Day 13 - Last Look Back

Isaiah 43:18-19
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

The Holy Spirit called to my attention this scripture. The prompting of this moment was perfect because I am being forced into unfamiliar territory when it comes to my occupation, finances and education.

I can honestly say that I lived thinking that my best was behind me. How false could I have been in my life. The admonition that arise from the scripture by the unction of the holy spirit is clear. Conisder not nor remember.

I take this to mean that I shouldn't be using my past as the standard and I know this to be what he means by his next statement.

Behold....see.... I WILL do a new thing and now it shall spring forth. I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

Prayer

Lord Jesus here I am again asking yet again for forgiveness for my insolence. You have proven yourself to be yet faithful and loving. I am not back in this moment again because I failed it but because you are giving me a chance to choose your way. And I commit to saying yes to you and to speaking you on the terms of the covenant you have made on my behalf. 

You word admonishes me to seek you as if you have the record of it all in consideration.My faults and success and my commitments I have made to you. Give me to honor you thusly. Lead me further into the deep. Further into deep.

Day 12 - The Promise Received

 This morning and yesterday was solemn day of contemplation. Partially because I was in the bad mood for the majority of the day.I have learned to allow myself to be where ever I am and still get things done. I sense a great deal of fatigue when it comes to my work situation and have been praying to God about how to improve it. The answer has been the same to me.

Do what I told you to do.

When I have settled in my heart to do what he has commanded he has been answering with extra income. I am getting closer to this thing he has been saying to me.

I want your progress to be explosive. I want to excel you so much and so fast its going to tempt you to take back, but thats not what I want. I want you to take up. Because you made up in your mind to do what other wouldn't, to go lengths other wont.

Psalms 91:14-16 

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

I'm not lucky I am loved. 

TACTICS FOR THE THIRSTY SOUL

Psalm 42:1–11

Recommended Reading: Psalm 63:1–11; Luke 22:39–46

Isn’t it amazing how the Bible talks about the soul? Scripture not only portrays what the successful, victorious and satisfied life feels like, but God’s Word also offers many examples of people who battle for their faith and grow weary.

In this psalm the songwriter longs deeply for God. Taunted by his enemies, his soul knows deep despair and turmoil. But rather than caving in to the flood of adversity, the desperate follower cries out to God. How does he wage this battle?

First, the songwriter honestly expresses his feelings to God. Rather than denying his pain, he pours out his soul (see Psalm 42:4) and brings his frustration and sense of abandonment to God (see verse 9). Second, he engages his own memory. The songwriter recalls blessed times of worship with the people of God (see verse 4), and—more significantly—he remembers God himself (see verse 6). Third, the songwriter talks to himself. Or, perhaps more accurately, he addresses his own soul. He repeats the refrain: “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11). Although his adversaries taunt him and continually tell him lies, the psalmist aggressively counters their negative slurs with his own message of hope in God.

Finally, note that the songwriter wrote about his struggles. The fact that his words still exist today indicates that he battled for his soul by giving expression to his grief and hope.

If you’re engaged in a battle to make your faith real and are growing tired of the conflict, don’t give up the fight. Long for God. Thirst for him. If you feel comfortable doing so, record your struggles on paper or in a file on your computer. When you pursue God, Scripture promises that you’ll find him. Pray for God to flood your soul with relief. And don’t forget to challenge yourself in the same manner of the psalmist in Psalm 42:6 11.

TO TAKE AWAY

• Do you ever long for God so much that you feel yourself dying of thirst to experience his presence and refreshment?
• It seems when I cry out for him the more I am in that place and in that moment of longing. Its pure deep desiring for purity and peace and purpose. I have in no uncertain terms come to the resolution that I wont live if I cannot live with Him. 
• Have you ever “preached” to your own soul? If you were to do so now, what would you say to yourself?
• Actually no. Its funny because I am preacher and I never thought that I had the freedom to turn my gift on my self. I guess that its the nature of God's gift....The scripture even says we must be first partakers...How could I have missed the biblical consistency there! Now the light is shone on me...I see what you were trying to do all along Jesus.... Teach me to taste and experience you word consistent with your promise to me. That I would live what I preach.
• Hope in God. You are at the place of temptation just like Adam and you tempted to follow in the path of self reliance which you have done report. Allow me the grace to tell you that you know where that path ends. You dont get to live like the world. You will not able to trust the wealth you gain apart from God. You have come to far in God to live any less and the remain step you must take are left in trusting him. Remember He has always made a way. Remember he has always provided...Now its time to turn from yourself, deny your to yourself and turn to Him. AIM HIGH...AIM HIGH. SHOOT HIGH and MISS BUT REACH FOR THE STARS. Don't just bet on you...bet on HIM in you.
• When have you sensed relief from your thirst for God? How can you repeat that experience?

 

StreamYard Post - Say it With Your Vote.

15-17 That’s when the Pharisees plotted a way to trap him into saying something damaging. They sent their disciples, with a few of Herod’s followers mixed in, to ask, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, teach the way of God accurately, are indifferent to popular opinion, and don’t pander to your students. So tell us honestly: Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18-19 Jesus knew they were up to no good. He said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Why are you trying to trap me? Do you have a coin? Let me see it.” They handed him a silver piece.
20 “This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”
21 They said, “Caesar.”
“Then give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”
22 The Pharisees were speechless. They went off shaking their heads.

- This is the scene check this out between religious officials and Christ! Sound familiar.

Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

- Peter is encouraging his fellow believe in conduct in the world.

1-3 Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it’s God’s order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you’re irresponsible to the state, then you’re irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you’re trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear.
3-5 Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you’ll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you’re breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren’t there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That’s why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it’s the right way to live.
6-7 That’s also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.

- Can it get it any more plain that this.

Our faith is the Kingdom of heaven being establish in the earth by way of our hearts does not remove us from our responsibilities on earth. Nay our heavenly citizenship calls on us to stand for justice, kindness and mercy. The kingdom value as stipulated by the fruits of the spirit are for the purpose of communion with each other and the demonstration of God's goodness to mankind.

