The Pursuit of Excellence

Hello!

If we are not pursuing excellence, we are not living life as it was intended to be lived! Potential goes on and on and on and on and on! Ask Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Paul, and John! They contributed to The Kingdom of Heaven here on earth until their last days!

Excellence amounts to surpassing expectations, long story short. Are we to just do our best? Hardly! Our best can fluctuate from day to day. We are to go beyond the daily grind to the something more, with as much determination as we can muster, at every possible turn! 

Jesus was all about excellence, although He did not carry on about it. He went about "doing good [Acts 10:8 KJV]!" Excellence was a part of His DNA!

Excellence is more than a state of mind! It is a spirit [Proverbs 17:27 KJV ; Daniel 5:12 KJV ; Daniel 6:3 KJV]!

If we have Christ, we have His DNA! If we have His DNA, we have His Spirit! If we have His Spirit, we too have the Spirit of Excellence! 

Let us tap into the genius of His creativity! He did a mighty lot of creating [Genesis KJV], if you ask me! He is witty [Proverbs 8:12 KJV] ; He gives "the power to get wealth [Deuteronomy 8:18 KJV]!"

What in heaven's name are  we waiting for?

"Happy July 4th Week!"

Shalom!

Angela

#ThePursuitOfExcellence

#EvnGreaterThings

#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway.

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"

Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu  

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Little faith, little compassion

Hello!

Faith.

Compassion.

It is all one and the same, isn't it?

Hardly.

Faith cometh out of an abiding relationship, one with another. Compassion cometh out of a unique  sense of understanding, one to another. Both point to "light, and life [John 1:4 NIV ; 2 Timothy 1:10 NIV]!" Or; as I liken it, to beliefs + actions!

How can it be that we would serve others in some capacity; in utter if not, total disbelief of God and His ability to move on the hearts of man? God has given us the faith, and compassion to see others through His eyes [John 14:12 NIV]! It requires effort. Diligent effort. Effort through prayer (and fasting), studying the Word of God, and spending time in His presence. One must not cancel out the other. It can if we are not careful.

Lord, help us to see and understand Who and What you are. Always, and in every situation! Only then can we do what You did, and more! In Jesus' name, Amen!

"Happy Weekend!"

Shalom!

Angela
#LittleFaithLittleCompassion
#EvnGreaterThings
#BibleGateway
#BibleStudyTools

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway. The word study is taken from Bible Study Tools.

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Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu 

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The good news of salvation

Hello!

Sometimes; the Word (and only the Word), of God my Father will do!

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound [Isaiah 61:1 KJV]!"

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek [Romans 1:16 KJV]!"

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation [2 Corinthians 6:2 KJV]!"

"But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth [2 Thessalonians 2:13 KJV]!"

"For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ [1 Thessalonians 5:9 KJV]!"

"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory [2 Timothy 2:10 KJV]!"

"Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write  to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints [Jude 1:3 KJV]!"

Yes, and amen!

Whatever you do or do not do, keep the faith!

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Weekend!"

Shalom!

Angela
#TheGoodNewsOfSalvation
#EvnGreaterThings
#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Biblegateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu

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A deeper meaning of bless

Hello!

I hear people say "Have a blessed day!" a lot. Maybe not as much as they used to; but still, often.

I have been known to say "Blessings!" myself, occasionally. 

Somewhere along the line, I began to sound rote - to my own ears!

I started to wonder. Do we really know the meaning of bless, or are we just following religious tradition?

Per a Google search, the Old English translation of bless is based on the word blood. It means "to mark, or consecrate [my emphasis added] - with blood!" 

Lord. Have. Mercy. 

I thought I knew the meaning of bless; but apparently I did not, just like a whole lot of other people I'll bet! 

Blessed is first used in Genesis 1:22, 28 [KJV]. God blessed Adam and Eve, giving them instructions on what to do in the garden. 

Blessed is used again in Genesis 2:3 [KJV]. God set aside the seventh day as a day of rest.   

Throughout Genesis [KJV], God continues to bless people. And in Genesis 14:20 [KJV], Abram blesses God and gives him tithes of all for delivering his enemies into both his and God's hands.

To bless is a form of honor. It is being consecrated by the blood. It is being set aside for the noblest of purposes; and that is, to be used of God. 

