H23 Living Everyday Life

Do Something This Summer Challenge #4 - Make and Distribute Toiletry Bags

2013-07-29T20:09:00.003-04:00

All summer we are challenging our listeners and those around us to get out and #DoSomethingThisSummer.

This week we want to challenge you to Make and Distribute Toiletry Bags.

Collect travel size toiletry items such as toothbrushes, soap, wipes, sanitizer, mouthwash, deordorant, sanitary napkins, and the like. Using a gallon size ziploc bag and fill the bags with the items collected. Then distribute the bags to those in need. Be mindful of the items you pack and try to create at least 5 bags or more.

For more challenges visit at www.H23Live.org. Post pics at www.facebook.com/H23LivingEverydayLife.

Do Something This Summer Challenge #3 - Help an Elderly or Disabled Person

2013-07-18T20:30:00.002-04:00

All summer we are challenging our listeners and those around us to get out and #DoSomethingThisSummer.

This week we want to challenge you to Help an Elderly or Disabled Person.

Find someone you know or who may be closely connected who is elderly or disabled. Offer a service such as cleaning, shopping for a day, cooking, gardening, or whatever help they may need. Sometimes the seasoned members are forgotten and those who are disabled are often overlooked. This week let them know you care - help them. Remember, because of their situation they are often vulnerable to people and circumstances. Be sure to SHOW them you are there to help and care.

For more tips stay connected at www.H23LivingEverydayLife.blogspot.com. Post pics at www.facebook.com/H23LivingEverydayLife.

Do Something This Summer Challenge #2 - Feed the Homeless

2013-07-08T20:14:00.000-04:00

All summer we are challenging our listeners and those around us to get out and #DoSomethingThisSummer.

This week we want to challenge you to Feed the Homeless.

Make it simple, but enough to make an impact. Pack some bottles of water sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, or a pan of spaghetti whatever you can do. Get together with a few friends and make a difference. The goal is to feed as many people as you can.

For more tips stay connected at http://h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/

Do Something This Summer Challenge #1 - Share or Cover a Service

2013-07-01T18:36:00.000-04:00

All summer we are challenging our listeners and those around us to get out and #DoSomethingThisSummer.

This week we want to challenge you to Share or Cover a Service.

While you are out and about this week, look to share or cover a service for someone that you would get for yourself. It can be a haircut, nails, massage, pedicure, car wash, lawn service, any necessary or recreational service. You can do it yourself or cover the cost of that service.

For more tips stay connected at http://h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/.

Do Something This Summer!

2013-06-24T20:53:00.007-04:00

We are back again challenging our listeners and community to DO SOMETHING this summer!

Jesus said, "... Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me." - Matthew 25:40

This summer we want you to find a person, group, or cause and put your hands to the plow. Feed some one, clothe someone, read to someone, encourage someone, sit with someone, clean for someone, give to someone, mentor someone, give someone a break, treat someone with kindness and respect.

Volunteer at a shelter, hospital, nursing home, animal shelter, salvation army, church, your neighborhood, or within your family. Whatever you do, DO SOMETHING for the least of these.
We want the world to see the light shining even in the dark places, to bring the Kingdom of Heaven closer to the world. God wants to use YOU! Let him use you this summer.

Weekly Challenge 5

2012-12-04T19:30:00.002-05:00

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week's challenge (Week of 12/03/2012) is Request to be a Blessing.

This week we want to challenge you to pray and ask God how can you bless a neighbor, loved one, or stranger. As we were encouraged to be sensitive to God's voice by first recognizing, hearing, then following His voice, we encourage you to do the same.

Say this simple prayer:

Lord, lay someone on my heart and mind that I can bless. How can I be a blessing to the household of (the person God lays on your heart and mind).

Then hear and obey!

We'd love to hear your testimonies! Tell us how the weekly challenges are blessing you and others. Email us at h23email@gmail.com or post on our page, www.facebook.com/H23LivingEverydayLife.

Lessons from Saul

2012-11-29T12:56:00.003-05:00

Reading Reference 1st Samuel 9

Typically when most people preach or teach about Saul they only tell half the story. They start from where he messed up and speak of his erratic violent behavior towards David. He is branded as the King who was rejected by God. But most people forget that Saul was once accepted by God. As a matter of fact, he was chosen by God.

First Samuel chapter 9 tells the story of how God strategically selected Saul to be King over Israel. There are so many profound and important messages hidden when you read Saul’s process to power. There are some key things we can learn from him.