The purpose of this broadcast is it spur you to consider your level of involvement as it pertain fulfilling the biblical mandate of civic responsibility. What I am not saying is that you need to be political activists or need to march. But the bar starts at participation and I want you prayerful consider how might you MORE present.

No doubt our times are calling for the body of Christ to take its place to defend the weak and care for the poor. This is the time for us as people to engage this system as we should have from the beginning. Someone of us within community may have always been on this page...these are the people we should be looking to move forward.

WHATS THE MOVE - Say it with your VOTE.

Every two years is an opportunity to engaged our rights as citizens to express ourselves on the local  and federal level. The lionshare of the polices that affect our communities and what we see in the news are local issues...not national. It is therefore on us to engage everything from the basic of city council meetings to watching C Span for whats happening with congress and become familiar with our legislation. The effort of transparency given to us by the government is ISSUES...these are point of contact between the need of people and how the government intends to address it, which usually results in ordinances and laws.

If we only vote in this upcoming presidential election which we MUST, we will only be exercising 1/4 of what it means to be a citizen. The biggest failure during Obama administration was out lack of participation in the year in between his campaign. He able to achieve alot , but think about how much more he could have gotten done if we all would have kept that same energy mid year.

The move is educate ourselves and get in the know and vote according to your beliefs. The major check in power in our governmental system is our right to vote. So I am encouraging you engage your rights in every part that you can so that your voice is reflect in the vote.

DISCLAIMER

It is is my personal belief that the African american community has a set of issue that is unique to us that do not involve the american populace as a whole given our history in this country. To that end it is my belief that we should be seeking a reasonably unified agenda among our various community members and not allow the intersectionality our issues to cloud what we need as people to close the gaps that have been created by antebellum slavery. Policing, Education, Prison Reform, Re entry programs, institutional racism, reparations and gentrification to say the least.

If we are able to come to consensus on these issues and unify we can and will make noise. This is an ongoing internal work that we must be aware of and engaged actively that is if we want to be better.

My warning is this...100% participate is ideal but not required. Jesus had squabbles between his own disciples but it did not stop Jesus from doing the will of the Father. Kingdom numbers work even in a world context....2 or 3 gathered in his name. We neednt worry about those people who wont get on board..work with the people who will and leave the door open for the late comers.

STEP ONE - Register to Vote. 

1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2020.
2. The deadline to register online to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020.
3. The deadline for registering by mail to vote is (postmarked by) Monday, October 5, 2020.
4. The deadline to register in person to vote is Monday, October 5, 2020.
5. The deadline to request a ballot by mail is (received by) Saturday, October 31, 2020.
6. The early voting period runs from Tuesday, October 6, 2020 to Monday, November 2, 2020, but dates and hours may vary based on where you live.

STEP TWO - Find your Polling Location consistent with your choice to vote.

Early Voting - If you are registered to vote you can early vote Cleveland at the Board of Elections starting on Oct 6th 2020.

Voting Locations and Information - https://www.ohiosos.gov/elections/voters/

You can use this site to find your polling location and your options.

Most state sites have this information be diligent and find it...I found mine through google search.

STEP THREE - Make a plan.

A lot of the things can get in the way of voting but it is very important that you make time for what you want. 

My plan is simple, reach out to my employer find out if they offer time off to vote. Tell them I intend to vote early the day I intend doing so.

I am going to set a reminder and post picture on my social media.

STEP FOUR - Engage your circle.

Someone people are particular about discussing politics the conversation around this topic should be questions not statements.

Lets lead with questions like " What is your biggest concern with our election?" " Where do you stand on defunding the police?" " What has surprised you the most about this year when it comes to our government?",

Questions tend to drive conversation and if we are in the conversation we can inform it....we cannot be removed and speak to what it is in that sense. Come out from among them and be separate does not apply this conversation. 

I urge you to collaborate with local assemblies in whatever effort they intends to engage in.

Church of God is Christ is sponsoring the registration initiative called souls to the polls. They are emphasizing the need to register before the deadline. There is no consequence in re registering ...we are making a statement to the government as the people that we are going to actively engage the political process to meet the needs of the people it intends to serve.

THERE IT IS

Say it with your vote....your voice matters so say it with your vote!

 

ASA: NOT BY STRENGTH

1 Kings 15:9–24; 2 Chronicles 14—16

Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the LORD his God. (2 Chronicles 14:2)

It is an honor to interview a good king when there have been so many bad ones.

“Good” is a relative term among men and kings. The Lord is good. Even the best of men are weak and foolish.

What one thing have you learned during your long reign?

I have learned this: “It is not by strength that one prevails.” I might have learned it much sooner, because Hannah, the mother of Samuel, spoke these words long ago. But it is only now, near the end of my days, that I begin to see Hannah’s wisdom. Even so, I have not learned it completely.

Will you give us an example of what you mean?

You have heard of my fortified cities and my army of half a million men. Then Zerah the Cushite came against me with an army twice that size. My only prayer was that the Lord would help the powerless against the mighty. My army prevailed, but not by its own might.

Why do you say you have not learned this completely?

Four years ago the king of Israel meant to invade our land. Instead of relying on the Lord, I sent silver and gold to Ben-Hadad in Damascus, who attacked Israel from the rear. Thus we fought off the invasion, but at the same time we were plunged into further war.

You spoke of relying on God rather than on personal strength. But what about the endless wars in your people’s history?

Not endless. Our prophets could tell you more about this than I can. For now, our people must survive. In days to come, however, a king will rise from David’s royal house. He will—well, I cannot tell you what he will do, exactly. But his kingdom will bring peace and justice. Then these hideous wars will end.

What one thing do you most want to tell our readers?

Rely upon the Lord. I have not always done so, and I am the worse for it.

