Is It Really Important?


Recently I had the opportunity to work with a few people from the food bank of central and eastern North Carolina. The people there raised money to end childhood hunger and for me it was an eye opening experience. I began to think about the millions of people in the world who need what we take for granted each day. It really made me put my entire life into perspective. What are your priorities? What in your life has your attention so occupied that it is pulling you away from your top priorities?


I think it's always good when we as people have the opportunity to see how others are living and what they are going through. Seeing things through the lenses of others keeps you humble and forces you to step back and count your blessings. 

God wants the best for you and you should want the best for others. If you haven't I suggest that you think critically about your life and put in order right now the things that take up the majority of your time and make a list of things that you know should have your time. I want to leave you with this quote:

"Your life will be a blessed and balanced experience if you first honor your identity and priority."

I Got A Story To Tell

If you have ever been through anything or are currently going through something, you have a story to tell. A testimony is simply your autobiography. People may know things about you, they may know where you're from, but they can't tell your story or walk in your shoes.

For the longest time I was afraid to tell people my story. I was afraid to tell others what God had done in my life because I thought they would judge me. One of the worst things you can do to yourself is hide what God has done in your life. 

First, God let you go through things because he knew you could handle it and second, because he knew if you got through it you would be able to help other people around you seeking to get through it. 

Many people just sit back and watch how you handle things in your life. If people see that you can overcome and make it through your situation they will feel like they can get through it as well. 

Remember, your problem is bigger than you and what God can do in your life is more than you will ever imagine if you choose to take the first step and put your faith and trust in God. So don't trip over your situation. Trust in God and when he gets you through turn back and strengthen the others around you so that they can be encouraged by what God has done in your life.



Why Fasting Is A Good Idea


Fasting is something that many are indifferent about and is something some people embrace and others stray away from. Spiritual fasting is in my opinion one of the best things you can do in your life in terms of getting closer to God. In my experience with fasting I was able to clear my mind and become more focused on top of being reminded of the things that are important in my life. Fasting doesn't always mean from food, here are a few other things to fast from:

sweets
Facebook
caffeine
talking on your cell phone
watching TV
listening to music
tweeting
texting

There are so many other things you can fast from. The purpose behind a fast is to help you put down anything that is getting in the way of your relationship with God. Fasting is not required anywhere in the Bible for Christians, but I ask people all the time why wouldn't you be willing to give up or sacrifice something for Christ who gave up his life for you. Hope and pray you were encouraged by this and I pray for your strength in the Lord during your next fast.



Let's Give Back

It's not too late to give back. At Starting Life Church we are still collecting clothes for the remainder of this month for those who are less fortunate. The temperature are beginning to drop so if you have any gently used winter items you wish to donate please email us at startinglifechurch@gmail.com


A Few Facts About Breast Cancer

October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer may not affect you or anyone that you know but we shouldn't overlook it because you never know when something can not only affect you but the ones you love. Here are a few things you maybe didn't know about breast cancer.



  • Every 2 minutes, there is a new breast cancer diagnosis.



  • About 1 in 8 U.S. women (just under 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.



  • For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer.



  • About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic mutations that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations.


These are only a few facts about breast cancer that may open your eyes. Don't get me wrong cancer overall is a disease that shouldn't be taken lightly. I pray for anyone that is struggling with any form of cancer because life is short and we can't take our time here for grant it.

High School Racism?

Waverly High School in New York has recently come under fire after an in school pep rally suddenly turned sour.
Three students dressed in black face as Rihanna and Chris Brown performed a skit depicting domestic violence to students, faculty, staff and violence leaving many any an uproar.
Local community leaders, parents and students have now pointed their concerns to high school administrators questioning their reasoning for approving such a racially sensitive skit. Many locals fear this skit will not only focus light on racism occurring in the area but may also deter minority students from enrolling in the school.
Waverly High School administrators have been contacted and have not yet released a statement.

5 Reasons Why You Must Plan For The Future


The future is something we all must plan for. Ready or not the future is ahead of you so you must ask yourself what does my blueprint look like? A blueprint is a detailed plan of action A model or prototype. Here are a few reasons why you need to plan for the future:

1.) You're getting older! Growing up is apart of life and time is something you can't escape. Remember the older you get the more time you will wish you could get back to plan your future so don't waste it.

