I attended a "Christian Women In Media" networking event yesterday to spread the word about the Kingdomwood International Film Festival that I'm helping to produce. At the event I was sitting next to the moderator, so it was funny to see that during the "introduce yourself and what you do" period, the majority of the women who were there went on tangents about what divine coincidence it was that brought them to the meeting or gave testimonies about the why they were passionate to do what they do. I laughed as the moderator tried to get them to be quick about their turn to introduce themselves, but after a while as the introductions continued in the same format of a longer "why" instead of a quick "what" and "who", I was inspired by it. It was touching to see that the default mode for a room full of women who were believers was to explain the "why" behind what they did. I think knowing and understanding the "why" is the key to doing what we do with excellence and staying motivated to do it. When it was my turn to go, although I said who I was and what I did very quickly, because of the moderator: what I would have loved to have said was: "I'm grateful because I believe that I'm a catalyst for GOD's voice, and a change agent and an agent & vessel of God's voice. So this is why I want to be involved with Kingdomwood, this is why I want to be involved with media and sharing my voice." I think that would've been great for a "Christian Women In Media" event, but we're all catalysts of GOD's voice. I listened to the "Jesus and Jolloff" podcast for the first time and heard Yvonne Orji say her blessings are "not because she's so special, but because she's available." It's essential to make ourselves available to the will of GOD.
We are catalysts, we are agents, We are vessels of GOD and that's what this film festival brings about to me. It's why I believe in what I'm doing. It's why I'm happy about what I'm doing. Iyanla Vanzant shared a tweet that said:
"The key to success is not what you do, it is how you feel about what you are doing."
It's up to us to Boldly be a vessel for what GOD is doing in the earth. Orji also says in the podcast" Somebody is waiting for your supply, that they didn't even know they needed."
"We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." - Marianne Williamson
It's up to us to know who we are and be consistent in how we present who we are to the world, but also to definitely know our why? Do you know your why?
Eva Marcille is unapologetically amazing! She is as fascinating and fierce as you might have imagined based on the many roles we’ve seen her in on television and in films. Sheen recently sat down with the brilliant model and actress where she shared some insight on her latest projects, personal beauty and fashion tips, and her secret to gaining confidence.
Marcille recently joined the cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta. The first episode featuring her as a cast member will premiere on January 7, 2018. She’s newly engaged to lawyer and former Atlanta Mayoral Candidate, Michael T. Sterling. What most people don’t know is that her Atlanta roots actually helped spark her interest in modeling.
The former Clark Atlanta University Student was inspired by her experience with campus fashion shows to compete on America’s Next Top Model, where she won season three!
Being a part of the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast is perfect for Eva because she's the epitome of the modern day woman. She’s historically been able to handle what life and “critics” have thrown her way. Handling motherhood, her career, and relationships with runway confidence definitely requires strength.
“We’re all trying to move through life the best way we can despite the obstacles.”
Marcille credits her pastor and the women in her life including her mother for being her sources of inspiration.
“It’s nice to have women that are older than me and mature and wiser and those things, to kinda help us on this journey.”
Eva is definitely goals when it comes to confidence. She’s making moves in film, television, as a mom, in business, and she currently has several films starring her streaming on Netflix.
When asked for her advice to everyone working towards their glow up, Marcille stated,
“The pursuit of your goal is not gonna be easy it’s something you have to workout everyday. We all have our timing. Trust in that.”– Eva Marcille
Eva describes her mantra for her beauty and fashion style as, “Less is more.”
We’re definitely looking forward to more great things from this beautiful, talented starlet!
*this post was originally featured on sheenmagazine.com
If you give the devil an inch, he'll take a mile...
or 10.
Note: Don't give the enemy ANYTHING. Try your best to refute the enemy inside. Negativity that pops up in your mind, or on the outside is not worth your time. Go toward the light.
Temptation is real, but the divine glory of God has the power to eclipse that.
Anything dark that you don't need in your life, let the power of God overpower it.
I usually could care less about watching the BET Awards, but I’m glad I caught it this year. It was inspirational, and shifting more toward substantial. There was a noticeable difference in what exactly black excellence is, beyond the flashy lifestyle and the glam.