As we celebrate Memorial Day this weekend, take a few minutes to pause and reflect. The freedom that we so carelessly at times enjoy is sealed by the blood of the lamb [Revelation 7:14, and 12:11 KJV].  

I pray that this great nation of ours will be used by God, at home and abroad. I pray that We The People of this great nation of ours will be used by God also. 

This country is here for "such a time as this [Esther 4:14 KJV]." We are here for "such a time as this" too.    

God loves, loves, loves you! 

"Happy Memorial Day!"

Shalom!

Angela

#ADeeperMeaningOfBless

#EvnGreaterThings

#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"

Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu       

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Freedom

Hello!

Freedom comes from God [Galatians 5:1 KJV]!

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom [2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV]!

We walk and remain in freedom, by seeking out His precepts [Psalm 119:45 NIV]!

Because the Spirit of the Lord is upon us we are to proclaim freedom to others, so that they too may be set free [Isaiah 61:1 NIV ; Luke 4:18 NIV]!

If we do not proclaim freedom to the lost, we are being disobedient [Jeremiah 34:17 NIV]!

Creation is set free from bondage and brought back into the Glory of God, if we are obedient to proclaim freedom [Romans 8:21 NIV]!

If we are to be in bondage to anyone, let it be to Christ [1 Corinthians 9:19 NIV]! 

We are NOT to misuse, or let freedom be removed from us [1 Corinthians 10:23 NIV ; Galatians 5:1 NIV ; Galatians 5:13 NIV ; James 2:12 NIV]!

Because we walk in freedom, we can always approach God [Ephesians 3:12 NIV]!

Freedom brings blessings [2 Peter 2:19 NIV ; James 1:25 NIV]! 

Got freedom? Give  freedom! 

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Today!"

Shalom!

Angela

#Freedom

#EvnGreaterThings

#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"

Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu    

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Mighty in Him

Hello!

The Mighty One; of course, is Him, God, the Lord [Psalm 42:4 NIV ; Psalm 50:1 NIV ; Joshua 22:22 NIV ; Job 34:17 NIV ; Isaiah 1:24 NIV ; Isaiah 10:34 NIV ; Isaiah 33:21 NIV ; Isaiah 49:26 NIV ; Isaiah 60:16 NIV]!

He is mighty [Psalm 89:8 NIV ; Psalm 93:4 NIV ; Isaiah 63:1 NIV]! 

He is mighty and awesome [Deuteronomy 10:17 NIV ; Nehemiah 9:32 NIV]!

His hand is mighty [Exodus 6:1 NIV ; Exodus 13 NIV ; Exodus 14 NIV ; Exodus 32:11 NIV ; Deuteronomy 5:15 NIV ; Deuteronomy 6:21 NIV ; Deuteronomy 7:8, 19 NIV ; Deuteronomy 9:26 NIV ; Deuteronomy 26:8 NIV ; 1 Kings 8:42 NIV ; Nehemiah 1:10 NIV ; Jeremiah 48:17 NIV ; Ezekiel 20:33, 34 NIV ; Daniel 9:15 NIV]!   

His judgments are mighty [Exodus 6:6 NIV]!

His waters are mighty [Exodus 15:10 NIV ; Nehemiah 9:11 NIV ; Psalm 29:3 NIV; Psalm 32:6 NIV ; Psalm 107:23 NIV]!

His power is mighty [Deuteronomy 34:12 NIV ; Acts 13:17 NIV ; 2 Kings 17:36 NIV ; Job 24:22 NIV ; Psalm 106:8 NIV ; Jeremiah 10:6 NIV]!

His deeds and works are mighty [Deuteronomy 3:24 NIV ; Jeremiah 32:19 NIV]!

He is mighty in battle [Psalm 24:8 NIV]!

He is a mighty rock [Psalm 62:78 NIV]!

His voice is mighty [Psalm 68:33 NIV]!

His acts are mighty [Psalm 71:18 NIV ; Psalm 106:2 NIV]!

His deeds are mighty [Psalm 77:12 NIV]!

His arm is mighty [Psalm 77:15 NIV ; Isaiah 40:10 NIV ; Isaiah 62:8 NIV ; Jeremiah 21:5 NIV]!

His cedars are mighty [Psalm 80:10 NIV]!

His strength is mighty [Isaiah 40:26 NIV]!

He is great and mighty [Jeremiah 32:18 NIV]!