1. Don’t despise the job you were called to do.
Saul was sent to look for asses. That’s right. Donkeys! Stubborn, stinky, but necessary beings. Two were lost and he and one of his father’s servants were sent to go find them. (1Sam 9:3-4). Saul became frustrated on the journey because they spent three days climbing mountains and covering rugged terrain to look for donkeys – menial, replaceable, obstinate donkeys! Many of you feel the same way about your job or the task you have been set to do. You may feel like what you’ve been called to do is like chasing and tending to the donkeys. However, his obedience to such a tedious and seemingly unimportant task was a set up for a greater purpose. Be faithful to the job you were given – a mother, student, peacemaker, friend, teacher, social worker, juvenile worker, waitress, janitor, accountant, executive, case manager, nursing assistant, manager, sewer worker, whatever the task that has been given to you – DO IT!

2. On your journey, check your teammates.
We often hear this but rarely heed to it. It is so important that we pay attention to who we take with us on our journey. The wrong person can sabotage progress (Akin and Joshua) or prevent you from getting to where you need to be in the time God ordained. Make sure the people on your team bring something to the table – knowledge, faithfulness, resources, connections, an ear - something. Had the servant been a lazy, selfish servant, he would not have urged Saul to press to the next city. He had knowledge that that city had a man of God and he knew enough to encourage Saul to see him so he could show them the way. Not only did he have knowledge and a good idea, he had the provision to support the idea. In the passage, Saul was like great idea, but we have nothing to give him if we go see him. His servants said, “I do.” We need to ask God to give us people or empower the people in our spheres of influence, to not just “give suggestions” and the if “I were you” speeches, but ask God for people that have good ideas and the provision, knowledge, and substance to make it stick.

3. Be willing to sacrifice something to find your way.
Saul and the servant knew they could not go to the man of God empty handed. They looked for what they had knowing they were going to give it away (1Sam 9:7-8). Think about it. They were three days away from home. That’s food, lodging, and incidentals they had already paid for and needed to get back home. But they stayed faithful to the work they were sent to do and they sacrificed what they had in order to find their way. They understood that finding the right path would yield what they needed. What are you willing to sacrifice to get on the right path? Is it a habit? A person? A thing? A status? A reputation? A comfort zone? Pride? Look within yourself, you have enough to give to find your way.

4. God will put you on the hearts and minds of people who will bless you.
Three days looking for donkeys and on the second day God told the Prophet Samuel that Saul was coming (1Sam 9:15-16). Samuel didn’t know his name, or what he looked like, but he knew his purpose and what God had told him to look for. Someone is anointed with the power and authority to bless you and take you to the next level. But they won’t be able to recognize you unless you stay faithful to the first task given to you. Had Saul gave up on day two, or turned around on day three his date with destiny would not have occurred. Samuel set aside a portion, a large portion in expectation of Saul’s arrival. There is a portion set aside just for you. Someone is expecting your arrival. If you would just go and finish the task, there is an anointing and kingly blessing waiting for you.

5. God didn’t ask for your resume or background check before he qualified and justified you.
When Samuel told Saul who he was and what he was going to do, Saul’s first response was, “ do you know where I’m from, and who I am, why are you talking to me like this, why are you expecting this from me?” (1Sam 9:21-24) Who asked you about your background or reference? Nobody. At some point what has been promised to you is going to manifest itself and either you are going to see God’s blessing for what it is or you are going to waste time telling yourself how unworthy and unprepared you are to partake in what has been set aside for YOU.

Steady your heart and hand. God knew and still knows what his plan is for you. But like Saul, you have to embrace your true work. Let go of the ideas of how things are supposed to go and what success is. Do the donkey mission and do it well. God will call you up to the mountain and crown you king in time.

More can be found at www.h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com.

Project 5001 Weekly Challenge 4

2012-11-29T12:33:00.001-05:00

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week's challenge (Week of 11/26/2012) is Stock the Jubilee Store for Homeless Families.

This the last week to focus on stocking Jubilee Store at The Charlotte Family Housing Center (CFHC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. We need your help in stocking this store with items from the Jubilee wishlist. Please consider donating an item or two for this most worthy endeavor. Deadline is December 2, 2012.

HOW TO DONATE

Mail an unwrapped gift or gift card (from "Wish List" below) to the center:

Charlotte Family Housing, 300 Hawthorne Lane, 3^rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 28204

Deliver an unwrapped gift (from "Wish List" below) locally:

Myers Park United Methodist Church
501 Queens Road, Charlotte

Make a donation to Project 5001 and we will purchase gifts from the "Wish List".

DONATE TO PROJECT 5001

Project 5001 Weekly Challenge 3

2012-11-19T22:21:00.000-05:00

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week's challenge (Week of 11/19/2012) is Stock the Jubilee Store for Homeless Families.