A few things I picked up were some artists primary honor of the most high beyond the cliche. Some of the S/O's to God may have been generic, but I could tell a few of them were hard learned and sincere This time around the enlightened, efficient use of platforms to glorify more than the next project, but call for revolution and bring awareness to pressing cultural issues was also inspiring. There was a noticeable difference between which artist are more intrinsically liberated and naturally gifted. but instead of getting into the politics of it all, I'll just share a few of my favorite moments, because we all just came here to have fun anyway.
Big Sean's tech powered performance with the digital background highlighted to me the importance of "Black Excellence" aka "us" in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) I was really feeling the multiple Big Seans and the automated pixelation he had going on. The lit part about it is not Sean by himself, but the engineers and scientist who know how to do all that. S/O to the people who we don't see working behind the scenes. STEM, not necessarily "cash" plays a major part in ruling everything around us, It's S.T.E.A.M. especially in this digital age, it's imperative to be familiar with it. STEM knowledge can help one "magically" manipulate the game in there favor, see "Sleight" but Big Sean had a pretty good STEM reference..." I'm all charged up and God is my source"...deep.
The elevation of Black Girl Magic is a game changer. The glow of Chloe and Halle, Yara Shahidi, and Egypt Ufule, the 12 year old fashion designer featured in the Ford ad is the fruit of self-confidence and empowerment that's been sewn by the conscious matriarchs of our culture.
From Michelle Obama’s tribute to chance the rapper to Chance the rapper... being Chance the rapper. Yes, let's "gas him up"!! I was for the most part unaware of his humanitarian work in the community. It was great to see the work being highlighted and him intentionally honoring the call to action in his path. It was reminiscent of Jesse Williams who adamantly used his platform to speak up at the previous BET Awards. Those dreamy eyes were looking up in respect as chance spoke. Solid!
Initially the aspect of Leslie Jones hosting the show drew my respect for this year's show. I caught it mid-way to find that yes she was loud, but had skits to emphasize what it’s means to work hard, not give up and go from zero to shero. Refreshingly, Leslie Jones is not the typical "Hollywood beauty" but owns her skin and knows how to be terrific in it. We saw, let's market that dynamic more, and "Lil Yachty in the yacht"!!! Very impressive.
Another thing is that as controversial as it sometimes is, in my coming of age is my recognition that weaves and lashes are a flyy girl rite of passage in some sense. "It takes money and time to be fly as a mutha" word to Daya. Who are we not to be flyy? As expected Lashes were everywhere even Michelle Obama was in on the action. Apparently blonde hair is trending everyone from Karrueche, to tiny, to tamar had platinum strands? Whether we're embracing our own beauty or trying on different ones, were just fly. Shout out to "My Black Is Beautiful" for giving all that grant money to worthy causes.
To overcome and excel, was the sentiment I walked away with from the show this year! A vision black excellence peaking through and showing the ability to evolve in to something even more momentous is something I can be here for.
Have you ever asked yourself questions like: What were you created for? Why are you here? and What are you doing?
Everything we do should be for the glory of God. Ultimately, we were created to praise God and progress in excellence.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Phillipians 4:8
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7
Did you realize that live spelled backward was evil?? Do you think that is just some ironic coincidence, or was God purposely showing us something here? There is a danger in living life in a "backwards" state of mind. When I think of a backward state of mind I think of anything that holds us back from moving forward in our lives. Such things as regret, fear, timidness, anger, unhealthy relationships, and negativity produces a dark overcast in our lives.
With these characteristics running amidst in our lives, how will we ever get a hold of purpose and vision? Its these types of characteristics that block creativity, value, morals, gifts, and strengths. It is these characteristics that lead us to life full of unsatisfaction, hurt, and guilt; while leaving us in a redundant cycle of feeling like the walking dead.
If we as people who aspire to see positivity, and move out of a cycle that is only producing death in our lives; we have to fully acknowledge our current state, and identify the necessity of "Getting Our Mind Right". Some people grow so accustomed to the darkness and negative aspects in there lives, they no longer notice its effects.
