The Kingdom has it's own agenda and it's own design. This world may celebrate striving for "the pursuit of happiness", even some believers may get caught up in the prosperity gospel, but the Kingdom isn't about food, drink, house, clothes, cars, money or bling, It's about surrendering our hearts to the King of kings. The amazing thing is that true peace is born in surrender.
Seeing GOD is the blessing. Seeking the Kingdom first causes us to live from a place of fullness, not emptiness. Seeking The Creator's will first and foremost makes us complete.
So I recorded a full podcast episode, only to find out when I moved
slightly, the majority of the audio was muffled and I couldn't use the
audio. I can definitely name the emotion I was feeling about that . . .
it was frustration! While I'm grateful to be able to express what I'm
going through these days and not mask it, that may not be the case for
everybody. So while I don't particularly like the word "Toxic Positivity"
because it sounds stupid.
I felt the dynamic was worthy to be unpacked. I unpacked this in the latest
podcast. The audio that actually did make the cut. You can have a listen here.
To me positivity is pure. It can't be toxic. It cant be tainted. I'll take
that to the grave. However what are your thoughts about the word and the
breakdown mentioned in the podcast? You can share your thoughts here in the
comments section or leave an audio response on the BOLD Podcast page.
I came across this video on social media looking for other Motivational/Inspirational videos, but this one blessed my soul unexpectedly.
It was a generational theme where multiple generations greeted each other. what I took from it was: when you heal, you don't just heal for yourself, you heal for multiple generations after you, but The healing starts with you.
It's interesting, because I was just having a conversation with one of my mentors about healing and mental health awareness in the black community, and how the conversation has somewhat progressed.
It's crazy how the enemy wants to keep our mind attacked and bombarded with toxic cycles, with struggles and the like. Things get heavy sometimes. We find ourselves going through the same struggles as the generation before us. Personally, because I think a lot, it's like my mind sometimes is a battlefield. It's honestly prayer and therapy that has been carrying me through and helping me progress. I'm also a member of a church that's pretty solid.
Especially when you're pushing for healing and wholeness you're coming against a battle to break the cycles you've become accustomed to, and break the curses before you. Think about this when you persevere. . . you're not only pushing for you, you're pushing for generations behind you. You're pushing to further healing through your generations.
The current study at the ministry I'm apart of is Ruth from the Bible, and her obedience. Her obedience and being in position, allowing her self to be open to GOD's will set her up so her bloodline could pass throughout generations, even becoming one of the ancestors of Jesus.
So when you're going through and it's hard, first realize that you're not alone, GOD is with you in this battle because 'The Battle is the Lords', also realize that when you push through and when you claim your victory, you're also setting up blessings for the generations behind you.
Keep believing and trusting that GOD has plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
It doesn't even have to be your offspring that you bless, it could be your little sister or brother. The random person you met who you intentionally ministered to and told about the gospel or shared your testimony with. The people that you bless and affect are also you passing along a generational blessing!
Stay blessed and keep pushing forward!
What are your thoughts on multi-generational blessings? Share them in the comments and connect with us on all platforms @BOLDJournal.
Inspired by prayer and personal history, April examines what it means to be BOLD, optimistic, and dare greatly with divine purpose. This episode breaks down how our purpose illuminates our path to be a light in the darkness to ourselves and the world.
Follow updates for Breath Of Life Daily @BOLDJournal on all social media outlets.
This podcast episode has been a long time coming, even since the beginning of last year, but that makes it all the more special. I see now that some pieces had to come together. I had a full circle moment that made since in the end. My perspective has sincerely been refreshed. I think the full circle moments of life are GOD's way of unlocking divine secrets and lessons, that take us to the next level of understanding that we'll need for the new season that we're in and going to. I hope you'll enjoy this podcast and be inspired with some revelations of your own.
There is also a chance to win a copy of the book featured in the podcast. Follow the prompts featured in the graphic below, the winner will be announced Sunday, January 5th.
Let’s face it, dealing with people and life situations can be stressful. We know about eating, drinking, or trying to sex it away like Solange tried to do. We can only pacify ourselves for so long, the results only lead to more distress and disease, but how can we release stress in a healthy, progressive way? A few of these tips should help:
Breathe Intentionally
Take focused intentional deep breaths in and out, do this repeatedly. There is no cap on how many times it can be done. Do it enough times for it to be effective. Do it until your thoughts are completely focused on your breathing and not on the situation. Inhale good vibes, exhale bad ones.
Practice gratitude
In the heat of a situation when the stress of the moment is heavily searing your mind, make a focused effort to redirect your thoughts on what is going right, whatever is working and going good for you right now. There are plenty of things to be grateful for even if they are simple. Those are the best ones. There’s a Scripture reads “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Doing this helps you preocupy your mind on good and increase your good vibes.