2.) You have a purpose! We all have a purpose that God has given us and with that we must take it serious. So many people miss out on their purpose in this world, seek yours and go after it now.

3.) People are counting on you! Your future doesn't just impact you but the people around you. So by you giving up is that really fair? It's not.

4.) You have too much to lose! God only made one you, and by you not planning for your future says you don't care. You more than anyone should care about what path you're going down.

5.) Why Not! If you're not really sure about your future take a second to plan and think about it. Seek God on direction because he knows your purpose and has a plan, don't miss out on it.


Cornel West Speaks on Shawn Carter's Ownership of The Nets



Cornel West comments appropriate?... I dont think what he said was wrong because he was just bringing to light the facts. But I don't think he needed to go there.

Is The Substance In Music & TV Gone?


There was a saying at one point in time that said "substance is key" I truly believe that and I also feel like the substance in many of the messages we see today are horrible. I believe that we as people need to be a little more conscious when it comes to the things we are putting out into the media. We now have the ability through mediums such as Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites to make a positive impact.

In a lot of cases I've seen people write, do and say things they don't even like or feel but they do it for the reaction or validation. We don't have to look far to take a look at how music and television has changed over the years. You have artist now who can't even be themselves because they feel they won't reach people. What ever happened to being you?

It is impossible to make something that has substance and has a true purpose behind it if you don't even understand your purpose completely. Let's get back to being true to our respected crafts you are not fooling anyone but yourself when you choose to go against who you are or what you stand for.

Next time you are about to do or say something think about the people on the other end that you may be affecting. Social media in many ways has changed how people judge and view things but that can't be an excuse to hide or not get to the truth. Nasir Jones said a few years ago that "hip hop is dead" and I ask is it alive? In all things let's get back to the substance of things no matter what form it is we all can make a difference so let's do it.






It's Mental Or Is It?



It's so easy to blame others for our problems but is that far? I've seen in many cases where people have been unable to get over their issues because they play the "blame game.." Accountability is everything. I once heard a great quote that said---

“This is your life. You are responsible for it. You will not live forever. Don't wait.”

We are responsible for ourselves and the things that we do. Don't beat yourself down over something you have done, because if you don't get up and move passed it you will stay in that place and be unable to get out of it mentally and spiritually. From a spiritual point of view you must understand that through Jesus you have been set free so you're not bound to what you have done. Mentally you must get your mind right and I don't think that can be accomplished on your own you must seek God.

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." --Romans 12; 2

This is an important step but the first step to getting to this point is accountability so that you first take responsibility for what you have done then you will be able seek peace in your heart and in your spirit. I'm praying for you that you find peace and you don't beat yourself down over a mistake or choice that you have been forgiven for.

Think "BIG"


Apple who recently released the iPhone 5 and now rumored to be releasing an "iPad mini" is constantly pushing the envelope and trying to take their products to the next level. To create the products that apple creates takes people with a creative mind that are innovative. The reason why a company like Apple is successful is because they dared to be different and it had to all start with a vision.

A vision is a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination. We all have vision but not all of us can see. People that dream big usual think bigger, and have even bigger goals they want to accomplish. Everything Apple created started with a vision then it was the execution of that vision that made a simple concept reality. I don't know what your purpose is but seek God and find it. Once you find it ask yourself are you doing everything you can to fulfill it.