For instance, some people have a huge fear of talking to people for the simple fact they think they may be judged or rejected. Because of this thought process, their visions they may have once had, has become so suppressed they no longer recognize they had a brilliant idea until they see someone else has taken opportunity and ran with it.
As they look at what someone else has established, the only thing they can say is, "That was my idea" and think to themselves, "That could have been me". Well, what can you do? Your idea stayed "your idea" because you were too afraid to bring your idea to others.
In that fear, what actually happened was the vision was put aside so much that it remained aside, and has now resurfaced because you have gotten a visual of what could have been. Who likes to continually see their "What Could Have Been" consistently manifest itself in someone else? Well if we do not acknowledge our limitations and confront them, then we absorb them.
In absorbing them, we turn into our own worst enemy, focusing on them instead of clarifying and building our dreams. Instead of living our progressive abundant life intended for us by God, we regress into that evil state of mind presented by the enemy in backward living. The word of God said, "The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy". Internalize this verse by identifying what areas of your life are affected.
What area's of your life are being destroyed? What areas of your life are being stolen from you right in front of your face? What are the things you are holding onto that is killing you?
Now that we have taken time to identify these ares of death that are not producing areas of progressive growth, whats next? Well now this is where the real work begins. Remember that goal I spoke of earlier that was suppressed until a visual appeared in my example? Well that is because visuals produce clarity.
Start by writhing down what your life restored looks like to you. Imagine the things that are being stolen from you were never taken in the first place. What would you see? What would you hear? Identify how you would feel if something you held onto for so long that has tormented you, suddenly disappeared. How would you be different?
If we are going to be people full of goals and aspirations that actually manifest themselves, we absolutely must be intentional about getting our mind in order and free from that backward evil living.
The last crab in the barrel who has pulled the others down and has gotten mangled and destroyed in the process, has nothing left to do but destroy itself. This happens when one is insatiable. If you are insatiable you will soon be consumed. Be someone who lifts others up, because you know what they do? ... they turn around and help you. We rise by lifting others up.
I had an inkling in my spirit this morning spend some time with my creator in prayer and worship. How my spirit has been blessed because I listened. A quote that particularly caught my eye, in my morning devotional said,
"To grow tall spiritually, a Christian must first learn to kneel"
In my spirit, I find myself beginning to feel a purging of toxins that are hindering my growth in life. All the natural physical signs say that I am not happy because truth is, the things that once made me happy were all carnal, and simple minded. Earthly pleasures, drunken intoxication, lust, and immorality. As these layers of distractions begin to fall off, I find myself focused and intrigued. Focused on the fact that I have a purpose, and have all the tools necessary to accomplish my life goals. And then intrigued by the fact that these goals cannot be accomplished without a strong foundation with my creator. Since he created me, I have to truly seek him to carryout my destiny. So it just so happens, my daily devotional for today is entitled, Happily Humble, which encompasses a series of reviews of past readings from the previous recent days. Since I haven't really read my devotional all year, I figured it couldn't hurt for me to go back a little. One particular reading that stuck out to me was,
1 Thessalonians: Stay on Target, (Don't become distracted or discouraged as you seek to make faith)
Hmm, A word from my creator, directly associated with my current position in life. As a young woman with so much vision and purpose, who has an assignment specifically created by God for me. So His words for my spirit showed me how to focus my attention on him, and how not to be distracted.
Turn from idols
What can you give up today that may be an obstacle in your life holding you back from accomplishing a goal you have for yourself. Is there something preventing you from going deeper in your connection with the creator? Perhaps someone or something? My take away from my moment with God showed me confirmation in everything I seek to do in my life. From my characteristics, to the reason I love to write, to the way that I am. When I give up the things that separated me from my God, I naturally have a connection. When God speaks, and then you listen, there is a spiritual appointment that takes place, call it Divine Intervention, Many people gripe and complain they do not hear from God, but is it that the spirit of God is not talking to you?, or is it that you are too caught up in your pleasures or everyday hustle and bustle to listen to what the spirit has for you?