Forgive me for not walking with you through the garden to the gate. You see the problem I have with my feet. Even as an old man I remain foolish. I have sought physicians, but I have sought the Lord too late!

BACK TO THE FUTURE

• In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength?
• Right now finances are the spotlight of the conversation. I have been given a financial blessing in the form of unemployment and instead of trusting God with what I was given, I am steady trying to prosper my family instead of hearing from God. FOOLISH ME.
• How would you respond to someone who asked you, “What does it mean to rely on the strength of the Lord?”
• Just Listen. The counsel of the Lord is available for those who so desire. Jesus ministry was tilted to farmers and fisher men who lived simplistic lives. All that to say that he is not hiding from us if we are looking, if not he is hidden in plain sight. The other thing I would consider is Look on Your Heart. We are told in the word that the heart is deceitfully wicked = dirtier than it lets on. The examination of the heart is done by the words of our mouth...so then how speak reveals the contents of our heart....no emotion can cover this neither can any drug sedate or stimulate. Jesus says out of the abundance the heart the mouth speaks and those things that come from our mouth defile us....What a warning to what our mouthes. The easiest safe guard is to keep God's word in your mouth.
• What practical steps can you take to become more dependent on the Lord’s strength?
• Trust in the lord with all your heart.....Lean not to your own understand....But ALL your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him and....He will DIRECT your paths.
• Dependency is a matter of a honest and true assessment of our own state. If then I am to acknowledge that I am without hope without God in this world , and that His my love, my light, my hope and my peace I then I have no other choice.
• Leaning to your own understanding is equivalent to saying I have something else other than God that I can depend on and the proof is I choose that as I understand it, but then we are taught how to wean from that kind of living independent of God which then is our issue.
• In ALL your way ACKNOWLEDGE HIM and.... I am in love with this part because it is more than just praying about everything before you do it, its saying that God's hand is involved in everything that I am doing, God is not removed from the affairs of my life and he is concerned with each step of my life, not just the ones I think matter. He is a provider and keeper so if he is to keep me in all my ways...he is to be present in all my ways. So then it turns our prayer for petition into a prayer for guidance and wisdom which then the Lord gives liberally.
• He will DIRECT your paths.... Jesus calls out to us for the comfort in the form of his rest but we wont get it if we wont OBEY.  The premise of our relationship is weighing on our commitment to obey him....no man can follow whom he will not obey.

Read Asa’s Story:

The detail is found in 1 Kings 15:9–24; 2 Chronicles 14—16. Also Read Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2:1–10.

Prayer

This is a request for your guidance as it concerns my life. I have never asked you but once what you want for my life but I know from experience that where you lead your provide and where your provide you protect. The woman you gave me a has said some word that were not only inspired from her care for me but I believe its you in her. So I esteem her as my superior in that regard and I head her voice in tandemn with your will.

I have fear about what is a head and I am unsure of what next step to take to prosper our family....I know what I dont want but I do know what I want in the sense of how I wish to work. But I dont want to talk about it...I want you to lead me to strides that will move onward. 

Take me on a journey into my past to examine my experiences and condition of my heart and my desire. I dont wish to be lead by my passions but to live my passions out. You know my heart and you know whats in me so , i surrender to you and I ask that you lead me.

Day 11 - The Warriors Perfection

JOB’S PERFORMANCE REVIEW

Job 22:1–30

Recommended Reading: Numbers 16:3; Proverbs 6:16–19; 2 Corinthians 8:20–21

Former hockey goalie Jacques Plante once quipped, “How would you like a job where, if you make a mistake, a big red light goes on and eighteen thousand people boo?”

Job didn’t face eighteen thousand booing people. Just a few so-called friends who made false accusations about his performance as a righteous man. Eliphaz started his attack on Job by criticizing his supposed lack of holiness. He accused Job of withholding water from the thirsty, keeping food from the hungry and turning away widows. Eliphaz claimed that Job’s problems stemmed from his wicked heart.

However, Eliphaz’s criticism was unfounded. God wouldn’t have made Job the poster child of righteousness if he’d really committed such horrible acts.

We all deal with criticism. But how we respond to it often determines how we feel about ourselves. Most of us respond in one of three ways: (1) We deny the accusation; (2) we become defensive and feel victimized; or (3) we look for what might be true about the criticism and weed out what’s not true.

Quite often critics just want to help solve problems—they’re not out to get the person they’re evaluating. If someone’s criticism carries a seed of truth, we need to acknowledge our mistakes and make corrections in that area of life. By doing this, we honor the critic’s judgment. And we show a willingness to take responsibility without feeling victimized.

However, some critics use words to degrade and control others. We don’t have to let them make our lives miserable. Job allowed Eliphaz to vent, but Job didn’t let the criticism define him. He was secure in the integrity of his actions, and that allowed him to deflect unfounded criticism.

Poet and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Criticism should not be querulous and wasting, all knife and root-puller, but guiding, instructive, inspiring.” False criticism never needs to define your self-worth. If someone throws an unjust accusation your way, don’t let it get under your skin. Look past it and move on. But if a critic’s words ring true, use them to make yourself a better person.

TO TAKE AWAY

• How do you handle criticism?
• I usually try to slant my answers by saying what id like to do versus how I actually do. Generally speaking if the criticism is legit I become introspective and take a look at the reported problem I have to find any truth in it. I come to believe that my disposition makes me the whipping post to which I have not been feeling to kind about lately. As a result to extent I tend to rebuttal with reasoning behind my behavior which may or may not improve the conversation., usually doesn't.
• How does pride affect the way you respond to criticism?
• I think a better question is how does pride stop you from hearing it all together because that it what happen when I lean on my pride, it blocks my ears. Or most often it twists what I am hearing to something that it is not. I have found myself having listen 2 to 3 times harder when its something I dont like for the fear of not really hearing whats said. People are not such of a creature to go out of there way to say something if there is absolute NO truth in it. I believe I know better than that.
• Would you describe your words of criticism toward others as cutting and destructive or as guiding, instructive and inspiring?
• Usually the latter. But this moment seems to tell me something about my interactions with the people in my life.