This week we focus on stocking Jubilee Store at The Charlotte Family Housing Center (CFHC) in Charlotte, North Carolina. We need your help in stocking this store with items from the Jubilee wishlist. Please consider donating an item or two for this most worthy endeavor. Deadline is December 2, 2012.

HOW TO DONATE

Mail an unwrapped gift or gift card (from "Wish List" below) to the center:

Charlotte Family Housing 300 Hawthorne Lane, 3^rd Floor Charlotte, NC 28204

Deliver an unwrapped gift (from "Wish List" below) locally:

Myers Park United Methodist Church
501 Queens Road, Charlotte

Make a donation to Project 5001 and we will purchase gifts from the "Wish List".

DONATE TO PROJECT 5001

Project 5001 Weekly Challenge 2

2012-11-12T21:26:00.001-05:00

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week's challenge (Week of 11/12/2012) is Share a Meal.

This week when you eat lunch or dinner, fix an extra plate or buy an an extra meal and share it with someone in need. The person can be homeless or simply in need or deserving of a kind gesture. This week, give someone the meal, you and your family would eat.

Jesus said, "... Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me." - Matthew 25:40

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Last week's challenge, Dollar Store 10. See details here.

Weekly Challenge 1

2012-11-11T18:40:00.000-05:00

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

This week's challenge (Week of 11/5/2012) is the Dollar Store 10.

Visit a Dollar Tree or any dollar store. Collect 10 items and create toiletry and/or snack bags for someone in need. For example, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, thermal socks, gloves, skull cap, cough drops, wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. Bag them in a zip lock or toiletry bag and share them with someone in need. Create on large bag or break them into smaller bags.

Jesus said, "... Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me." - Matthew 25:40

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Help Us Bless Families This Christmas

2012-10-31T14:32:00.001-04:00

Project 5001 is working with The Charlotte Family Housing Center (CFHC) in Charlotte, North Carolina to bless families this Christmas. CFHC has created the Jubilee Store which allows families housed there to be able to shop for hoilday gifts that were donated by generous people throughout the community. We need your help in stocking this store with items from the Jubilee wishlist. Please consider donating an item or two for this most worthy endeavor.

HOW TO DONATE

Mail an unwrapped gift or gift card (from "Wish List" below) to the center:

Charlotte Family Housing 300 Hawthorne Lane, 3^rd Floor Charlotte, NC 28204

Deliver an unwrapped gift (from "Wish List" below) locally:

Myers Park United Methodist Church
501 Queens Road, Charlotte

Make a donation to Project 5001 and we will purchase gifts from the "Wish List".

DONATE TO PROJECT 5001

DEADLINE is December 2nd. Email us at h23email@gmail.com for questions.

Project 5001

2012-09-27T17:46:00.000-04:00

Project 5001 is a service campaign

designed to answer the needs of the people.

Jesus fed 5000, we can do more.

He has given us the power to do it!

FEED CLOTHE EMPOWER SERVE

We started Project 5001 under the mandate that, "greater things you shall do." Jesus told the disciples that He gave them to the power to do more. We have not only a mandate but the power to do more. Whether we feed, clothe, empower, or serve our goal is to push ourselves and each to do more.

Stay posted for opportunities to serve and help. Email us if for questions or details, H23email@gmail.com.

If you or your organization would like to support Project 5001, click the donate button below and your gift will help us meet the needs of the people.

Don't Miss The Shift

2012-07-13T11:29:00.003-04:00

The word selah in biblical terms means pause or silence. Many have expounded that it also means to meditate and think solemnly. But the word selah also means to shift. In musical terms selah was a direction to uplift and accentuate, change the tempo. During a bible study with a spiritual mentor, Minister Kathie Coker, she highlighted the fact that if you pay attention to the Psalms of David, before the selah, David is in a certain place. Then after the selah his words change.

Take Psalms 3 for example:
Psa 3:1 [[A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son.]] LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many [are] they that rise up against me.
Psa 3:2 Many [there be] which say of my soul, [There is] no help for him in God. Selah.
Psa 3:3 But thou, O LORD, [art] a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
Psa 3:4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
Psa 3:5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
Psa 3:6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set [themselves] against me round about.
Psa 3:7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies [upon] the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
Psa 3:8 Salvation [belongeth] unto the LORD: thy blessing [is] upon thy people. Selah.

In verses 1-3, David was focused on his troubles; under the circumstances, understandably so. He was being chased out of his Kingdom by his ego-driven, spoiled son. He is the same son who raped his own sister and defiled David’s honor as a king. Yet this reckless son inspired such fear in King David’s heart that he was fleeing from his kingdom. He then began to address the problem.