I was SO blessed at MegaFest15! and I'm extremely grateful that I was able to attend and do media coverage for BOLD-Impact Network. It was an amazing time and as promised it was more than a festival, but truly an experience. The blessing of attending MegaFest is still present in my spirit, and I'm sure it will be for a very long time. As soon as I made it to "Woman Thou Art Loosed" opening session the spirit of empowerment and excellency was already in the air. The major American Airlines Center arena that sits thousands of people was fully packed... and not with just any random people, but those active in praise and worship. There were many great gospel, and even some secular musical acts that joined the praise, but the ladies of Grace, the gospel group on Bishop T.D. Jakes, Dexterity Records label really stole the show...and they didn't just hold the spotlight captive for themselves, they gave it to God, which made the worship experience even greater. Each time they performed they set the atmosphere for worship. The official Woman Thou Art Loosed opening session was definitely something to remember! Bishop Jakes came with a power packed message full of rhema word that seemed to touch everybody in the arena, and it was on point from start to end. The message was on the capacity we have for God to fill us, if we allow Him to. If we recognize our need as God's ability to fill, and to operate on our behalf, we will began to experience His power on a greater level. The need we have creates a capacity for God to fill! It's up to us to let God be God and expose our needs to Him without holding back due to being too proud, ashamed, etc. It was explosive!
That amazing message set the stage for excellence as the fest continued rolling. The spirit of empowerment was thick in the air as attendees walked around the Dallas vicinity, empowered conversations were heard on the streets, in the trains, on the buses, and everywhere in between among attendees. Divine connections were made, just confirming the word that Bishop Jakes stated in the opening session. He was speaking directly to the spirits and hearts of the people. The sights and sounds of MegaFest15 will remain unforgettable, it had the whole city fired up for God. It was easy to tell that MegaFest15 was filled with a special kind of people. It's not that the preachers, teachers, or speakers hyped the people up so much, but it was that they were talking to people with dreams and purpose on the inside of them. That's were destiny and the holy spirit began to move, the atmosphere was conducive to growth and MegaFest created a launching pad for breakthrough! There is no doubt that after attending MegaFest, that the many attendees dreams will be manifested into reality, better yet into destiny, which is what Bishop Jakes latest book "Destiny" addresses. It was beyond empowering to be in an environment with people, with dreams and purpose on the inside of them, who are inspired by God's will for their lives. It was truly inspiring... and did I mention amazing?!! You can look under the #megafestxBOLD hashtag on social media for various events covered by BOLD-Impact Network at MegaFest including:
Woman Thou Art Loosed- Opening Session
Ladies Who Lead - hosted by The BOSS Network
ManPower - Closing Session
Woman Thou Art Loosed - Girl Talk
Woman Thou Art Loosed - Morning Glory
Millennials Panel - at International Faith Family Film Festival
War Room Movie Screening - at International Faith Family Film Festival
check out a few session highlights in the video (below):
Also, check out the MegaFestxBOLD album on our Facebook page and the latest updates from MegaFest on BOLD's Instagram page. It is my prayer that the blessing that I received at MegaFest15 will be with you on your journey, just as it will on mine. Go with the empowerment... it is officially being passed on to you. Enjoy the experience! Thank you to T.D. Jakes Ministries and MegaFest for granting BOLD-Impact Network access! Be sure to visit their website: www.mega-fest.org for more resources. Did you attend MegaFest this year? What were your favorite moments? If not what updates or quotes have you enjoyed the most from BOLD-Impact's coverage on social media (Twitter, Fb, Instagram)? Let us know in the comments section below. Let's keep the conversation going! Looking forward to your feedback.
It's December 31st, at 11:58pm. Before the ball drops, you are mentally going over all the last minute goals you have decided will not follow you into the new year. "I am going to be nicer", "I will lose 15 pounds", "I am going to make more at my job". By January 5th, the one coworker no one likes was rude to you first, there was chocolate cake in the break room from a party, and there goes your calorie count for today. I think this has happened to the best of us.
Statistically only 8% of people who create new year resolutions are successful. Why is that? I believe that the part that we let bother us most is that we failed at our goals, which makes us give up entirely. It is okay to fail, it is not okay to allow that failure to deter us from the ultimate goal.