The Power Of Deception In Church

Ephren Taylor, a man who is notoriously konwn as the youngest-ever black CEO of a publically traded company has been charged by federal authories for running a scam, a Ponzi scheme to be exact. To those who are unfamiliar with the “Ponzi Scheme” a ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to its investors from their own money or the money paid by subsequent investors.
In an incredible twist in this unfolding scandal it has been reported that Taylor targetted many African American churches. During multiple visists to churches Taylor swindled more than $11 million from church goers. As a tactic to lure in investors Taylor promised investo(rs that their money would go to charitable organizations. Court documents obtained by the SEC(Securities and Exchange Commissions) show that hundreds of thousands of dollars of investor dollars went to publishing and promoting his books, hiring consultants and funding his wife’s singing career.
Earlier this week the pastor of one of many of Taylor’s “victims”, Pastor Eddie Long made a public appeal asking members to pay back members $1,000,000. While Long’s appeal seems sincere should any of this ever happened?
As pastors of large congregations or congregations in general it is important that pastors serve as gatekeepers to protect their people Sunday after Sunday. If pastors served as gatekeeprs their would be no need to ask for their members to pay back, you know why? Because pastors would have done their own in depth research to know the motives and deception that lied behind those they allowed to come speak into their church on “financial” responsibility. I’m not saying everyone who isn’t directly tied to your church is full of deception but what I am encouraging is that pastors step it to protect their members from the power of deception that can so easily creep into the doors of the church.
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Think Before You Speak

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Whoever came up with that is a complete idiot. Not to be rude or insensitive but let’s be serious when is the last time a stick or a stone has literally broke your bones? It may have hurt but did it break your bones? If it did, my apologies but it’s never happened to me. On that same topic when is the last time someone’s words hurt you? Probably yesterday, an hour ago or even a few minutes ago right? My point exactly.
Often times people think before they speak. People think they have all the answers and have the solutions to everyone’s problems(except their own of course) and never take the time to think how their words will impact others.
Proverbs 18:21 tells us that life and death are in the power of tongue. That means your words can hurt but when used correctly could uplift and transform the very lives of those around you. One of the greatest lessons I’ve ever learned was to think before you think. Apply that principle to your life and watch how it will impact your life.

Starting A Church Okay?

What is a Church planting? It’s a process that results in a new (local) Christian church being established. Is church planting really needed in the world? 85% of churches in the US are dying. And only 18.7% of the US population go to church. On avg. 4,000 churches will be closed this year. These numbers are troubling and they should trouble many others. The unchurched population has grown by 92% in the last 13 years. To say we don’t need churches is crazy. Jesus needs to be preached and taught to the masses.The majority of the group of “unchurched” people don’t have a problem with God but with church. It’s not about new organizations being started but it’s about the gospel being spread.
I personally want to challenge pastors and leaders who are serious about the work of God and his people to go out and spread the good news and raise up other young leaders to go out and plant more churches. It’s something that needs to happen. It is amazing how people can go out and start businesses and grow a brand and that is okay but starting a church in some places is frowned apon and it’s something that I really hope changes. America is dying daily to ingorance and it seems like people are aware of this but at the same time they are fearful for some reason to do something about it.

Hate or Love Tebow

Tim Tebow continues to flood the tv and radio airwaves and earlier this week ESPN radio posed a question “Why is Tim Tebow so popular?”. As the calls began to flood in there were a few who shed negative light on his popularity while others suggested that his career was a mere joke. During this commentary I never once heard his integrity come into question.
With the negative images of professional athletes that continue to pollute our society it is very rare to find an athlete quite like Tebow who turned 25 today. Currently he is making many headlines in New York as he takes the field this year with his new Jets team. Football season has yet to begin yet the criticism has already poured in from analyst and football players alike. Recently, Jets player and current football analyst Boomer Esiason said the New York team should cut him. “If I were the Jets . . . I would cut Tim Tebow, I really would. It’s not in any way, shape or form, I think, benefiting this team.” He went further by saying “All you have to do is watch him throw the ball. I just think this whole thing, at least from my perspective right now in relation to who Mark Sanchez is – your starting quarterback – is a major mistake.”
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Tim Tebow who by now is use to people talking about him in a negative way responded.. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about Mr. Esiason,”"I know he was a great player here, and I just wish him nothing but the best in his announcing and God bless him.”
You don’t have to like Tim Tebow the football player but you should respect Tim Tebow the man. This season in New York looks as if it’s going to be an interesting and entertaining one.