Day 10 - Warriors Prayer

Psalm 91

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

Therein lies my hope. The Heavenly Father has made a promise to his people. Which I am his people.

Therefore I then affirm.

I am dead to sin and to this world and therefore above its clutches.

I affirm the Jesus is the Son of the Living God Everlasting is my LORD,

I thusly affirm that HE is all I need and His way are sufficient to meet my need.

I affirm that my willful submission to His word is my desire and the only pathway to true faith in Him.

I declare His Kingdom rule and reign in my life. 

I affirm a lifestyle of repentance , worship and prayer fuels communion with the Father and the Son.

I affirm the outward expression of faith in the form on attending worship service, serving the community and giving is right and good for my health and well being and echos the heart of Christ.

I prayed for the Lord to reveal Himself to me and grant me  an encounter with Him that allows me to follow him closely. Lo and behold he brought me to my knees with some very difficult situations. I am grateful He is answering my prayer. And in the face of my trouble I will bless him, In face of my struggle I will bless him....for he has done great things for me....I will praise the Lord. I will keep my mind stay on him and my mouth filled with his praise and build myself up on my most holy faith.

I will bless his name.  

Strange Fire

 While in prayer this morning I came across some music that I really enjoyed have enjoyed in the past. I happened upon one artist who was under much public scrutiny for his flash and flare. He was and is a very talented singer but the theatrics does go over well with the gospel community.

What is the difference between you being different and being considered strange or intentionally doing different and being classified as strange.

There is wanton pleasure that I admittedly share with others in world to be unique, to be distinct and different. The story of Nadab and Abihu is a warning not to carry this worlds nature into holy context. In fact this desire to stand out and be different fits with what the word strange actually mean in the Hebrew. 

Foreign, and unauthorized. There is then distance between what we are doing and how we are doing it and both matter.

Whats more the context of this story is set inside of family which is something for me to fear even the more. The story line of my life in interleaved into this story with these brothers. Not in the sense that my brothers has profane the holy thing but in that there has been an attempt to mix that which unholy with that which is holy.

Its interesting to note that the people who witness the judgment of God on the life of those two was justified and Aaron had to be warned not to mourn. If the call of God on the life his people is not more exalted than family this serves as a clear picture.

The call that God sends to his people is serious to him and we owe to oursleves to treat it with the same seriousness. End the end Ill be like David.

3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.

4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.

The onliest person I am concerned about offending with my conduct is the one to whom I have to give an account.

Day 9 - Preaching Madness

 Error : Requested operation requires elevation.

This an error message that I heard from user in my place of employment. Unfortunately when we get this error we are limited to the support we can provide so we often have to transfer the person who can assist with this issue. The resolution of this issue usually involves are request or a recognization of some entitlement to engaged function. This usually happen when client engages an program improperly  which may mean they may have access to the system but the manner in which they are engaging it triggers a need for a higher authority.

FLIP IT to You.

Our Heavenly Father has vested us with an authority respond to circumstance and situations with his power. We often engage our circumstance on our on strength which triggers lifes error message : Requested operation requires elevation. " Not power nor by might but by my spirit saith the Lord." We are then in a place of frustration particularly if we were able to accomplish the task once before. The Lord Jesus makes a pathway for us to do his will but it is on his terms which is what makes it his life. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.....

To this end we are striving often against our own interest when we are attempting to do life on our own terms rather than accepting his way as a disciple should. The first step is to identify yourself properly... Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Put yourself in remembrance of who you are and your relationship to Jesus. And make an appeal to the Lord Jesus for you situation based on what you know to be true about you and Him. This step is key because we are command in Matt 6 not seek after things like the Gentiles...those who dont have a relationship with God. But to rather seek God as if we have relationship and we have a purpose to achieve.

Turning to people, vices and ourselves will usually result in the same message , the operation requested requires elevation. The transfer for the believer happens in two ways one we have transfer who we are talking to. Jeremiah 29: 13 you will find me when you search for me with all of your heart. Then transfer happens in the spirit realm to elevate means to rise. Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. We have to ascend from which we derive and that is the spirit of God.  Gal  5:16 - 18 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Our fight while not of this world does manifest in this world and we cannot try to address spiritual issue with natural responses. Our responsibility is to address the circumstance of our life, within the parameters of our God given authority, other wise known and kingdom rights,  accord to manner of the issue. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Wisdom in our affair allow us to distinguish that which is truly spiritual and that which is true natural.

Like Paul we should not allow ourselves to be frustrated when we get life's error message ; requested operation requires elevation. We should then turn our attention to God and his provision for us in light of our weakness, infirmity and failures...And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Allow the error message of life to indicate that we are going about handling the circumstances of

Hear Pray Obey - Sermon TITLE Empty

It came to pass after this also, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them other beside the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.
2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.
3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.
4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.
5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court,
6 And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?
7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?
8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,
9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.
10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;
11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.
12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.
13 And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.
14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation;
15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.
16 To morrow go ye down against them: behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz; and ye shall find them at the end of the brook, before the wilderness of Jeruel.
17 Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem: fear not, nor be dismayed; to morrow go out against them: for the Lord will be with you.
18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord.
19 And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high.
20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the Lord, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever.
22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.
23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of mount Seir, utterly to slay and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one helped to destroy another.
24 And when Judah came toward the watch tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude, and, behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped.
25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches with the dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so much.

Introduction

The keys to achieve God will in earth are evident. This does not mean that it is easy. Sometimes the issue that present themselves to us mount up like the foes of Israel. We have combed through this passage in bible study , Sunday school and Sunday service.  Rehearsing the word of God its been said read a passage once for familiarity a second time meaning and third for clarity or something like that. My goal is to expose the strategy behind the strategy - Repeat HEAR.PRAY.OBEY. 3x Times.