Perhaps you began to fall off the wagon a bit with your goals. In order to recommit to your goals you must understand a few things:
1) Things may have gotten in the way where you lost focus on your goals and today is as good as January 1st to recommit. There is no better time than the present to reconnect and become committed again to your goals. 2)You deserve to live out your dreams and nothing is worth putting it off forever. Whether it is January 1st or July 20th, your dreams are yours for the taking today! 3) Slow progress is better than no progress. Make attainable action items to accomplish with your goal. You will begin to feel better when you begin to take definite action towards your goal and move forward. 4) When you accomplish your goals you will feel better about yourself and your purpose in life will be magnified. It is not only about the weight loss, negotiation skills, or being kinder...it ultimately is about accomplishing what you set out to complete. With each new goal accomplished you learn more about yourself and what you are truly capable of. 5) Recommitting to your goals will jump start your confidence to keep moving forward. It is a confidence boost to know you will and CAN do whatever you set your mind to.
The overall theme of 2015 for me has been about moving forward...I am ready to get to my next level, are you? If you are in then sign up for the Jumpstart Your Confidence program, which is on sale until August 3rd. In THREE weeks you can be on the right path towards making your vision a reality. Let's JUMPSTART the second half of 2015!
Growing up on the west side of San Antonio, I believed in god—the god of football. The game was my ticket out of an early life saturated with violence, addiction, abuse, and chaos.
I was raised by my grandmother, because my parents were only teenagers when I was born. They were children bringing a child into the world. As much as they wanted to care for me, the hurt and brokenness in their lives prevented them. "Grannie" was a Jehovah's Witness, so that was the religion I knew. After a while, even that went away.
We were not poor. We were "po." We couldn't afford the other o and r. We didn't eat meals together. We didn't pray together. There were good times, like when we'd go fishing or when my grandfather would come home after work in the evenings. By the time I was 13, however, I looked at my environment and told my grandmother, "I'm going to do something with my life."
Football was my way out of the hell I was living in. I believed it would lift me into the heaven of the American dream.
Football functioned as my savior. It gave me love: If I played well, I was loved by fans. It gave me an identity: I was Derwin, the football player. It gave me significance: I was somebody because I was a great player. And football gave me a mission. My mission was this: Derwin, you can go to college and make something of your life.
Running from Naked Preacher
During my sophomore year of high school, I started to do just that. I transferred to Judson High School in Converse, a suburb of San Antonio, where I played for D. W. Rutledge, the Texas High School Hall of Fame coach. My senior year, I accepted a football scholarship to Brigham Young University (BYU). So, you have a black kid from a lower socioeconomic, multiethnic context with a Jehovah's Witness religious background (whose god is football) attending a Mormon university.
On January 15, 1990, during my freshman year at BYU, I met a beautiful young lady named Vicki Ensign. She was a javelin thrower on the track team. We fell in love fast and married on May 23, 1992, during my senior year. The first wedding I had ever attended was my own.
At BYU, my god had come through for me. I had an outstanding career and later was named to BYU football's "All Time Dream Team." Plus, I was loved at the school. I had the girl of my dreams. I was making something out of my life. On April 25, 1993, I was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts to strong safety. I had made it!
Then I met the Naked Preacher, a linebacker for the Colts in 1993.
It was impossible not to notice a linebacker who would take a shower, dry off, wrap a towel around his waist, pick up his Bible, and ask those of us in the locker room, "Do you know Jesus?" I would think, Do you know you are half-naked?
I asked the veterans on the team about him. They said, "Don't pay attention to him. That's the Naked Preacher."
At this point in my life, I did not want anything to do with Jesus or a half-naked man talking about him, so I tried to avoid him. One day after practice, I was sitting at my locker and saw the Naked Preacher (whose real name is Steve Grant) walking toward me.
"Rookie D. Gray, do you know Jesus?" he asked.
I pretended to not hear him and turned my back. He repeated the question, but this time he was at my locker. Even though I was not a churchgoer or involved in any religious group, I gave what I thought was a very religious answer: "I'm a good person."