Then in verses 3 and 4, he pauses and shifts his song. He begins to sing about the solution. He first reminded himself of what God is, contrary to the problems that stand against him. God is a shield, God lifts his head, God sustains him. He remembered his God and the many ways he has saved him from men after his life and praised him from that place.

Don’t stay stuck in the downbeat, SHIFT to the upbeat, to the accent. Remember your God and the great things He has done for you. At this point in your life, like David, you can identify where God has shielded, lifted, and sustained you. Shift your thinking and mindset. Focus on the victory.

Find more at www.H23LivingEverydayLife.blogspot.com. Listen to our weekly radio show at www.blgtalkradio.com/H23LivingEverydayLife.

Make Your Way Back - Adrianne Jackson

2012-06-18T13:52:00.001-04:00

Then when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father have enough food, and [even food] to spare, but I am perishing (dying) here of hunger! I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] make me like one of your hired servants. So he got up and came to his [own] father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity and tenderness [for him]; and he ran and embraced him and kissed him [fervently]. - Luke 15:17-19 (Amplified Bible)

You have heard the story of the prodigal son. He wanted to go and see what the world had to offer so he asked his father for his inheritance before his father died. So he went out and partied and did all he could and then everything ran low and he was still empty and alone and doing much worse than he was when he was in his father's house. We are often just like the son. We ask God for His promises right now. We ask God for the mates we want to be the one, the great job that looks good on paper, all the other things that will make us feel good right now, even though we aren't ready for them.

Sometimes in God's permissive will He says ok. He gives us exactly what we ask for. He gives us the man that treats us like a second class citizen. He gives you the woman who only wants to use you for your money. He gives us the car we really can't afford. He gives us everything we ask for even when we aren't ready because He needs to prove a point.

And when we get in the midst of that mess and things are falling down all around us we see that if we had waited on God we would have been much better off. When we do make the decision to go back we are better than before. We patiently wait for HIS choice because we've already experienced the results of making our own choices. This conviction is usually found in the midst of whatever the mess is that we got ourselves into.

Today make your way back to the Lord. Let your pride go and get in the presence of God. Repent for wanting your will and not His. For moving ahead of His timing. He is waiting for you with open arms. Ready to embrace you, as you embrace His good and perfect will for your life.

God loves you and so do I, and there is NOTHING you can do about it.

Adrianne -

*Adrianne Jackson writes for Prophetic Writer

Do Something This Summer

2012-06-11T18:20:00.000-04:00

We are challenging our listeners and community to DO SOMETHING this summer!

Jesus said, "... Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me." - Matthew 25:40

This summer we want you to find a person, group, or cause and put your hands to the plow. Feed some one, clothe someone, read to someone, encourage someone, sit with someone, clean for someone, give to someone, mentor someone, give someone a break, treat someone with kindness and respect.

Volunteer at a shelter, hospital, nursing home, animal shelter, salvation army, church, your neighborhood, or within your family. Whatever you do, DO SOMETHING for the least of these.
We want the world to see the light shining even in the dark places, to bring the Kingdom of Heaven closer to the world. God wants to use YOU! Let him use you this summer.

We are looking forward to hearing the testimonies. Send us your stories H23email@gmail.com. Post your pics on our facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/H23LivingEverydayLife

Power versus Authority

2012-05-08T18:02:00.000-04:00

Mat 7:28

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

Mat 7:29

For he taught them as [one] having authority, and not as the scribes.

Power is the ability to do or act; the capability of doing or accomplishing something; strength; might; or force.

Authority is power of choice; the liberty of doing as one pleases; the ability or strength with which one is endued which he either possesses or exercises; or the power of rule or government.

A good example was given by Minister JB during our weekly radio show. He tells the story of when he was younger, his mother would send him outside to bring his younger siblings in the house. Standing taller and physically stronger than his siblings, he would stand to the door beckoning them at the request of his mother. After a few failed attempts in his frustration, he tells his mom, you know they are not going to listen to me. She told him it was because he did it wrong. She told him that he must say, “mama said….” Feeling defeated and believing it would not work, he went to the door again, beckoning his siblings but using the seemingly magic words, “mama said, come in the house.” Surprisingly and shocked, everyone of his siblings ran into the house without further hesitation.

He explained that while he had the power, to physically force them into the house, his mother had the authority to cause them to follow instructions. He also noted that by telling the siblings “mama”, the person with the authority had given the instructions, they were also aware that had they not listened to him, they would suffer consequences the same as if she had said the instructions herself.

There are a few things to note about Power and Authority.

1. Power can be earned but authority is given.
Take for example a wrestler or heavyweight boxer. There are often examples of their geek to sheik transformations. Years of diet and rigorous exercise and weightlifting leads to muscular frames and super strength. However if small framed, diminutive person can complete a year training sworn in as an officer of the law and be given authority that supersedes the wrestler or boxer.

