Chosen Women

Monday, March 29, 2010

Praise the Lord, Chosen Women!

Philippians 4:8 ~ For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. (Amplified Bible)

I am a Sunday school teacher at our church. We use this wonderful teaching tool called Church Alive. This quarter the lessons focus on the subject Christian Principles. The topic for this week was "Virtue." Virtue is my favorite thing to teach on after the subject of salvation. Virtue is defined as excellence of character or moral goodness. After we meet the qualifications of salvation as given in the Holy Scriptures, then we must be about the business of living for God. The quality of this life in Christ is defined by the amount of virtue that we display or that we lack. God will constantly provide opportunities for us to grow and to increase in virtue. How we fare is literally a daily choice.

So many individuals are saved and call Jesus Christ their Lord. Yet as I grow older I see that virtue is not always synonymous with this saved status. If you do not have virtuous character we can only fake it for so long. The true you – the barometer of your moral goodness – will always show itself in time. And virtue will not just grow in us without nourishment, fertilization and pruning. We have to make up in our minds that we want to be a bright reflection of Christ by exhibiting Godly virtue. Even then it will be a fight. Subtle occasions to be unkind, inconsiderate, self-absorbed, stingy, mean, false, perverse, fleshly, cold or ignorant will present themselves. You will have to decide daily whether to act them out or not.

Giving our thought life to good things is one way to grow virtue in our lives. I prayed with a dear woman of God last night whose heart was hurt by a friend who chose to not demonstrate virtue. When we chose to abide in a higher moral code we cause the light of Christ to shine brighter upon those around us. It costs us  – but it is worth it. When we give in to flesh to be liked, noticed, acknowledged, paid, comfortable, in, popular, etc. we darken our surroundings through compromise. Make up in your mind to be that virtuous woman today and always, by the power of the Holy Ghost.

In Service for the Master,

Evangelist Lisa Y. Mitchell

P.S. Thank you to those that supported our Family Picture Event! Thank you for supporting Chosen Women!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Praise the Lord, Chosen Women!

It's almost here . . . Chosen Women Family Picture Event Fundraiser is THIS WEEKEND! If you have not called Sis. DeAnna to schedule a picture sitting PLEASE DO SO RIGHT AWAY! We are asking each of our Chosen Women Network families that can to participate or please refer a family that might be interested in having pictures made. We have a few spots left and we need to schedule every appointment time in order to reach our goal.

This is a great opportunity to take your ministry photograph, engagement picture, pictures for your children -- and of course Easter pictures. Thank you to those that have already committed to participate. If you are not interested in pictures but wish to make a donation towards the fundraiser please mail your check or money order to Chosen Women, Inc. 2763 West Avenue L, #200, Lancaster, CA 93536. All proceeds help with the expenses of our upcoming CW Conference!

This month we are blessed to have a guest blogger who is VERY close to my heart. My own Pastor and Love, Elder Gerry Mitchell. Have a wonderful week in Him!

In Service for the Master,
Evangelist Lisa Y. Mitchell
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Have you ever been to a truly fantastic restaurant? I am talking about a multi-star rated establishment that served you the meal of a lifetime -- I mean they got EVERYTHING right.

If you have take a moment to think back to that, or to your finest dining experience. I bet it included great atmosphere, great service, and wonderful cuisine. Imagine going there and sitting down again. Everything seems in order as before. You anxiously anticipate the first mouthful of your favorite dish. But as you take a big bite you are disappointed to find that this food now has no flavor whatsoever!

The meal looks exactly the same as when you last had and enjoyed it. But there's no seasoning. Some saints today are just like that dish -- no seasoning.

Sinners are coming into their lives, yet are never compelled to be any different. Why? Because the saint that this sinner has encountered presents no challenge or conviction. In fact, the sinner finds that the life of this so called 'saint' does not look very different from her or her own. I believe this type of saint is the epitome of the lukewarm, Revelation 3:16 saint.

Flavorful, salt of the earth saints are not like these nondescript, lackluster saints. The 'Salty Saints' will always be noted and described and different, unique and having a standard. Some other saints who do not understand their willingness to present a standard worth following will sometimes call them 'religious' or 'deep.' But the telling sign about their status is the number of souls that come into the kingdom and are challenged to live better because of simply associating with them.

Salty, flavorful saints do not dance to the beat of the world's drum -- they make their own music and inspire others to dance. Oh that I could find some Lawry's Seasoned Saints to stand up, stand out and be leaders!

Elder Gerry A. Mitchell is the Pastor of Agape Apostolic Assembly, Lancaster, CA.

THIS IS A REPOST OF A MESSAGE SENT FROM MY UNCLE VERNON IN FEBRUARY 2009. I PRAY THAT IT BLESSES YOU TODAY! Evangelist Lisa
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If you ever look at yourself and feel that you don't measure up, read this and your outlook will change before you finish reading it!
 
This is good to keep, not just to read from time to time, but to also keep stored in your heart! Enjoy and remember who you are!
 
When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being. When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils. But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do.

Around this one bone, I shaped you . . . I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart. Support man as the rib cage supports the body.

You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.

You are My perfect angel . . . you are My beautiful little girl. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence and My eyes fill when I see the virtues
in your heart.

Your eyes . . . don' t change them.
Your lips - how lovely when they part in prayer.
Your nose, so perfect in form.
Your hands so gentle to touch.
I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep.
I've held your heart close to Mine.
Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like Me.

Adam walked with Me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see Me or touch Me. He could only feel Me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with Me, I fashioned in you; My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My protection and support.

You are special because you are an extension of Me. Man represents my image; woman my emotions. Together, you represent the totality of God.

So man . . . treat women well. Love her, respect her, for she is fragile but yet strong at the same time.