I explained to Steve that I was one of the only men in my family who had not been to jail, who did not have a substance abuse problem, who had graduated from high school and college, and who did not have a child outside of marriage.
The Naked Preacher opened up his Bible and shared two verses with me: "And Jesus said to him, 'Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone'" (Mark 10:18, ESV); and, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23).
Steve explained that according to the Bible, only God is good; he is the standard of goodness and righteousness. Everyone else has sinned and falls short. This disturbed me.
I said, "Naked man, you are telling me that my moral comparison is to God and not to other people?" He said, "Yes."
"God is perfect! What can I do to be perfect?" He answered, "Nothing."
I said, "I'm in big trouble."
"Rookie D. Gray," he said, "now you are starting to get it. You can't do anything to reach a perfect God. But Jesus has done everything for the perfect God to come down and reach you."
I sat in silence. I needed time to think through what he was saying and what I was experiencing in my heart.
Over the next five years, I watched Steve live out the gospel. When my teammates needed advice, they were at the Naked Preacher's locker. Steve was involved in the greater Indianapolis community. He displayed Jesus in the way he loved his wife and children. He preached through his words and actions.
As the Naked Preacher preached, God's love crushed me. I had achieved the American dream, only to realize it could not empower me to love my wife or forgive my father. My fame and money could not erase my sin, shame, guilt, fear, and insecurity.
... Continue reading Derwin's powerful testimonyhere. Inspiration for your inbox. Get the latest BOLD updates faster.
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Our spirits need to be devoted to God if they are to thrive amidst chaos. It is God's will that we thrive and that our spirit experiences the wholeness and prosperity that the holy spirit offers. Here are 10 scriptures that help emphasize the blessing of devotion and belonging to Him:
- I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
-"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5
- Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. Psalm 55:22
- Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? - Matthew 6:26
-So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31
-He is so rich in kindness that He purchased our freedom through the blood of His Son, and our sins are forgiven. Ephesians 1:7
-Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 -Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. - Psalm 51:7
-See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. -Psalm 139:24 - But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong. -1 John 1:9
What are some of your go to scriptures that help uplift your spirit? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Yesterday my Pastor, (who's brother had just passed away the same day) talked about resilience. It was very powerful! " As a character trait, Resilience is the mental ability to recover quickly." She spoke on the importance of developing emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence helps us to recognize our own emotions, identify the emotions of others and how to handle them, and diffuse conflict. It increases self-management: being able to manage our emotions in a healthy way. It also helps build social awareness and relationship management. Emotional intelligence can help your performance at work and also benefit your health. She shared a few steps to emotional intelligence, but not all. and I was able to write some down, such as: 1. Learn how to relieve stress. 2. Accept the circumstance that's happening. 3. Develop flexibility. When we learn to take a leap of faith, and and how to let go of emotions that make us uncomfortable, we find ourselves. Even though outwardly nothing is consistent, we can find consistency inside of ourselves. All information received to the brain comes through our senses, when information is overwhelming, instinct takes over. We can bring our emotions under control through Christ, and building our emotional intelligence. We can't yield to the will of emotion, but conquer it through understanding. "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding."-Proverbs 4:7 Also remember being strong doesn't always mean we have to be tough. Water will softly touch a rock, but slowly wear it down over time. For me that illustration of water brings to mind our hearts being in the right hands, at the right time. God has given us resilience to overcome all things The king's heart is like a stream of water directed by the LORD; He guides it wherever He pleases. -Proverbs 21:1 Continue to pour up love and be guided and directed by it. Love always wins.
What are some ways that you build and maintain resilience? Share in the comments section below. You can hear more from Pastor Jennifer by visiting Tabernacle Of Peace Ministries soundcloud page and stopping by the stone mountain Georgia location on sundays at 10am
God gives us guidance and warning ahead of time. If we're working and praying there is no need to worry. Fear is False. Evidence. Appearing. Real. It's false because we think we don't have what we need to handle whatever it is that's causing us to fear, but in actuality we do. There is always something we can do, Don't just be scared, take action. Be BOLD. Don't Fear. Scripture says "God hasn't given us the Spirit of fear."