Talk to a Mentor or Therapist
Problematic thoughts and emotions left unchecked, eventually turn into problematic actions which only causes more stress down the road. By all means make sure those thoughts are expressed audibly. Vent to someone who actually has wisdom. If you’re fortunate enough to have a mentor link up with them and talk about the situation. A therapist or coach are other good alternatives. Don’t hold it in, if you’re stressed, sad, frustrated etc. Have a little talk with somebody other than Jesus about your troubles.
Freestyle Dance It Out
Dance it out. Sometimes bussing a move, over a bomb groove is all you need to release negative energy and create positive vibes. The combination of breath, gratitude, and expression it takes to move is a perfect relief, even if for a moment. Exercising is said to release stress, but if exercise isn’t your thing, just straight up dance. Go for it! Dance freely and whenever you can.
What are some other stress relief techniques you use? Use the comment section below or let us know @BOLDJournal on all social media sites.
Six gospel artists will have the chance to become a gospel music star on a new reality program called “The Gospel.” The Gospel chronicles 10 days with eight episodes as contestants compete for a national management contract with T.D. Jakes’ Dexterity Sounds and Marquis Boone Music Group. The first of its kind for Gospel music, the winner of this Christian music competition will be announced with the opportunity to perform at the International Pastors & Leadership Conference in Tampa Bay on April 25.
The show is Executive produced by T.D. Jakes and Marquis Boone and hosted by Darlene McCoy. The Gospel will serve as a platform for up-and-coming gospel artists while inspiring viewers through their faith-filled musical performances. Not only will artists discover stardom, but also experience the hustle and drive necessary to rise in the entertainment industry. The program will air beginning March 10 exclusively on the Bishop’s Village, T.D. Jakes’ online streaming platform with behind the scene videos, messages and content. Visit bishopsvillage.com to subscribe, stream, and vote.
Contestants were discovered via video recordings submitted on social media and through the Bishop’s Village platform. Mentors, including Micah Stampley, Jekalyn Carr, Q Parker, Devyne Stephens and more, will help mold them into polished performers. Each week, viewers subscribed to Bishop’s Village will have the chance to vote and select the winner of the artists’ weekly challenge. In the end, T.D. Jakes and Marquis Boone will select the winner of a national management contract.
The 2019 International Pastors & Leadership Conference is April 25—27, 2019, at the Tampa Convention Center. At the conference, Jakes will also be unveiling his latest book, Crushing: God Turns Pressure into Power.
Visit PastorsAndLeaders.orgfor more information on confirmed speakers, talent, the full schedule and special event updates. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @IPLExcel.
A long time ago there used to be a song that had a call and action response. I cannot recall all of the words, but I do remember it went something like this--whose report do you believe? We responded back 'I will believe the report of the Lord' . . . or something like that.
In a time where we are concerned about 'fake news' and the hidden agendas of others, it is hard to trust what people say and do, would you agree? Yet in Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) it says to:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight".
God knows that our minds are fragile and that the things of this world can steer us away from doing what is right. That's why it's so important that we seek His face daily and ask for his directions for our lives in order to guard ourselves from things and people whose intentions are not for our good. Even when things seem like they are not going according to plan, know that God is in the midst of your situation and He is working it out. Don't allow other peoples agendas and media propaganda to scare you away from the plans God has for you. Stay the course and trust the process as in this season, the only report that you can believe is that of the Lord.
The wait is inevitable. It's the wait that builds character and test your allegiance. How well do you obey GOD, when you hear a direction to take? It doesn't matter what we do or who we are, there are times where we will just have to wait. It's our response in the time of waiting that shows us who we are. I recently went to a super busy Wal-mart when I was leaving, I saw a car turning out of the parking space in the exit lane, I heard go that way, I ignored the thought and figured it may be quicker if I just roll on down to the other exit lane. I passed another lane to get to a third one and ended up having to turn around anyway, When all that time I could have just listened to my GOD conscience and avoided even further delay and wasted time. That's when i heard it. "The wait is inevitable." It definitely is, as long as we live life it's best to follow GOD's direction and not be led by what we see.
To wait is to be in a place of service. Have you ever heard somebody talk about "Waiting tables"? It's kind of the same concept. "To wait on GOD" is an act of prayer, It is to ask with all we are: "Lord in this allotted time of life that I have, how can I serve you?. The best thing to do is honor GOD's voice of direction and trust GOD during this time. To trust, we have to take time to be familiar with the divine's voice. Praying, fasting, studying all this is "waiting" on GOD. The wait is what develops trust and the experiences we never forget. The experiences we call miracles are not for GOD to show and prove. they're for the growth and development of our faith. It's not about the wait, it's about the allegiance. It's in our allegiance that we are given authority.
"Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted but those who hope in (wait on) the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:30-31
the whole book of Isaiah 40 is about GOD being the one who has your back. Have you waited on GOD today?
In life, we may find ourselves in a space where we are downright exhausted. We are consistently giving to make things right for everyone else while leaving ourselves behind. It seems like no matter how hard we try to shift our own situations, it feels like one obstacle after another blocks our path to our freedom.
How many times have you said to yourself, 'God where are you'? How many times have you been so mad with God that you said that you were done with living right as it wasn't worth it as the mountains were unbearable to climb. We all have as this Christian lifestyle isn't easy. Yet God never told us that it would be. In fact the word says in I Peter 1:7 (NIV) "These have come so that the proven genuineness of faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." We're also reminded in Isaiah 41:13
"For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you".
So talk your mountain and tell it to get out of your way. You are armed with the word of God. Now use it and shift your atmosphere.
"I know it's hard times and a lot of people are struggling," Perry said in the video. "I'm just really really grateful to be able to be in a situation to do this. So God bless you. Go get your stuff."
The "Madea" star paid for all items that were registered on layaway through 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, telling people they only had to pay one penny when they went to pick them up.
Walmart said in a statement to TODAY:
"Tyler Perry’s generous donation is making an unbelievable difference for so many families, and we can’t thank him enough for his kindness,'' "The heartfelt excitement and joy we’re seeing from our customers as a result of his holiday gift has been touching."
Store Associates got to witness how amazing the power of generosity is BIG TIME. Kindness is a gift that keeps on giving! Way to go Tyler Perry!
Nothing! ALL ten things are nothing. Nothing can separate us from the love of GOD!
I messed up royally yesterday, I mean bad! I messed up so bad that a "Come-to-Jesus" moment was inevitable! The truth of the matter is that what I did missed the mark and wasn't in Godly character, I let myself down and it's ok to be sad about that. It's NOT ok to stay in a place of bitterness, remorse, and regret for too long. Misery is where the spirit of evil wants you to dwell, if you stay there you'll suffer. Suffering is outside of GOD's plan for our lives. Repent and aim to be better. Honestly, everything that leads up to what we might consider "Big sin" is sin just the same. Operating from whatever spirit that's not GOD, is missing the mark. We will always fall short of GOD's glory, but Jesus died to be our covering.
Romans 8, details that we are not condemned by sin and confirms that Nothing can seperate us from the love of GOD. While we should not condemn ourselves or allow anyone else to do it, it's ok to be convicted. It's up to us to Boldly use our lives for the service of GOD. Using them for any other reason is useless.
The truth that nothing can separate us from GOD's love was also recently shared by Dr. Cindy Trimm on Twitter . . .
There's no wall God can't kick down, no shadow He can't light up, no mountain He can't level, no confusion He can't bring peace to and no lie He can't reverse! Stand firm and secure in faith knowing what the devil meant for bad God willl turn it in your favor and for your good!
GOD is so good! Whenever you get a chance read Romans Chapter 8 in the Bible, it is so powerful! If you've made up your mind to end this year being committed to honoring GOD's will, and going into next year even stronger than you were this year, consider registering for Dr. Cindy Trimm's End Your Year Strong Empowerment Summit. Visit www.endyouryearstrong.com to register. Praying you stay empowered. motivated and loved. Subscribe to BOLDJournal E-news Blasts for the lastest updates from breathoflifedaily.com
Are we really prepared for the blessings that GOD provides? If not, how do we prepare? This episode of BOLD Podcast shares insight from a personal experience and tips on gaining the fitness required to "workout" real faith.
This latest BOLD Podcast is a revelation about the love and unexpected blessings of GOD...like how gorgeous random sun showers can be created just for our enjoyment. Although it may seem strange at first GOD can gift us whatever He wants, whenever He wants, because truthfully He has gifted us with the whole world. The insight is followed up by a special interview with Gospel Superstars David and Tamela Mann, currently on their "Us Against The World" tour and releasing a book of the same name. While they have some of the most amazing, gifted voices in the Gospel Music industry the couple discussed how they seek GOD's voice above all the noise. They shared that "Us Against The World" is truly a representation of what it means to put GOD's will above everything.
More information about "Us Against The World" with David and Tamela can be found at www.tillymannmusic.com
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My heart hurt when I heard. I've never met Ntozake Shange a day in my life, but to me she is family. In her work I found a sense of meaning not only as a black woman, but also as a creative writer. Ntozake Shange's life and work liberated so many people in numerous ways. I'm grateful for her boldness and that the positive impact she created will continue through her stories.
I remember sitting in a book store one day reading "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" I felt empowered, understood, and connected. Also, that the choreopoem had so much more substance than the film. It was real, raw, and liberating. Reading the book by Ntozake Shange made me feel like I wasn't alone in the world and that I can also have a voice despite all the systemic "dilemmas" of black womanhood.