Point 1 - What has he said? -HEAR

Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Lord. Holy spirit awakens the word in our hearts and burns withing us the one thing he desires of us. What has he said to you out of what you heard.

" Take your positions, Praise God, Stand and Watch Enemies Turn on themselves, Reap the spoils."

Hearing God is principle in accomplishing his will. His spoken word informs our prayers.

Roman 10:13-15 (believe is a command).

Point 2 - What are you saying? - PRAY

Prayer indeed has mean flavors just like the food we eat. There are prayers of thanksgiving, guidance, declaration and petition. A glimpse into the text today should give us enough energy to see how prayer cycle works. Its not just speaking but it is speaking in a certain manner see - v6-12, interwoven in this text is building up of God a magnifying of the Lord and reminding really for Him but to the Lord. A prayer of thanksgiving and then prayer of petition.

Psalm 91:2 , Psalm 119:13, Proverbs 18:20,  James 3:8-14 , Matt 6:31-33 ( Take no thought saying...but rather take thought seeking.)

Prayers can be and usually are consistent with what believe to be true....we pray based on what we believe. 

The wisdom of God in Matt 6 through the lips of Christ is that we affirm the truth of God as we speak, as pray and as how behave because these are all one...they do change a different paces but they are one.

Point 3 - Whats the move? - OBEY

Jehoshaphat was given very specific commands to carry out and he embellished a little bit because God did not command them to sing...but being who they were it almost seems as if the environment from which the God spoke was what he wanted to God back to. 

Sound Familiar - You can come back...You can put yourself in remembrance of His word.

They followed intently the word that came through Jahaziel. * Leaders note: Gods word will back up the leader."

#3 times the point of emphasis we see a scripture quoted " the just shall live by faith" 

Romans 1:17,Galatians 3:11,Hebrews10:38 contextually the emphasis in each quote rest on a different word roman is faith, galatians is just and Hebrews if Live. The quote in its totality sums up where we are...this is our actions are motivated by our faith out of right relationships with God. Justification if in this sense is positional as having been justified and as result I live consistent with what caused my justification.

The Divine Interruption

 Changing

I have my mindset on few things and I keep getting off track because I am not keeping God word near to my heart. So rather than lamenting over the fact that I keep forgetting. I am going to follow a principle set forth in Psalms 119 Beth.

I have declared all the judgements of thy mouth .... I will not forget thy word. I will repeat those words he has spoken to me.

BluePrint

1. One sermon per week
2. One hour per day in prayer
3. Regular Fasting
4. Phone Curfew
5. Schedule Planning time for Ministry/ Family/Personal Health (Tuesday / Thursday)

- Help get WJMI up and running.

- Engage in regular planning for Furr Family Network.

- Maintain Sunday School and Monday Prayer

Day 8 - Renewed Vision

 Today for the first time in my life I have found myself so very comfortable in my skin. I am so keenly aware where my focus needs to be its very uncanny. It funny 20 mins of pray can do for soul of man for a day. The Lord gave me commands to follow and I am just focusing on doing God's work and loving him.

• A Sermon Per Week
• Daily Time with Him.
• Save money weekly.
• Give attention to the word and study
• Keep Sunday School and Monday Night on Track
• Help Launch WJMI.

As much as all of these things are I am finding so much energy to get this stuff done by just tuning in to His spirit.

FEAR NOT

Nehemiah 6:1–19

Recommended Reading: Joshua 1:1–9; Psalm 59:1–17; Philippians 4:4–13

Has someone deliberately tried to discredit you? Gone out of his way to tear you down? Persuaded others to believe something untrue about you?

Then you can relate to Nehemiah. He must have scratched his head when his enemies tried five times to lure him outside the city, where certain death awaited. They tried rumors, coercion and bald-faced threats, but Nehemiah wasn’t fooled. He trusted God and knew that Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem’s claims weren’t true. These enemies were spreading rumors, trying to frighten Nehemiah and his men into stopping their work on Jerusalem’s walls. Instinctively, Nehemiah turned to prayer and asked God to provide strength for finishing the task.

Next, Nehemiah had to be wary when his enemies sent a wolf in sheep’s clothing, inviting him to hide out in the temple for his own safety—an act that would have gone against God’s laws. Yet even when threatened with death, Nehemiah didn’t allow himself to fall into that trap. He had insight into the situation that reinforced his trust in God, rather than believing the bad reports of other men.

Thankfully, you’ll probably never experience an assassination attempt. But you might face an enemy who wants to assassinate your character. Like Nehemiah’s enemies, people who are bent on opposing you can be very resourceful, even downright nefarious, in getting their way. Should you fight back? Or run away and hide?

Remember that, like Nehemiah, you have a heavenly Father to whom you can always turn. As hard as Nehemiah’s enemies tried to attack him, through prayer he found the power to continue his work without fear. You can too. When you trust God for protection, he will fill you with strength to complete the unique tasks he gives you and the courage you need to withstand character assassination attempts.

TO TAKE AWAY

• Think about a really tough task, project or relationship that God has given you to deal with. How does Nehemiah’s example encourage you?
• Just a simple reminder that Gods word is true. " If they hate you remember they hated me first." If you are doing something right people will usually turn against you. The focus then is to ensure I am inline with Gods will and consistent with his word.
• Is there someone in your circle of friends who brings you down or makes you feel afraid? How can you respond to him in a way that honors God?
• Affirm the truth of God in conversation. " I am making my best effort to do what I believe is right, if you dont think that I should I understand but I believe this is what God wants for my life or I believe this is what I should be doing."
• In what areas do you need to trust God to protect and strengthen you?
• EVERYWHERE. My latest encounter in the word of God has opened my eyes to a new way in what Paul say when he boasts in his weakness. The places where I preceive I am strong I am weak and I rather think myself to inept when perform his will as it will keep my ever dependent on his word which is all I want.