2. Power works while present, authority works even in your absence.
Luke chapter ten tells the story of how Jesus gave the 70 workers authority.
Luk 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

They were astounded and said, “even the devils are subject to us through thy name.” Jesus did not go with them when they were sent out, but by the authority given by the name of Jesus they were able to subdue and have power over the evil spirits. It was like saying, “mama said…”

3. Where does Authority come from?
Authority comes from inheritance. A recent show guest, Bishop Philip London, explained your privilege, authority, and position are different when you are a son versus a servant. He used the example of the prodigal son. When the younger son came back, he wanted to be a servant, but the father only recognized him only as a son. Then the father tells the older son, that everything that he has, the older son has access as well. There was no need to ask, he could at anytime go and get it. Only a servant need ask, but a son could just go and get it. The authority we have, comes through the relationship we have with the Father. When we receive and accept Christ and his work for us, we then become sons, and joint heirs with Christ. What He (Christ) has the ability we do as well.

4. When you operate in power you’re limited to your strength. When you operate in authority you are backed by the Father and everything that backs Him.
When a police officer is present, he/she represents not just him/herself, but also the city municipality or county municipality, and if need be state and federal municipalities. If in danger, need or trouble, he/she can call any resource from the city to the federal government to rescue, assist, or provide resources to help resolve any issue.

Psalms 24:1 tells us that, “the earth’s is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein.” If it all belongs to God and He is our Father, then all of the things in it and available to it are then accessible to us. Every organization, system, government, or anything that operates in the earth or world, has to adjust to accommodate us.

5. Authority has a specific purpose.
In 2 Corinthians 10:8, Paul writes, “for even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than pulling you down, I will not be ashamed of it.” The authority given to use is not for us to beat down, or hoard over, or control others. It is to build up those around us. More importantly it is not something that we should be ashamed of.

It is our prayer that the people of God understand they have more than power, we have AUTHORITY. With authority we can do more than bully or force a situation or resources. We can speak with authority and have all the systems and circumstances yield to us.

For more posts http://h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/ or radio show archives http://www.blogtalkradio.com/h23livingeverydaylife .

Two Sons In The House

2012-01-21T16:04:00.001-05:00

Luke 15:1-2; 11-32

The story of the Prodigal Son is a very popular passage of scripture. The Pharisees and scribes were upset about Jesus receiving and eating with sinners. Jesus used the a few examples to try to explain the heart of what he was doing. It is clear that Jesus is explaining through this parable God’s joy of the lost children who repent. But something about the story of the Prodigal son sticks out to me tremendously — there are two sons in the house.

The two sons are contrastingly different.

First there is the young (neo – newer) son. The younger son was obviously adventurous, headstrong, savvy and confident in himself. He fits the typical mold of young people who think they know it all. He was a on a fast track to nowhere but clearly thought with his resources he was on his way to the top of the world. He had big ideas, big dreams, grandiose plans, and the only thing standing between him and his status change was the Father holding on to what was promised to Him. He found pleasure in the lifestyle of another country. Obviously he had to have been exposed to it either from visitors or visits with his father to the foreign country. His primary goal was to get his inheritance, his promise, those things that were to be given to him and consume them with riotous (wildly extravagant, wreckless, licentious, unrestrained, excessive) living.

Then there was the elder (presbyteros - advanced in life) son. The son who desires to be honorable, pleasing to the father, does his best to follow the customs and rules, adheres to the standard of the father’s house, and finds pleasure in the house. He is the hard worker, faithful, and looks to do the “right way.” You can describe him as the son who has lived a little, experienced some things, and realizes the benefits of the Father and the Father’s house.

There are so many great points to expound upon from this passage, but the one I have learned to appreciate is – there are two sons in the house and BOTH are loved by the Father. Irrespective of experience, actions, mess ups, or get it right, you are LOVED by the Father. So the younger son cannot judge the older, because he acts and responds from a different place. And the older son cannot judge the younger son either, because he acts and responds from a different place also. Neither son is loved more that the other. Both are loved by the Father. Be at peace brothers. There is room for both of you in the Father’s house.

More at http://h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/

Reaping Where They Have Not Sown

2011-07-11T12:57:00.001-04:00

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.Galations 6:7

This morning I got a revelation that there are some people trying to reap where they have not sown. They are trying to eat the harvest and fruits of a field where they have not sown, mainly because their fields are barren and skimpy, and the other field just looks ripe, plentiful, and full. Watch and pray in this season. This is not the blessing that God promised, this is of the enemy trying to steal, sabotage, defraud, and pretend they have been working. Trying to live off your harvest. If you see people trying to steal the fruits of your harvest, Rebuke them! Send them back to their field to eat the fruits of whatever seeds they have sown.