That's why hearing the news of Shange's death felt like a huge shift in the world. She is a legend that will be truly remembered. Ntozake Shanges work touched so many people, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was just one of her most popular pieces.
Shange, bornPaulette Linda Williams in 1948 in Trenton, NJ was a Poet, Novelist, and a Playwright. Some of her popular pieces were Sassafrass, Cypress & Indigo(1982), Liliane (1994), and Betsey Brown (1985). "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" produced in 1975 touched the lives of black women across multiple genrations and introduced the word "choreopoem" into the dictionary. In 2010 "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was adapted into a film, produced by Tyler Perry. Shange's work has won and been nominated for several major awards. Shange earned a Master's Degree in American Studies in 1973. She was one of the most notable creatives in American culture. StarTribune reported that Shange died in her sleep "in an assisted living facility in Bowie, Md., where she lived." From her creativity and perhaps in her death, the peace of the rainbow was eternally on Shanges side.
For Colored Girls (Film Adaptation, 2010)
A prolific writer and creative Shange is survived by her relatives, and the countless lives she's touched through her amazing literary work.
Recently I started to realize that growth requires breaking through resistance. If you're the first in your family to accomplish something, or the fact that GOD gives us a mission for us specifically to execute as individuals means we have to break through comfortability. It's up to us to relenquish old ways and old habits and grow. You can never level up in any area until your character does. GOD has been dealing with me about character a lot lately and it's been coming through in my actions and everything I've been getting entagled in to show me where I really am. The realization that the areas that require growth and understanding are met with resistance in order to elevate to the next level was recently confirmed through some gym equipment with a similar message: "Resistance Will Adjust To Reach Target". I couldn't help but to share it on Instagram in that very moment... Everything that you have your sights on, the dream/goal that you're working toward for the kingdom will be met with resistance. Growth is evolution. You're pushing through all the dirt that has surrounded you to be emerged into the light of new life. Your "level up" requires your full attention. their will be distractions , but the intentional effort, focus, and overcoming will be WORTH IT! Praise GOD consistently and stay committed through the process.
What would you tell Sophia from "Greenleaf"? Yes, Greenleaf is fictional TV show, but that puts the scripted family in the public spotlight. Honestly, up until episode five of the shows 3rd season, for me the show's content had no real substance.
However, the particular episode was a dramatic turning point in the season for all the characters on the show, and I'm guessing some on-the-fence viewers like myself, but especially for Sophia, the character played by Desiree Ross. She received a diagnosis that left her sterile and unable to conceive kids of her own. Doctors removed her ovaries, leaving no hope for natural babies and at a low point with her faith in GOD.
The diagnosis is definite, but the believer in me wants to see a miraculous breakthrough in Sophia's plot so bad! The initial shock of the news left me speechless and caused me to think on what good can come from this kind of news. The issue fortunately changed my view about the show's content because it's dealing with real life issues, but it left me with confusion on how to address this with real life people.
why are some people born with disabilities and disorders? Why does GOD embed these issues in the master plan? I really had to think about the situation before responding too quick, to avoid being insensitive or being attacked by some random twitter trolls. What can actually be said in these situations thats encouraging? If I could help encourage Sophia I would say a few things and hope they could be of some significance.
Real Sympathy
First of all, "I'm so sorry." point blank. period. I can imagine that it's extremely hard to get news like that. Who could imagine that something like this would happen. Please know I'm here for your support.
Sincere Encouragement
Keep believing and aiming to fulfill GOD's purpose. Circumstances cannot stop you from thriving. Keep searching for a solution despite what the "experts" say. Keep praying. Keep researching, because you getting a breakthrough might be the key to helping somebody else's redemption with the same plight.
The "woman with the issue of Blood" in the Bible is not so much a story of miracle healing power as it is a story of tenacity, determination, and UNYIELDING faith. For 12 Years, she never stopped being persistent and focusing on healing. Stay strong at all costs.
True Reference and Witness
Go all the way in! If you've ever had any reason to go crazy trusting GOD, the time is now! If we really want what GOD wants it has to be completely what GOD wants, not mixed with a tinge of what we want. Surrender to GOD's will, keep trusting He has your best in mind. Seek to know GOD's thoughts. Whenever I've trusted GOD that's where my peace has come in. Scripture says:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,”declares theLord.“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:8-9
I personally have never expereinced a drastic health situation, but I've been through enough to trust GOD in any situation. It seems like Sophia is losing her faith. We don't ever really lose faith, we just supress it. Although Sophia is really giving up hope at this point, I'm looking forward to seeing how the story progresses. The writers of the show can still take it in any direction, just like GOD can do with our real lives. GOD is the ultimate show runner, the Author and Finisher of our faith!
