3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.)

-Obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22–23 But Samuel replied, "What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.")

-When we obey, we reap blessing (Luke 11:28, Jesus replied, "But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.")

-Disobedience  leads to death and destruction (Romans 5:19, for as by the one man's [Adam's] disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's [Christ's] obedience the many will be made righteous.) 

Prayer 

Father I thank you right now for being able to come before your throne once again. Tonight I seek you on behalf of my LOV sisters in the area of obedience. Lord, even though it's not always easy to put down our will to obey yours, give us a willing heart.
Give us a desire to want to please you in every area of our lives. If there are any areas in which we are exhibiting disobedience, I speak obedience. We want to live lives that are pleasing to you. If you say go, we'll go. If you say speak, we will speak. If you say walk away, we'll walk away. Lord, be pleased with this act of worship- We know that there are blessing in our obedience, there is favor in our obedience. Father, I thank you for the desire to live in obedience-in agreement with your word, following your every command, as an expression of our love for you. I thank you that we are changed, and that we are worthy of everything you have in store for us because of our obedience...

Lord God I thank you for every woman in LOV and I thank you for allowing us to stay connected through communication. I pray that when you are calling us that there will be no hesitation in our hearts or minds. That you will bind our confusion because you ARE NOT the God of confusion but of a sound mind. I ask that you will give us the strength to suffer through our trails and not faint Lord God. I claim that when you tell us to do something, we will put all things aside for you Lord and do what your telling us to do. I pray that our obedience is happening the way you set it out to be and that if we want to add or remove things, that we confirm it with you first Father. I ask that you take any desires in our hearts that are unlike you away from us Lord God and help us not try to fetch after things you have cast away from us. That we will be made in the image you have for us and let us be Content with our portion. That we will be so busy pursuing your will for our lives, that we have no time to compare our portions to others. I ask that you keep us humbled Father and keep our hearts, eyes and mind stayed on you Jesus.

Lord thank you for allowing us to carve out this time to seek your face in prayer. You said the prayers of the saint are kept in bowls before your throne. You won't forget them because you are an omniscient God who knows the beginning from the ending. Yes guide us in obedience Lord. Help us to apply your Words to our lives. You said your Word would not return to you void. Plant it in our hearts so that the widows and the fatherless wont lack Anything. The homeless less will be fed, washed and clothed, the imprisoned will be comforted and encouraged. That we will obey your great commission and preach the gospel in boldness and strength. I pray we obey your word to pray for our brothers and sisters all around the world who are dying for your name. Let us not forget to constantly lift them in prayer for we are one body what the enemy does to one he does to all. You said when we do These things to the least of men we are actually doing them to you. Let us not be ashamed of your glorious coming but receive the reward of my crowns and hear you say well done good and faithful servant. We are the clay you are the potter. Keep our hearts soft so you may mold them into a heart like your own. 

Lord thank you for our salvation. Thank you for giving us the ability to follow you as servants of Christ. I pray God you will speak to our hearts, show us the areas we need to be obedient in. Show us where we need to go and what we need to do in order to fulfill your plan. Teach us obedience Father, disciple us as Christians. God I also pray for boldness, I pray when you say 'Go' we will say 'Yes Lord'. I pray we will be courageous as we go into the world to do your will. Let no weapon be formed against us. Let us not take heart to the wicked acts of the world, because we know whatever we do is in faithful obedience to you. We pray we will not be shaken by fear, but will do all tha you have called us to do. You are beautiful God, and I know my sisters having servant hearts to serve you with. Use them, call them according to Your Will God.

In Jesus name we pray, AMEN ! 

Day One : Spiritual Guidance

• John 16: 13a NIV - But when he, the Spirit of Truth, comes, he will guide you in all truth. 
• Psalm 16:11a NIV - You have made known to me the path of life; 
• Psalm 32:8 NIV - I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.