His wonders are mighty [Daniel 4:3 NIV]!

Before the Lord, we are mighty! "And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength [Ephesians 1:19 NIV]!" "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power [Ephesians 6:10 NIV]!" "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time [1 Peter 5:6 NIV]!" 

We are a mighty warrior [Judges 6:12 NIV ; Judges 11:1 NIV ; 2 Samuel 23 NIV ;  1 Chronicles 11 ; Psalm 45:3 NIV ; Jeremiah 5:16 NIV ; Zephaniah 1:14 NIV ; Zephaniah 3:17 NIV]!

The women who proclaim his word are a mighty throng [Psalm 68:11 NIV]!

Your mighty scepter will enable you to rule in the midst of your enemies [Psalm 110:2 NIV]!

Your children will be mighty in the land [Psalm 112:2 NIV]!

You can go up against the city of the mighty, and pull them down [Proverbs 21:22 NIV]!

You are as a lion, mighty among beasts [Proverbs 30:30 NIV]!

Your persecutors will fall [Jeremiah 20:11 NIV]!

We are in His mighty army [Joel 2:2 NIV ; Joel 2:11 NIV]!

Walk; I say, in the authority and power of His might! 

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Today!"

Shalom!

Angela

#MightyInHim

#EvnGreaterThings

#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"

Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu  

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One Handmaiden

Hello!

I have been listening to a well known national evangelist say on the radio at every given opportunity that women are not called to be the pastors of a church for three (3) years running now. I was a member of a church where women were not allowed to be in the pulpit at all; let alone, preach five (5) years ago. I did not agree with their assessment then. I do not agree with their assessment now. I have been silent long enough.

God does things "decently and in order [1 Corinthians 14:40 KJV]!" The Trinity is one (1) God, but three (3) persons. Jesus submitted to the Father. The Church submits to Christ. 

Adam & Eve were one (1) in Spirit, but two (2) in personage. Although wives are admonished to submit to their husbands, husbands are admonished to honor their wives, each serving the other. As the Father, Son & Holy Ghost are one, as Adam & Eve were one, as Christ and the Church are one, husbands and wives are to be one too.    

Fast forward to 2019. 100 Churches Will Die in the US This Week, as reported by Charisma News December 10, 2018. Historically, women have taken on whatever role needed to be taken on in the church to keep it viable. That included preaching. If a man is called to preach, given who he and his wife are in Christ, the spouse can not help but be a co-laborer in the Lord irregardless of the title she has or the role she has taken on. God states that He will pour out His Spirit on all in the last days [Acts 2 KJV]. God has called all believers as "kings and priests unto Him [Revelation 1:6 KJV]!" We are living in the last days! 

Rather than point out what is considered to be 'a non-negotiable,' hear me when I say: we all need the Holy Spirit to re-calibrate our spirits, souls and bodies so that we can "redeem the time!" The world needs a Savior! I beseech thee; brethren, come together as one in word and in deed in every conceivable way! Jesus is coming soon! True disciples disciple, no matter the gender!

NOTE:  The gospel was not readily accepted by the Jews [the Chosen Ones], at first. The gospel was then taken to the Gentiles, or non-Jews Who believed [Acts 11 KJV]. "New wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved [Luke 5:38 KJV]."      

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Today!" 

Shalom!

Angela

#OneHandmaiden

#EvnGreaterThings

#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"

Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned You  |   I Style Yu

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Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty!

Hello!

God is holy!

"'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is, and is to come [Revelation 4:2b NIV]!"

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being [Revelation 4:11 NIV]!"

"You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth [Revelation 5:8-10 NIV]!

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise [Revelation 5:11-12]!"

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever [Revelation 5:13 NIV]!"

"Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen [Revelation 7:12 NIV]!" 

And if God is holy; as such, He is pure!

We too can be holy; or pure, only through Him! Call it a state of the heart, if you will!

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God [Matthew 5:8 NIV]!"

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me [Psalm 51:10 NIV]!"

"All a person's ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord [Proverbs 16:2 NIV]!"

"Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin [Proverbs 20:9 NIV]?"

"To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted [Titus 1:15 NIV]!"

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere [James 3:17 NIV]!"

When we humble ourselves before the Lord God Almighty, recognize that He is holy, we begin to bask in the glow of Him!