Prayer

Jesus you are amazing , powerful and mighty God. You called me to a life greater than my eyes can see and I believe if I could see it for all its worth I wouldn't go...I rather go without knowing. I rather be impaired in the strongest senses of my faculty if it means that I can be with you and follow in your will. It means Ill be all you call me to be...I rather be lame, blind , deaf and dumb. I have nothing but what you have empowered me. Teach me to fear you deeply in every sense of the world. Let my soul sense you greatness, my heart be overwhelmed by your might, and overtaken by your splendor, and enveloped by your love. The only way I wish to live. And if not that...not at all. " Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you high and lifted up shining in the light of your glory....pour your power and love as we sing HOLY HOLY HOLY."

Day 7 - Finding Courage

 Yesterday I spent sometime making a confession to the Lord about the things that I needed from him and received some very specific instructions to which I did follow. But there is still yet this what it seems like GIANT chasm between the energy to do His will and intention behind it. Every big declaration has been followed with a fall. The steps to come back are getting harder and harder because I think myself to have accomplished so much when I am clear for a few days.

The truth is that I am no stronger on the days I am not dealing with then I am on the days when I fail. No excuse to fail...but every reason to succeed. Its the idea behind Adam and Eve...there awareness of themselves was foremost on there mind after they fell...they thought nothing of Gods provision on His ability to provide.

Ironically enough that was the call I made to the Lord monday morning an appeal to provide and show himself for my needs in whatever way he sees fit. As emotional as I was I kind of knew what was next. Anytime I ask God for strength he feeds me a situation to help me be strong, or peace he sends trouble or the way he sends distractions or rather allows these things to be the foundation by which I find what he has.

7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,

My grace is enough; it’s all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

The insight in 2 Corinthian 12 seems very obvious by my prayer is even for more insight into nature of this truth. That Pauls experience be mine own. That see my handicap as gift...to keep me in the proper position before God seeking Him constantly...not about the sin...but allow the temptation of it draw a holy attention to my limitation so that I may ever more be dependent on Jesus.

Wow....This has been my one true prayer that Lord make me ever more trusting and dependent on him and look how he has done so. Each waking moment of my life right now is spent asking God to keep me strong and reveal his will and give me a clean heart so that I can worship him in lifestyle and attitude. Behold the manifold wisdom of God. 

WHILST ALL YET STILL COVERED

MY SIN STILL REMAINETH 

YET FAITHFUL REMINDER OF YOUR CLEANSING

OER MY WILL AND WONT HE REIGNETH

AND AS HE DOTH PURGE YET ALLOW A LITTLE 

BEHOLD HIS WISDOM, NAY IN ALL I REMAIN IN HIM

TEACH ME HOW THEN, TO GLORY IN YOU.

TEACH ME MORE HOW TO LIE PASSIVE AND KNOW NONE BUT YOUR WILL.

TROUBLE

2 Chronicles 20:1–19

Recommended Reading: Numbers 20:14–21; 2 Chronicles 20:20–30; Psalm 83:1–18

Trouble comes in threes, they say. But who’s counting?

You’ve probably noticed that acknowledging and investigating troubles seem to make them multiply. Consider your house, for example. The roof starts leaking. So you climb into the attic to check it out and discover several bad spots, a rotten rafter, mold, mildew—and often the repair bills mount from there.

Obviously, ignoring problems also makes them multiply. Ignoring the leak today leads to the living room ceiling sitting in your lap tomorrow. So you face a dilemma: If your troubles multiply whether you examine or ignore them, what should you do?

King Jehoshaphat found himself face-to-face with trouble. A huge army marched toward Jerusalem, and the scouting reports didn’t hold out much hope. The problem on the horizon promised to be enormous by the time it reached the king. “Alarmed,” we read, “Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 20:3). He looked through the trouble. Faced with an overwhelming situation, the king immediately turned to Someone who is never overwhelmed.

As we face trouble in our own lives, our prayer can be like Jehoshaphat’s: “Lord, I know you’re in charge. So I choose to recognize this trouble as your problem, not just mine. I admit that I can’t handle this situation, yet it needs to be resolved. What do you say, Lord?”

Notice how God responded to this prayer of faith. He answered, but he didn’t promise to help Judah win the battle. Instead, he said he’d fight for his people. Could the king have anticipated this answer? There are times in our lives as well when God’s good answers surprise us. But notice also that the king still had his marching orders: God told him not to be afraid (twice), not to be discouraged (twice), to march out, to take positions and to go out and face the enemy. By the time the people had completed God’s instructions, the battle was over.

Again we face a dilemma. We often find ourselves a little too close to our troubles—so close that we end up wallowing in them. Or we find ourselves trying to avoid troubles—giving them the opportunity to pull a surprise attack. But God calls us to trust him, to look through our troubles and toward him.

TO TAKE AWAY

• How do you usually respond when faced with trouble?
• My approach is usually rather stoic I usually try to figure it out on my own and then end up crying or stressing about it later.
• What results have you seen when you’ve surrendered your troubles to God?
• Oddly enough some of the trouble remains but pressure of the moment seems to die down as I deal with what it poses. I have learned that God is confrontational and he has more to reveal and its his nature to show himself in the midst of his circumstance. Not only has God answered my cry but its so perfectly positioned until I cant miss him.
• What problems are you facing right now that need the Jehoshaphat approach? Pray for God’s guidance, intervention and protection in the face of these situations. And watch and listen for his answers.
• Employment, Ministry, Family and Natural and Spiritual Vitality. There is really no area that doesn't need Jehoshaphat approach but these things I have surrendered and will continue until I hear from Him.

Teach ( Inner, Outer and Collective) using 2 Chronicles 20 - Hear Pray Obey.