We can rest assured that God is with us always, through His spirit. When we give our lives to Christ and His lordship, we also invite the Holy Spirit.When the spirit comes it guides us in ALL truth. Meaning, that it leads in the direction of God- in every area of our lives: in relationships, friendships, conversations, thoughts, interactions, deeds, making purchases, etc… All we have to do is ask him what it is he wants us to do and he’s ready to point us in the direction we must go.Lets find out what God wants us to do in any given situation, in any decision that we have to make. Our ever-present Father is willing to make Himself known to us always! He is willing to show us exactly what to do in every situation, and yet, we never stop to ask. Seeking God for guidance is always right. God has a will for each and every one of us and his will cannot take us where his grace won't sustain us.

Prayer 

Lord, I come to you first thanking and praising you for who you are. Tonight I lay before you my LOV sisters. Lord, you know each of the areas in their lives in which they need your guidance and direction. I proclaim that you are Lord over their lives.I thank you that they will seek you before making any decisions-those regarding relationships, friendships, legally binding contracts-such as rent/leases/mortgages/loans, jobs, careers, majors, etc…In areas where there's doubt I call forth faith. Faith that you will extend grace and guide them to the path that you would have them to take. God, I ask for wisdom for each of my sisters; Wisdom that would keep them in your will, avoiding any choices that will leave them with regrets. Lord, I know that if we seek you, with our whole hearts that we will find you…

Lord You know each and every heart. Each and every need. LORD we need so much more from you than material things. We need your closeness, your wisdom, your strength and we need your love. We don't ask for these things apart from Yourself. We ask for your Presence. Stand near to us so we can do all you ask of us. You said that to love You Is to obey you. We want to show our love for you by calling on your mighty name to guide us in our decisions and to make your will our will. Pull up any weeds of disobedience, fear of discouragement from our hearts. Allow us to stay focused on why you gave us life and why you redeemed us from sin and your coming wrath. Let us remain sober and walk straight in this crooked, wicked generation.

I'm standing in agreement with my sisters. We long for you! Don't let us fall. Let us shine n live for only you. We can't do this without you. Let us not be selfish in the work we do for you. Remove, rebuild, us into who you create us to be. We thank you for healing. We thank you for closed doors which is was for our betterment.
Our obedience to him is done without hesitation, fear, or anxiously. Just that we desire to obey you Lord all the days of our lives because without you we are nothing and only through you do we become something. And i pray that our something is exactly what you want us to be and hid our selfish desires from us so we can only desire your will father. I pray and ask this in Jesus name.

Lord we come before you. Thank you for speaking to Lakeisha on behalf of our group. We pray we will do your will everyday. Guide our paths and show us where to walk. I pray your conviction will be so sweet, pure and clear. I pray we will seek you in all we do, and Lord if something is not of you or is not in Your will, give us spiritual guidance, conviction, and discernment. Show us the right way to go. each us how to have patient and trusting hearts towards You. God I pray you will lead all of us in love, faithfulness, and righteousness. I pray we will strive to live more like Christ. Father please guide us as women of God and point us in the direction to go. I pray even though we let go of things that are not of you, or when we take a leap of faith, we will trust in you. And no matter what decision we take, we know you will take care of us and I pray also when we open your Word, that we will understand. Allow us to get intimate with you in your word. I pray for understanding and knowledge. I rebuke confusion and disobedience in Jesus name. Thank you Lord for this prayer time. Thank you for these women of God. Thank you for spiritual guidance. Thank you for filling the hunger inside of our hearts to get to know you more. Fill our starving hearts and allow us to yearn for more and more. God, grow us in you. Sound your voice and give our ears recognition. In Jesus Name. 
Amen and Glory to God.
Sisters hope this reached and touched and ministered to someone. Be blessed. More coming each day. 

August Study :)

Hello my beautiful sisters,

During this month we will be doing a 7 day devotion led by one of our LOV sister, who came up with this idea while in her quiet time with God. For the first 7 days of August we will be praying for the group in the areas of :

1. Spiritual Guidance 

2. Obedience 

3. Freedom (spiritual, financial, mental, emotional)  

4. Clarity

5. Health

6. Finances 

7. Stability 

At 7 pm EST we will be doing a prayer on groupme, and I will try my best to post all the prayers that the ladies share on here. In addition to this 7 day devotion, we are doing a daily 31 day devotion from the YouVersion Bible App. The devotion is God and Me: Devotions from Time and Grace. 

THE GLORY OF GOD

Today's mystery is THE GLORY OF GOD.