And for us, we cannot expect a harvest if we have NOT SOWN. When harvest time comes, if you have not sown, or tended to your field what harvest do you expect? Be mindful, careful, and proactive. Sow good seeds NOW. Sow on the level and with the expectation of the type of harvest you want to come. These are not just seeds of money in or to church or a ministry, these are seeds in time, words, deeds, thoughts, ideas, habits, and actions. Seeds that affect all areas of your life - spiritual, social, financial, mental, familial, educational, etc. Do not be jealous, envious, or frustrated with another man’s field or harvest (Awards, accolades, promotions, debt cancellations, home recovery, good marriage, successful children, loving family and friends, successful business, graduating with honors, revelation, word, looks, talents, blessings, etc). God has given you the seed and tools to make your field great. With whatever you have, sow and do it diligently and with joy. Knowing your harvest will be GREAT! It’s not too late, the earth is continuously bringing forth fruit, sow!

For more go to http://www.h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/ .

Watch Out For Perverts

2011-05-25T11:18:00.000-04:00

Reading 2 Samuel 13:1-19

To Pervert – by definition is to lead astray, turn away from the right course, to turn to an improper use or to misapply something. To distort, misinterpret or misunderstand, or to bring to a less excellent state.

When we think of perverts the first come thing that comes to mind are child molesters, peeping toms, porn creeps, and overtly sexual explicit people. However if we clearly read the definition we see that a pervert can be anyone who leads astray, improperly uses or misapplies something, someone that misinterprets or misunderstand someone, or someone that brings something to a less excellent state.

So a pervert extends beyond just sexual perversion, but it can be relational, financial, social, economical, political, spiritual, and so on.

When we think of perverts and perversion, we have to talk about the where the origins of perversion come from. Remember in Genesis when the serpent began to talk to the woman? She had a conversation with the serpent in which he perverted the use of the tree. God told them not to eat from it, because eating from it was not the proper use for it for Adam and Eve. However the serpent came along, and perverted the use of the tree and told Eve that it was good enough to eat. The oppositional spirit of Satan forces people to take something meant for proper use and through persuasion and influence use it for an improper use or bring something meant for a higher purpose and debase it.
After reading 2 Samuel 13, there are few things to look out for to recognize perverts.

1. Watch out of people that attach themselves to your innocence or the innocence of your children. Ask questions.

To be a virgin meant Tamar was pure, set aside, and clean. People with pure hearts are sought out by perverts. Perverts want from others what they themselves don’t have. Amnon was a grown man and was not a virgin, yet he wanted Tamar because she was one.

2. Watch for people that become obsessed with you.

Amnon was so obsessed with Tamar that it made him sick. Unhealthy obsession is the mentality of a pervert. They have misinterpreted or misunderstood the appropriate type of relationship. When a person’s world is consumed with the actions, attention, personage, and possessions of another they are exhibiting signs of a pervert.

3. Watch out for the company people keep.

Jonadab was known as a trickster and he an Amnon were good friends. In order to be a good friend with someone who is known for doing wrong, you at some point have to participate or at least condone the behavior. If all of their friends are liars, cheaters, selfish, gold diggers, pretenders, and thieves, then what do you expect of them.

4. Watch out for people who get what they want and still are not happy.

When a baby cries for something, if you give them what they want then they are satisfied and stop crying. Perverts pretend they want something just to get your attention. But are never really honest enough with themselves and others to admit what they really want.

Amnon told his father he wanted Tamar to fix him something to eat because he was sick. After she prepared the meal and gave it to him. He refused to eat. Didn’t he say he was hungry and wanted Tamar to feed him? If indeed that was the issue, he would have ate the meal when it was prepared. What he really wanted was to have sex with her, not eat from her.

Be careful when you give people what they want and they are still not satisfied. You give them power, respect, money, time, acknowledge them, lose weight, spend more time at home, and so on, yet they are still not satisfied. You give them what they ask for and they refuse to participate in the very thing they said they wanted. That is another sign of a pervert.

5. Perverts don't really care about protocol, the rules, or what is right.

If a person consistently disregards what is at the very least morally sound, then be cautious of that person’s intentions. When someone wants to avoid leadership, family, close friends, and places, that person is most likely hiding something they don’t want revealed.

Tamar begged Amnon not to shame her by taking her virginity. If he cared anything about her he would at least respected the moral obligation to her, their family, and nation. He was indeed the King’s son and Tamar was the King’s daughter. She could have been the prize of the nation that was used to make alliance with another nation. However, Amnon did not care about protocol or what the greater good or how his actions would affect others. He was only concerned with his desires and how it benefitted him.