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Weekend!"

Shalom!

Angela
#HolyHolyHolyLordGodAlmighty
#EvnGreaterThings
#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |  I Style Yu 

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Maturity in Christ

Hello!

Either we are mature in Christ, or we are not!

Being mature in Christ is doing what Jesus did! He healed the sick, raised the dead, and cast out demons [Matthew 4:23-24 KJV ; Matthew 8:16 KJV ; Matthew 9:35 KJV]! He came to destroy the works of the devil [1 John 3:8 KJV], and He told us to do it too [Matthew 10:1 KJV]!

Are we healing the sick? Are we raising the dead? Are we casting out demons? Hear me when I say "No, we are not!" 

I've been in churches where no one came to salvation for months on end! I've been in churches where there have been as many canes, crutches, walkers or wheelchairs as seats seemingly! I've been in churches where the enemy felt free to come in, roam about, and do whatever he pleased! And yet, many of us think we have arrived, with our much talking, shouting out, and loud singing! We all need to fall on our faces before the Lord God Almighty, and repent!

The Apostle Paul admonished believers that he [still] had to feed the church with milk [1 Corinthians 3:1-3 KJV], for they were not able to eat meat! The Body of Christ was walking in everything but the Spirit of God! As are we, as are we! The authority and power of God comes when we fast, pray, and speak what we hear Him say! 

In Breakthrough Prayer Where God Always Hears And Answers, Apostle Guillermo Maldonado admonishes us that God's house is a House of Prayer [Matthew 21:13 kJV ; Mark 11:17 KJV ; Luke 19:46 KJV]! We have done many things in church, but we have not prayed day in and day out as we ought!

I challenge all of us who profess to be followers of Christ to refuse to sit idle any longer! Expand prayer time in homes, churches, cities, and the marketplace! Let us pray until the power of God comes, and resides with us! Let us push the forces of darkness out of the high, and low places! Let us take back what is the Kingdom of Heaven's! "Let the lions roar!"          

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Weekend!"

Shalom!

Angela
#MaturityInChrist
#EvnGreaterThings
#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
 Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu     

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"Let the lions roar!"

Hello!

It is NOT time for "the lions to roar [Amos 3:8 NIV]?"

The Lord God Almighty; the Lion of Judah [Revelation 5:5 NIV], is raising up an army who will stand against injustice! We are like (as unto) "the Lion of Judah [Genesis 49:9 NIV]!"

A white hot surge of anger is arising within "the people of God!" The killing of unborn babies right before birth is more than an a-troc-i-ty! It is vile! This means war! 

Who created heaven, earth and all thereof?

God did, that's Who [Genesis 1:1 NIV ; Genesis 2:4 NIV ; Exodus 20:11 NIV]!

Who gave us His very breath?

God did, that's Who [Genesis 2:7 NIV]!

How dare you; the darkness of the heart, take what you have NOT given! I decree and declare this day; as God as my witness, you shall NOT have the babies of this nation! We; the people of God, will see you at the altar, in the Throne Room, and at the Supreme Court! To God be the glory! Amen! Amen! Amen!

"Happy Today!"

Shalom!

Angela
#LionsRoar
#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms  |  Far Above Rubies  |  I Adorned Yu  |   I Style Yu 

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Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Hello!

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be, bles-sed be the name of the Lord

The skies are clear

The sun is shining

The breeze is blowing

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be, bles-sed be the name of the Lord

The waters are going down

My family is safe and sound

Bles-sed be the name of the Lord

Bles-sed be, bles-sed be the name of the Lord

I know that your grace is true ... Copyrighted

This [song] was written on the morning of Tuesday, September 18, 2018. It was the day the American Red Cross gave Cumberland County [NC] residents living within a one mile or less radius of the Cape Fear River clearance to return to our homes during the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. The day was beautiful, as it often is, following a storm.

It was meant to be sung a cappella! I will sing it a cappella again, just as soon as my knees quit doing a tap dance!   

God loves, loves, loves you!

"Happy Today!"

Shalom!

Angela

#BlessedBeTheNameOfTheLord
#BibleGateway

*Translations and scriptures; if used, are taken from Bible Gateway!

ALV & Co., "The Gold Standard!"
Angela L Vann, Ms   |  Far Above Rubies   |   I Adorned You   |   I Style Yu   |   O My Dove

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