Why Is This World So Unforgiving

I like most of the world tuned in to Oprah’s Next Chapter tonight to catch her exclusive interview with Rihanna. For the last few years I have refrained from listening to her music, watching her videos or even watching her on air interviews simply because I didn’t understand her. I didn’t understand why she had suddenly turned so dark and full of hate and hated to see that she was turning into one of the world’s biggest role models for teens. Tonight I gave in and watched the exclusive interview and as I watched Next Chapter I occasionally tuned into twitter to see the response of the twitterverse and I came to one conclusion: the world is unforgiving. Rihanna announced to Oprah that she had forgiven Chris Brown and twitter went ballistic. “How dare she forgive him?” “She’s weak, forgiveness is weakness” and the words went on destroying her for choosing to forgive someone who had wronged her. Now don’t get me wrong what Chris did to her is not justifiable however; the bible teaches us to forgive those who have hurt us. 
Having trouble forgiving others? Let’s go visit 1 John 1:9 where it says “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Notice Jesus forgives our sins EVERY TIME we ask him for forgiveness and since he loves us enough to forgive us it is our DUTY to exemplify that same love by forgiving others. 
 
The choice to forgive is yours but remember forgiveness holds no one else in bondage other than you….

I Know I Need To Wake Up




Hypersomnia, or excessive sleepiness, is a condition in which a person has trouble staying awake. People who have hypersomnia can fall asleep at any time; for instance, at work or while they are driving. They may also have other sleep-related problems, including a lack of energy and trouble thinking clearly.

But many people suffer from spiritual hypersomnia they fall asleep on God  or they have never woke up and they have never experienced Gods love & grace. The love and grace of God is there through Jesus but you have to make a choice if you want to receive it. No one can make you take something that you don't want.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 40% of people have some symptoms of hypersomnia from time to time. I'm willing to say that percentage is higher as far as the people who have fell asleep on God. Are you awake if not this is a friendly reminder that is time to get up. :)

The Great Debate




With it being election season we are all aware of the the debates that have been occurring . As interesting and thought provoking as these debates are we must  understand that these debates play a major role in the outcome of the upcoming elections. When people debate they engage in argument by discussing opposing points. People who debate typically don't have the same point of view and they usually do not come to an agreement once the debate ceases. I'n politics this is understandable but not in Christianity. Why is it that when Christian people debate each other they are unable to come to an agreement when they both are seeking the same thing and serving the same God? This may not seem like a big deal and I think it has become overlooked because people over the years have become so accustomed to people doing this because quite frankly it seems normal. Does that make it right? In my opinion it's not right because if we are suppose to all be on the same team we sure don't do a good job of showing we are united and on the same page.  When debating be reminded of the following things:

It is never good to argue doctrine, but discussions of opposing views can be edifying and beneficial when done so in a respectful way.

The objective of a debate on doctrine should never be to win the debate, but rather to learn and find the truth.

Pride will blind us from seeing the truth. Don't be blinded and caught up in ego and pride that you become more interested in talking and debating the bible rather then living and teaching it.

Have You Downsized?



Have you downsized? When we hear the word downsize we think about a company permanently reducing its workforce. Corporate downsizing is often the result of poor economic conditions; however, I am not talking about corporate downsizing. I am talking about downsizing your life. It is so easy to have so much going on in our lives that we become overwhelmed with life. Stress is something that effects so many each day, each month and each year. According to an annual survey by Harris Interactive, 73 percent of Americans are stressed at work. That percentage is not even including other activities that may also contribute to stress. Downsizing can be stressful but the benefits are tremendous. You must change your environment and your thinking. Change can be good and it is sometimes needed for us to grow and become better. A better you means a better life and a better way of living.

Free Yourself


Just because you move forward doesn't mean your past goes away. So many times I see or hear about people who claim they have overcome their past but yet they don't act and think like it. Physically we can look like we are okay but deep down we can be dying. I believe you can't move forward until you get past your biggest critic.. You!

We can't keep beating ourselves down and allowing our past to block our movement ahead. A quote I read the other day said "There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still." Learn how to free yourself from the past by letting it go and forgiving the people that hurt you and putting down the things that may be hindering you. Don't depend on drugs or alcohol to get you free from your past because that high doesn't last. Seek God who will deliver you if you ask him to from all the things that are blocking you from your destiny. I pray right now that you will be able to break free from the struggles of your past and those things things that have hindered you for so long.