 Read JOHN 11. Lazarus' death. (I refuse to post it so that you may open your Bible and see for yourself.)

 Yes we have all read that story nothing new there am sure you like yeah yeah.....heard that before.! NEXT! But am not here to concentrate on what your traditional churches have taught you, what you learnt in school or Bible college.

I am here to open your eyes to a broader meaning of this scripture. The untold side of this story. The deeper insight that only comes with quiet time with God.

 So READ!

Mary and Martha were friends of Jesus along with Lazarus, but when they tell Jesus that Lazarus is sick look at His response, "THIS SICKNESS WILL NOT END IN DEATH. NO, IT IS FOR THE GOD'S GLORY SO THAT GOD'S SON MAYBE GLORIFIED THROUGH IT."

What did that mean? Was Jesus so cold? Couldn't He have healed Lazarus so these people wouldn't cry?

So in Greek Glory means DOXA = THE RIGHT OPINION DOXOLOGY (sp) = To have the right opinion of something.

 You've heard it used in Orthodox Jews, or Orthodox Greek = They believe their opinion is right and all.

 So GLORY = THE RIGHT OPINION OF GOD.

So now back to Jesus. His response This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's Glory, so that God's Son may be GLORIFIED.

 This sickness will not end in death. No, its so that THE RIGHT OPINION OF GOD THROUGH HIS SON MAY BE MADE MANIFEST.

Now look at verse 40 of that same scripture
John 11:40, Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see THE GLORY OF GOD?" insert THE RIGHT OPINION
John 11:40, Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see THE RIGHT OPINION OF GOD?"

Basically Jesus was saying "you guys have such a small opinion of God and Me, you think I can only heal diseases and forgive sins, walk on water, cast out demons, but today you shall see THE BIGGER PICTURE of God which is HE CAN RAISE THE DEAD AFTER 4 DAYS" (imagine maggots had already formed and all that decomposition and decay, taking place, not to mention the smell.)
So Jesus said that to show that God can DO ALL THINGS, STOP PUTTING HIM IN A BOX. Still not convinced?

ANOTHER EXAMPLE
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare THE GLORY of God (insert "the right opinion of God")
The heavens declare THE RIGHT OPINION OF GOD.
Hebrews 1:3 He is the radiance of the Glory of God.....
He is the radiance of THE RIGHT OPINION OF GOD.

1Cor 10:31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to THE GLORY OF GOD.
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all so that THE RIGHT OPINION OF GOD maybe seen through you.

Get any Scripture with the GLORY OF GOD and see...(Philippians 2: 9-11, Exodus 24:17 etc)
THE MOST AMAZING PART!!!!!!!

Didn't you ever wonder how Moses wrote the Torah without being born or present at that time?
READ Exodus 33:18-21 emphasis on 18 and 21 (Moses' qtn and God's Response)
Moses asked God to show Him His glory, but God said He wouldn't handle it, thus showing Him His back.
GLORY= RIGHT OPINION OF GOD
God couldn't show Moses His front because it would show the FUTURE GLORY = (FUTURE OPINION OF GOD).

Confusing right? Read the bottom 1st then come back and read. Will make sense then.

But God showed Him His Back (PAST GLORY = PAST RIGHT OPINION OF GOD) That is how Moses was able to write Genesis , he wasn't there but He saw GOD'S VIEW OF CREATION AKA GENESIS that day and that is how he was able to give it from God's view n all, THE RIGHT OPINION ABOUT THE CREATION.

Ok I over hyped it but i was so amazed and blown away and I hope you will be too.

I take no credit for this discovery, it was a sermon I watched on TBN from BISHOP JOHN FRANCIS. It changed my life and Opinion of God and continues to do so when I am limiting Abbas Father. Stay Blessed and May God continue to do a good work in you.

<3 Tendi

LADIES OF VIRTUE Spending Fast

The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets. Proverbs 21:20 (paraphrase)

The official start date of the spending fast will be June 1, 2013 and will last through June 30, 2013. All ladies who desire to join please leave a post on the Ladies of Virtue Facebook page or groupme chat.

