When I write posts, I do my best to bring inspiration inspired by the truths rooted in our faith backed by sound Biblical teaching void of verbose cultural and worldly leanings. Occasionally, I am certain preferences, lessons learned and divine inspiration are relayed. I do not nor will I apologize for that. Our Christian maturity is a life-long journey which must be cultivated, lived, experienced and most importantly married with an unbreakable, unshakeable and personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Before I write, I pray. There are times when I may "feel" I have a great message or story to share yet I find the Lord reminds me, "Many are the plans of a man's heart..." There have been times I find myself asking, "Uh, I am not so sure about that." I will then hear, "It is the Lord's plans that prevail." Of course! Help me. After I pray, I turn to scripture. Granted, I have had moments where I "drift" from the topic (I'd say I get lost in scripture but can one really get "lost" in scripture?) After I've wondered around for however long, I feel the familiar tap from the Holy Spirit (and if I ignore it, it becomes persistent) reminding me what I am supposed to be doing. On those days I have absolutely no clue what to write, I simply ask. After I write, I send it to Sister CJ. You see, I have a tendency to get so excited, so enmeshed, so enthralled, I tend to "not be so pithy." I will also fail to proof what I write. In my need to get the words from my brain and heart to the "screen", I find one is slower than the other and 9 times out of 10 it is I cannot type as fast as my brain works. Also, what made sense to me at the time because again, I neglected a few parts (mainly because I failed to relay a part or I relayed way too much... like now.)
Why do I tell you all of this? Honestly, I tell you this because I sat down to write this blog yesterday. Every time I did, I heard a resounding, "No." First, I checked to see if the cat had mysteriously started talking. Nope. I walked away. I went about my day and forgot all about it. I came back to it later in the evening, went through my blog writing routine, sat down to write and again I heard, "No." At this point, I decided I would just wait until my normal time. This morning I got up and did as I normally did. As I sat, I had a conversation and it became clear to me what the issue was. I was not taking instruction. "You don't understand. I don't think Ms. CJ will like that." (yes, that is what I said.) After much debate, I lost the battle. I prayed. I went to scripture and when I sat down to write, I felt confident. (Before you worry, Sister CJ, this is not about politics or negative... it just isn't what a normal blog is about... hence the title, "We Interrupt Our Regular Posts.")
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If this is the first blog you have ever read, I encourage you to read a previous post and check us out next week, too, as this is not what a normal blog is like. I have to tell you; however, I never go against what I am commanded and led to do. I encourage you to share this blog with as many people as you can. Copy the link, text it - post it in on facebook page - you can put it on instagram - make a tic tok and read it (if that is your thing) whatever you need to do. Get the word out. That is what I was told to do - to help. I am asking you to do the same.
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On Friday, August 18th, Harvest Ministries is hosting a major fundraiser. You can purchase a BBQ plate (with sides) for only $10. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. You can drive up (stay in your car) show your ticket and get your plate. It is that easy. If you purchase 15 plates, they can be delivered to you for free! (I will post the flyer with more details and a picture of the ticket below.)
I am a "data" and facts person. Here are facts (not opinions - feel free to look them up yourself. In July 2023:
The average cost of a NEW Galaxy cell phone in the US was $1,350 with older models costing on average of $550.
The average cost of a NEW iPhone in the US was $1,599 with older models costing on average $800.
The average cost, in the US:
gallon of milk - $4.32
gallon of gas - $3.72
McDonald's Happy Meal - $4.14
a footlong sub from Subway - $6.50
a can of coke from a convenient store - $1.09
a pack of cigarettes - $8.74
a 6-pk of beer - $8.00
a full-size bag of chips - $3.75
an individual size bag of chips - $1.50
a bottle of water - $1 - $5 (depending on what you buy so $2.50)
a cup of premium coffee - $2.80
average cost of Starbucks specialties - $4.95
average cost of McDonald's value meal - $6.59
cost of #1 on Chic-fil-a Menu - $5.95
The average person eats at a fast-food restaurant at least 1-3x a week.
Those are "averages" for the US. They may be more or less where you live or what you "purchase." Most are pretty close.
Based on the above, lets say:
You decide to brew your own coffee instead of buying your normal Starbucks one day... you save $4.95
Instead of grabbing a value meal at McDonald's for lunch one day... you save $6.59
You have just saved $11.54
Your car gets 30 miles per gallon. It is 15 miles to the nearest store, restaurant or place of business: Instead of making three trips in the same week, make the decision to cut back on one trip by making a list and deciding to use what you have. That saves 2 gallons (let's say 3 because you need to factor in traffic, idling and other things) of gas or $11.16
You stop to fill up your car with gas. While you are there:
You buy a bag of chips - $1.50
You buy a soda - $1.09
You just spent $2.59 - if you did this 1x a week for 4 weeks (month) you would have spent $10.36
You are at work:
Monday: You go to the vending machine and get a soda - $1.00
Monday: You go to subway for lunch with friends - $6.50
Tuesday: A co-worker makes a Starbucks run and you get a latte - $4.95
Tuesday: Due to the latte, you skip lunch but get chips & a drink - $1.50 + $1.00
Wednesday: McDonald's Happy Meal seemed like a value - $4.14
Wednesday: Those French Fries were salty; need water -$1.00
Thursday: Didn't sleep well, need coffee & treat yourself to Starbucks - $4.95
Thursday: Starbucks wore off, need a soda - $1.00
Friday: Took a friend to Chic-Fil-A - $5.95 + 5.95
Forgot, extra miles for the food and Starbucks (2 gallon) - $7.44
You just spent $45.38
$10.00 is a lot of money.
So is $11.54; $11.16; $10.36 and $45.38. The difference? We didn't notice the $1.00 here the $4 there. No one asked us for it. It wasn't scheduled. It wasn't planned. It was something we wanted and we did it.
Every day we make decisions. We choose what we do and do not do. More often than not, we do not give a second thought about most of the decisions that we make. We don't have to. If we actually took the time to stop and thought about everything with conscious thought, what would change? Would it change things?
In this case, I am asking you to make a conscious decision. I am asking you to choose to support this fundraiser. Whether you opt to purchase the ticket for yourself as a meal or donate the ticket back to the ministry, make the decision to do so. What excuse do you have? If we are truly honest, every single one of us, more than likely can take the time and effort to find how we can come up with $10.
Can the $10 we mindlessly spend now:
support a fruitful ministry?
help spread the Word of God to those who need it?
be the hands and feet of Jesus?
help provide shelter - permanently - to those who have none?
bless you and the ones receiving it?
Will that $10 we mindlessly spend now:
truly be missed?
help you grow?
be prayed over?
be multiplied?
be used to further God's kingdom?
Let me remind you of the following:
James 1:17 “Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow.”
Luke 6:38 “give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
Matthew 25:40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Proverbs 11:25 “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:6 "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
There is no pressure. I ask you to be in prayer. Sister CJ and her team are committed to this ministry and pour into it. They are truly led to minister to all who come. While we sit in our air conditioned homes and go about our lives we are often oblivious - by choice or by other means - to all they do in service of the Lord. I am humbled by the opportunity to do such a very small part (and it is a small part.) Pray for the volunteers. Pray for the ministry. Pray for the souls saved and those still lost in the wilderness. Ask God how you can help. If you are so moved, support this fundraiser.
God Bless you.
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