Prayer

Lord Jesus you have been faithful to me. You have been consistent with me. In I have been anything but I have not intent to continue this manner of living. I have full intent and desire to have the will for my life be done by my hand. To this end I ask that you teach me to do your will....teach my heart to seek you and my knee to bow when I want to things my way. Assist my suicide to remind me that dying to me is soil to live in you. In my heart i consecrate space for you to abide and rule.... Forgive my insolence most holy God and do not cast me forth from your presence. Speak your life to me and teach me to do your will. I love you all the and commit to learning and experiencing you on the levels you invite me to.

 

Day 6 - Tipping Point

 

ON TRACK

1 Chronicles 23:24–32

Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1–11; Matthew 6:5–15; Colossians 4:2–4

What if every driver decided to ignore the center yellow lines? Smash-ups would rival apocalyptic visions. Those colored splotches in the roadway keep us on track. They keep us safe.

In our spiritual journey, praise and thanksgiving are like a yellow line, keeping our hearts on track. But it doesn’t take much to veer off course, does it? Think about the Levites. They were set apart to offer thanks and praise to God every morning and every night, day in and day out, in a never-ending cycle (see 1 Chronicles 23:30). It was their job. Forced “thank yous.” Praise, praise, praise.

Imagine the temptations inherent in this routine. Did easy-to-repeat prayers take the place of petitions motivated by full hearts and genuine gratitude? Did their minds wander as the words bubbled out? “Hear me, O God. Here we go again.”

We’ve all heard of the doctor who’s in terrible physical condition or the plumber whose house has leaky pipes. When you do something for a living, as these people do, it’s sometimes hard to stay motivated to keep your own life in order. This is what it may have been like for the Levites as well.

Praise and thanks are key ingredients in a healthy relationship with God. We need them as much as we need fresh air. Praise isn’t just an outward gesture; it reveals what’s inside us—the attitude we have toward God. When we offer meaningful thanks, we acknowledge that God’s goodness deserves our recognition and awe. Every gift comes from his hand. Nothing we’ve done grants us the sun’s bright rising or peaceful slumber at night—it all comes from God’s good hand.

How do we make our delight in God genuine and true every day? Unlike the Levites, God doesn’t demand that we follow certain daily requirements. Maybe that makes the routine more difficult. We are responsible for taking the time to bow before him and offer our praise and thanks.

When we skip this routine, we become like those drivers who disregard the center line—a potential accident waiting to happen. But when we take the time to regularly focus on and praise the God who loves us, he helps us to stay on track.

TO TAKE AWAY

• Spiritually, would you describe yourself as “on track” or as “an accident waiting to happen”? Why?
• The scripture that comes to mind...be not weary in well doing for we shall reap if we faint not. Our outward man is at enmity with God being the natural block and we have to participate in the morning a fairly violent activity. I have murder this flesh and reckon myself to be alive to God daily. WOW. Waiting for accident...God is faithful and he always has been.
• Why does God want you to praise him?
• For my benefit. Praise elevates me to place where I can see him for who he is. Praise answers some of the questions I have and changes someone the decisions  I have made because it brings me closer to His Spirit and His desire for my life.
• List several things in your life for which you can praise and thank God. How can you keep your prayers of praise and thanksgiving fresh?
• God's Convicting Spirit
• God's Faithful Word and Acts
• Jesus Christ Sacrifice 
• His Blood that allows me to draw near
• His willingness to forgive and continue with me.
• His abounding grace committed to me so that I can be who he called me to be.
• His peace and his life he entrusted me with.
• His provision...
• This list can get extenstive...but my prayer is yet the same.

Psalms 119 Beth

9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: teach me thy statutes.
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

Prayer

The entrance of your word brings light. I need your light to shine the dark areas of my mind and heart. I need you to purge me and wash me thoroughly make me to know your holiness, you order. I long for an encounter with you to burn inside of me...to shone like Moses and to commune with you like Enoch. My eyes have not seen ears havent heard all you have planned for me....I choose to reckon myself to be dead indeed to sin but alive to you.

I love you Jesus on today.....Keep my by your spirit and imbue me with your word that I might live as unto you.

Day 5 - Returning

  A long time ago I was leaving a movie theater after seeing Spiderman. I heard singer by the name of Smokie Norful sing a song I Need You Now. When I heard it my heart stilled and I thought to myself I need this moment...I need this to prevail with me. In those days there was no repeat and cds were expensive and werent everywhere. 

Here recently I saw video with Smokie and it reminded me of the song.

Reaction:

Taking shape, forming, hands of casting near me.The quiet calm dark process that is harder to see.

Space left wanting....Space left willing...Space left waiting...

Heart open and vulnerable...trying to hide the feelings and controlling the emotions.

Eyes held up and hand quivering shaking buried in my pockets'

Tears streaming....I dont know why but I have always connect with lament and supplication.

I feel most connected to God when I am solemn and somber....Its like I crave brokenness.

Fear that there is fear.. of what it means to be WHOLE. I am not sure...But I do know that there is much to be done in me.

That there is much that needs to change in me so that I am aligned and connected and whole.

Day Kamp - Rewrite

What?

Day Kamp is a faith based community mentoring and advocacy initiative for men and Young Boys. As believer I recognize that many challenges that face many of our minority families stem from the lack of involvement by men in our young boys lives. The program is two fold a monthly meeting with men for their support called Kings Court and Day Kamp for the youth. The idea is that as we lift up our men in the community we give them a controlled outlet where they can pour into the lives of the young men in and around our community

Why?

An observation of our times will tell us that the key issue that keeps us in the news is a lack of community among other issues. If we are serious about restoring our community, we must restore our men. We cannot support the family without supporting the single mothers and it only makes sense to extend that support to the opportunity to plant the seeds for change in the hearts of our youth.

When?

Day Kamp is a monthly event and requires planning and support which will be driven by Kings Court which needs to start now. *See Scaling - First to Final Step* From the Kings Court group we will develop a consulate which will ideal have both youth and men who will be tasked to assist in choosing the venue, activities and presentations for the day as well as be engaged in Royal Court to review feedback from previous camps and suggestions for improvements.