This fast will seek to curb unnecessary spending and help us learn to be better stewards of what God has blessed us with.  To further honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, a portion of the money saved can be donated to a missions group, charity or other ministry, this of course is totally optional.

The book of Proverbs will be the primary source of wisdom we draw from. I will be posting a verse and a devotional for the day which focuses on being a better steward. These posts will be on the Facebook page and groupme chat. What we experienced and learned will be discussed, recorded, and posted on the Ladies of Virtue blog (lovislove7.blogspot.com) to help encourage others besides those in our group.

Fasting responsibilities

1.       No unnecessary spending. This means we must not spend money on anything that is not absolutely necessary. If you usually pay for a service, but can perform it yourself, please do so.  For example, if eating out is a problem for you, you must prepare all meals at home unless dining at someone else’s home.  If at all possible, eat breakfast before going to work and take lunch or part of lunch to work.

2.       We must journal each time we are tempted to spend money on something non-essential. Make a note of the temptation in your phone or some other place. This will give us a good idea where our weakness to spend lies. Also jot down how much you would have spent, this will give you an idea about how much you actually saved for the month. This figure will also help you determine what amount you should donate if you choose to.

3.       Take time to mediate on the daily bible verses and devotionals. Pray for yourself and others who are participating in the fast.

4.       Stay away from websites and stores that you usually shop from. Do not let the lure of an once-in-a-lifetime sale, coupons, or other incentives lure you away from your goal not to spend.

5.       Express gratitude to the Lord for His blessings each and every day.

6.       Don’t allow anyone to lead you into temptation to spend.

Comments and suggestions are welcome and I will officially add them.

Let’s get started saving money for God’s glory ladies!

Poverty and disgrace come to those who ignore discipline, but the one who accepts correction will be honored. Proverbs 13:18 HCSB

Bible Study

We will begin this journey with the addition of weekly "food for the soul" as they say. After much deliberation and figuring out times that would work out across the globe, we have decided on
                                 
 SATURDAYS at 12pm ** Note Change

Every other week, one of our virtuous queens will have the pleasure of leading the group in the study. The Virtuous Queen for the week will choose an overall topic, find bible verses and just chat with the group about what it means. The topics will be set by whatever the presenter feels led to talk about.

For example: Choose the topic of "staying focused", find a chapter in the bible about staying focused(I'm not as good at this YET) and then discuss what it meant to YOU. Afterwards, anyone can jump in and talk about what it meant to them and how they applied it to their lives.

It would be a good idea for the leader for the week to post the verse in advance (one week) on here so others have the opportunity to think about it and what it means to them if they want which of course would not be mandatory.

We have been blessed to be able to use anymeeting.com where the presenter can be viewed and anyone can log in online or call in to the conference and join in. The presenter will be the person presenting for the week. In order to send you all an invitation, I will need to add your e-mail to the meeting first. Please comment on this blogpost by adding your e-mail!

Our First Bible Study will be on Sunday, June 2nd @2pm

Ladies, I took the liberty of plugging in some names for people to lead the bible study! If you would like to switch, or prefer a specific day, or are not comfortable,  please do not hesitate to switch with someone in the group by either commenting or connecting with our sisters on groupme. We also have an e-mail attached to this blog which is lovislove7@gmail.com

June 2nd- Tendi
June 16th- Amber
June 30th- L Patterson
July 14th- Nimmoh
July 28th-Arlaysha
August 11th- Sandra Butler
August 25th- Stephanie
September 8th- Shandretta
September 15th- Alicia
September 29th- Bel
October 13th- Carissa K
October 20th- Jacquelyn
November 3rd- Jazmine A.
November 17th- Kayla
December 8th- Zkayy
December 22nd- Shavannah

Don't be afraid to be used by Him to reach others. This is in its infancy stages, please keep in mind that everything is subject to change and completely open to new ideas! We will probably be changing a lot as we go so lets pray to start off with an open mind.

              Don't forget! LOV is Love!!

 In Jesus' name we pray that you open our hearts, minds, and souls to have this group be led by HIM. Father we pray that each of your virtuous queens is illuminated each week of study to speak the words that you have intended for us all to hear that you use this tool to help us grow in our personal lives and in reach and expand our minds.

Amen!