6. Watch out for people who want to force their way in your life or on you.

There is a saying that is used, “you cannot force someone to love you.” This is true in any type of relationship. People who become overbearing and forceful with their affection, attention, possessions, and relationship are exhibiting signs of a pervert. This person has a greater and maybe even unhealthy desire to be a part of your life.

Be it psychological, mental, financial, social, or spiritual be very cautious. Not only is it unhealthy but in some cases it can escalate and become dangerous as with Tamar. When he made his advance she tried to plead with him to reason, when she didn’t cooperate, he forced his way on her. When a person who is perverting a relationship doesn’t get what he/she wants or thinks they want in return, the person will act out and in most cases causes harm.

It is very important that we understand how to identify where people are perverting relationships to help avoid some of the many issues we have faced. Many people have deep wounds and serious issues with trust, love, and esteem because a pervert has violated them in some way and like Tamar, made them trade in their garments of pretty colors for mourning clothes.
It is my prayer that as God heals you from your past hurts, and you regain your pretty colors, that is LIFE – joy, love, trust, peace, happiness, faith, tenacity, will, and drive. I also pray that you in turn do not become a pervert (hurting people often hurt people) and you are able to keep a watchful eye to avoid further occurrences.

The Power of Goodbye and Hello

2011-02-18T12:51:00.000-05:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says to EVERYTHING there IS a season. A season by definition is a period of time. Another use of the words is to mature, ripen, or condition by exposure. So a season is a period of time to mature, ripen, and condition by exposure. If a fruit is not consumed when it is ripe, it rottens and is no longer suited for use. Not even consumption.

The power of goodbye is a powerful tool. It is the ability to embrace finality on any level and be at peace with letting go. Learning how to say goodbye means you have matured and been conditioned for a period of time by whatever you were a part of or exposed to – a job, person, event, location, group, etc. From layoffs to break ups, and from relocations to death they are all events that require you to take a deep breathe, reflect, and then say goodbye. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.” Unless you are willing to go beyond where you have already been or have already done or experienced, you will never grow.

Now this doesn’t mean that it won’t hurt, make you feel sad, or in some cases glad, nevertheless even sorrow and feelings last but for a season. How long you stay in that season is up to you. Even regions exposed to constant temperatures, at some point change. All things will and must change, including you, your circumstances, and your situations. Like a fond farewell after a graduation or a delightful visit from family or friends. Though it brought comfort, a certain sense of peace and happiness or tolerance, be OK with saying goodbye.

Goodbye is necessary so you can say Hello. Jesus said, "Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient (in your best interest) that I go away (say goodbye). For if I go not away, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will not come unto you. But if I depart I will send him to you." Fifty days after Jesus ascended, the Day of Pentecost occurred. When the Holy Spirit came, people were being healed by the Apostles’ shadow! The Holy Spirit could not come until Jesus left. Your greater cannot get here if it is occupied with your less than or just enough. Ruth’ s husband had to DIE before she even considered being somewhere else. Do you realize that though Naomi’s son was good, but Boaz was better? God had to tell Joshua. Moses is now DEAD. GO FORWARD TO THE PROMISE! Manna and quail in the wilderness was good, but a land of their own with the ability to have limitless supply was better.

Robert Cody once said, “have the courage to live. Anyone can die.” When you say goodbye, its not so you can give up and quit and bury yourself in hopeless pity. It’s your P Diddy moment to say Hello! Good Morning! Hello to a new opportunity, a new era, a new chance, a new day, a new habit, a new experience, a new level, a new purpose and goal, a new way of thinking and living and area to succeed in. Even hair when cut grows back, stronger and longer. So you must do the same also.

My prayer for you today is that you exercise your power to say goodbye and hello. Everything, no matter how good, bad, or comfortable or uncomfortable, will one day end. The question is will you mature for good use, or stay there and rotten?

For more or to listen to India Arie’s, Good Morning, go to http://www.h23livingeveryday.blogspot.com/

Good Morning by India Arie

2011-02-17T18:03:00.001-05:00

It Keeps Producing Until Told Otherwise

2010-12-22T14:09:00.001-05:00

Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Have you ever gone outside and the sun wasn’t shining? Do you recall a time when at sunrise, you couldn’t see the sun creeping the horizon? Nope. Ever since God said let there be light and said it was good, the sun hasn’t stopped producing. As a matter of fact, it hasn’t stopped producing light since it received instructions the first time.
Have you ever thought about the phrase, “the sky is falling.” It is simply a euphemism because since God separated the firmament above form the firmament beneath, the sky hasn’t moved. Likewise, when God told Abraham his seed would be blessed and increase exceedingly, even in slavery in Egypt that word kept producing. The bible says they lived in Egypt and grew exceedingly. When God gives a word, it keeps producing until told otherwise.