Who?

There three who's. Men, boys and their perspective families. Understanding that communities are made up of families focusing on one boy and one man at time will redeem and restore the community.

Where?

The target of this mission is the whole of the greater Cleveland region but practically speaking we start with where we are, use what we have and do the best we can. We are blessed to have fellowship with Pastor Karl Jones for the Bedford Domain, Pastor Terrance Curtain Jr for the Collinwood/Euclid Domain, Pastor Steven Furr Sr for the Cleveland Heights Domain and we may have connect with Pastor Scott Blevins for South Euclid Domain. My desire is that we work together we can form the EastSide Territory. For scaling purposes we want as many men, people and places involved as possible. We want this in schools and churches across the city. Its going to be up to us a men to form a consistent connections so that we can do just that. 

How?

We will create an adaptable format seminar which will require registration (25$) which will include activities, food and a presentation with follow up/reflection and feedback. It is best if we can run this program monthly our fiscal power will determine if that can work or not.  During Day Kamp the youth will have opportunity to interact and eventually select a mentor. That King will take on that prince as his mentee and be his advocate. The King's duties that required is regular weekly contact (mentoring) between prince and or his family and anything else that King can lend himself to (advocate). All of this has to be done in concert and with consent with family and support system.

Appeal

Day Kamp has the potential to be a game changer for the community. Our values as believers work well in the context of the world. Our service philosophy centers around Honor (Respect), Fear (Reverence), Love (Sacrifice). We are looking to engage men to take hold of the community they are apart of using these tools. Our presentations will be the bedrock of how we will engage our pupils their families and our community. Every topic will be touched until our young princes become Kings and learning what it means to be who they are and carry themselves accordingly.

Day Kamp

A community mentoring and advocacy initiative for young boys in the urban centers of Cleveland. This inclusive faith based initiative has been crafted for the purpose of being a catalyst for the formation of the new community specifically focused on supporting the underserved and underrespresented minorities in greater Cleveland region. The program functions as ground swell of support for youth (Prince Council) and fellowship for fathers and men of all ages.(Kings Court).

Goal of this program is to take active approach of fathering our communities and standing in the gap for those families who are without and providing support to those who are with. This program takes shape in variety of ways with monthly meetings ( Kings Court and Day Camps) as well as weekly interactions between men and youth.

No program can be successful without the full support of the family. So then our desire at Day Kamp is to provide basic support through mentoring and adovcavy is concert with the family.

The Process

Youth are invited to a Day Kamp event that occurs once a month. The Day Kamp will include, snack, activities and presentation. At this monthly event youth will be engaged by men and when youth feels comfortable they will select a mentor at which point the pupil becomes a prince and his mentor the King. The expectation of King is to build a relationship with the youth that prepares them in every facet of their lives primarily helping with goal setting and character building through follow up weekly contacts based on the presentation(s) they receive at Day Kamp. The prince will continue his time with King until he reaches a level of King , usually 18 years of age and has gone through a Rites of Passage (In Development).

The levels are young prince, prince, young king, king. The idea behind the levels is that by the time the young man reaches king has hold on who he is , his value in the world and how he will impact his community. In support of the men who support these pupils we hold a monthly meeting called Kings Court primary focus is provide support for the men active in this program as well as just men who are deal with the pressure of what it means to be a man. Our princes are welcome to attend but this not for them it for the men. When day camp occurs that is for the youth .... men will facilitate but it is for the princes.

The majority of the activities will be free and or relatively inexpensive. Any financial obligations will be forwarded to the family of the youth well a head of time so they have time to pay the cost.  Within the context of this program there is something called the Kings Duty and the Princes Duty. This refers to sacrifices and responsibilities that come with their position. We will not require Kings to do any thing but we will appeal to the King to step in financially if there is something that family can not pay for. Within the context of Princes Duty his estate has do with how he handle his home and responsibilities which may mean these young men may be asked to work to pay for the things they want, either way the whole of process is meant to be a training ground for how they will be expected to rule.

The areas associated with Day Kamps shall be referred to as domains so as to emphasis how we are to treat the space we occupy.

The Service Philosophy.

Honor. Love and Fear - I Peter 2:15 ( Honor All Men. Love the Brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.)

This is a faith based framework for how to function in society as well as how we will correct, instruct and prosper our pupils. We are not looking to convert young men to the Christian faith but we are intent of using what we know works where ever there is true we will draw. You get the greatest benefit from any discipline if you are disciple of that discipline. Our goal is to focus on those things that have real impact on daily life principles like integrity, compassion, passion, purpose and rapport. We will expand on context of the lives of the pupils by taking a looking into history, civil engagement and academic and social education.

Scaling Format.

This program has three tiers for all intents and purpose. The counselate the deciding body of people youth and or men who help determine program content, venue and appropriate activities. The Kings the drivers of the program and the princes/family the recipients of the program. The vision of this program is intended to touch all of greater Cleveland region but involvement and commitment will dictate how much of that we can touch. So then scaling is appropriate our ideal is one man for every youth. Realistically there maybe more youth then men. Ideally our program is even age wise across the board with youth and men from ever age apart. Realistically there will likely be much more youth who are much younger and less and less for the older.

In order to balance this we will employ this methodology " Start where you are , use what you have and do the best you can."

Intake/Continuum/Repeat.

We do registration for the Day Kamp where we will collect information from participants - Online form.

We will used the information from event as point of contact and advertisement for next camp.

We recuse the same system to grow the tiers.

Fees?

I am thinking 25$ registration. include t shirt, food. Using RSVP system so that we can plan accordingly.

Loose Ends

In all the program and function in it full cycle ( Day Kamp, Points of Contact, Day Kamp) monthly. As stated before it may only be effective quarterly depending on the domain and involvement the point is that if we are serious about saving our communities we have to save our men and if we really want to save our generation we save our youth as we save our men.