In Isaiah, God said, “so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper (progress, succeed), [in the thing] whereto I sent it.” That means that whatever God said about a thing, a person, position, or situation, that word will succeed to what is assigned to. God called the children of Israel blessed. So in Numbers 22:12 when Balaam was hired to curse the Children of Israel. God told him he could not because He said they were blessed. When God showed Joseph what he said about his brothers serving him, through slavery, false imprisonment, distance, and deceit, what God said still came to pass. Joseph’s brothers bowed to him and begin to serve him. When the Centurion sought Jesus about his sick servant, the Centurion told Jesus to speak the word. Why? Because the Centurion understood authority and the power of Jesus and His word. In that same hour that Jesus spoke and the Centurion believed, the servant was healed. It accomplished what it was sent to do.

I want to encourage you that if you have received a word directly, or you believe the words already spoken, believe it because it will come to pass. It will accomplish what it was sent to do. No matter the trial, test, setback, set off, distraction, plot, plan, ploy, trick, mess up, mistake, or work….. though it tarries, wait for it, for it will surely come to pass (Habakkuk 2:3). When God speaks everyone in the cosmos hears it. And if they are wise enough to adhere to it, then so should you.

Read More Like These at http://h23livingeverydaylife.blogspot.com/

Marvin Sapp Not The Time

2010-10-20T21:08:00.000-04:00

WAIT for it

2010-10-20T21:05:00.001-04:00

WAIT FOR IT!

Reference Reading
Psalms 27:4 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

We live in such a Microwave Age. Everything has to be done NOW. We have to eat now, fall in love now, get everything we want NOW, and if we serve God he has to do everything NOW. The concept of waiting is foreign and drives most of us to a point of frustration. Even as I was gathering info to type this piece, the internet was draaaagging. A whole 7 seconds for my page to pop up almost made me, shut down and restart my computer (which by the way would have taken me at least 3-5 min). If I didn’t have 7 seconds, how was adding 3-5 minutes with the “hopes” that it would make it go faster save me anything? Well it didn’t. And for most of us our band-aid quick fix solutions to our life issues, only ends up costing more time and resources. We allow our appetites and fears drive us to go for the easy route because we don’t want to wait. It took time to get to where you are and wit will take time for you to get to where you want to go. The question is how do you want to spend that time? In fear and anxiety? Or in peace and faith? Either way you are going to have to WAIT.

Wait on the Lord, in Psalms 27 is Qavah, translated look for or hope for, to look eagerly for, to lie in wait for. Sounds like an antonym to our understanding of WAIT. We think wait means NO, or you’re not getting it, or you’re not ready for it. So one of two things happen, you get depressed and pray out of fear and out of sorrow because you think you have been denied. Or you prep yourself; go through all these rituals of preparation thinking that will speed up the blessing or answer. In my Madea voice, “Sat DOWN!” and WAIT. And don’t wait moping, stressing, fearing, pacing. WAIT and be of GOOD COURAGE. That means – be strong, courageous, firm, resolute. Not whiny, crying, frantic, depressed, dejected, and down trodden.

When we (people who believe God IS and KNOW God IS), WAIT, we are to be like the Buckingham Palace guards. On the outside they look like they cannot be moved. It is a tourist’s challenge to do as much as you can to try and distract them and get them to move. But they have built a reputation on their stellar ability to NOT BE MOVED no matter what is going. However underneath the uniform and outward decorative appearance, is a beating heart, a keen mind, instinct, and a highly trained guardsman eagerly awaiting for the appointed time. The only thing that moves them is a threat on the palace or their appointed time to move. They look like decorations but they will destroy you before you can take two steps beyond the line. The only thing that should move you is a threat on what you are charged to protect or your appointed time to move.

When you WAIT - eagerly expect God to do it, and be of good courage – firm resolute, it say HE will strengthen your heart and HE will exalt you, and HE will save you. (Psalms 27:14, Psalms 37:34, Proverbs 20:22). God gives provision when he has you planted somewhere to wait. He sent the children of Israel water first, then manna, then when that wasn’t enough he sent them quail. He sent Elijah to the brook to drink, then the birds brought him bread, then they brought him meat. God increased their substance while they were waiting. If you trust him, instead of fight him (do your own thing) or flight him (run from him) you will see he has provision for you in your place of wait. And he is able and ready to increase as you need.

WAIT I SAY ON THE LORD AND BE OF GOOD COURAGE AND HE WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR HEART. Please WAIT.

Enjoy this song of encouragement by Marvin Sapp, Not the Time or the Place.