Worry about anything is not of God. Fear comes naturally, because it's a lack of understanding. You can get what you need. Invest in getting the truth and the understanding that you have what it takes to fulfill whatever life has for you. The power of God in us gives us strength. "Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you." Understanding gives us power over fear. God's will is for us to prosper. Seek God's will above all. He has power over All!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. -1 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. -Proverbs 23:23 (NLT)
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. -Matthew 6:33 (NLT)
Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. 3 John 1:2 (KJV) modified.
For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen. -Romans 11:36 (NLT)
What are some other good scriptures you can think of that help give you confidence when you're afraid? Has God ever given you a word of encouragement to step up in a situation and not be a afraid? How did it go? Leave your thoughts about this post in the comments section below.
Love ignites us, love has the power to spread like fire.
With Everything going on in the World around us, we have to stay prayed up and full of LOVE. Life is priceless. We must cherish our time here on earth. We must Love more! I am determined to e a Walking Love Warrior...a Love Ambassador. I see the spark in people's eyes when an act of kindness is presented. The youth I've been speaking to on the Black Wallstreet High School Tour are confirming my purpose daily. Love Wins and creates Winners. We are called to show others love. Jesus told His disciples, "By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]" (John13:35).
So many people see love as 'just a feeling,' but it's so much more than that. True love shows itself through action.
And this action doesn't have to be impossible and overwhelming. One of the best ways to show the love of Jesus is through simple, everyday action,
- Like giving a small gift to someone or striking up a conversation with a downcast individual who needs a friend. - Or giving a bag of groceries to the single mom who lives down the street and is struggling to put food on the table. - Showing love can even be as simple as smiling and saying hello to a person you pass on the street, in the hall, or at the store.
There are many ways to demonstrate the love of Christ. When you show His love to someone else, it can soften that person's heart, and before you know it, they'll be finding ways to reach out and show love to others, and so on and so on. So celebrate God's love and let Him lead you. Is He putting someone on your heart right now?
I want my love for Jesus to be reflected in the way I show love for others, even those who may be difficult to love. If I can soften one hard heart with the love of God, maybe that person will soften another's heart with love, then that one will reach out to others, and so on and so on... And soon we'll have a love revolution!
Prayer Starter: God, I want my love for You to be reflected in the way I show love for others. Show me ways to demonstrate love to anyone and everyone that You bring across my path.
What are some other ways we can start putting love into action in the community and around the world? When was your last endeavor to love forward? Leave your thoughts about this post in the comments section below.
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13
1. Deuteronomy 31:6, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; "He will never leave you nor forsake you."
2. Deuteronomy 31:8, The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
3. Joshua 1:5, No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."
4. 1Kings 8:57, "May the LORD our God be with us as he was with our fathers; may He never leave us nor forsake us."
5. 1Chronicles 28:20, David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished."
6. Psalms 37:28, For the LORD loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. "They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;"
7. Psalms 94:14 "For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance."
8. Isaiah 41:17 "The poor and needy search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them."
9. Isaiah 42:16 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them."
10. Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
What is your favorite scripture on the list? Are there any more you can add? Leave your thoughts about this post in the comments section below.
It's this paralyzing, overwhelming feeling of not being able to move, particularly after I've had some sort of perceived success. I laid in the bed the majority of the day, thoughts rummaging through my head and more bad news coming by the minute, one of my young cousin's is dying in hospice, more is being requested out of me that I'm not sure I can provide, more being piled on top of the list, on and off social media looking at whatever, to just laying..."this" feeling had always happened to me. The feeling of being incapable and stuck, the "depressed" feeling and I'd spend hours just doing nothing. It's not the "doing nothing" part that's so concerning, but the helplessness. "Why do I feel so helpless?" After 10 or so years, or maybe the majority of my life doing "this". It really jumped out to me that it's NOT ok. It really clicked that: It's depression. And on the eve of my 27th birthday this month, I just realized that the battle I've struggled with for so long was depression. This is a time in my life that I really felt like I was pushing through to my breakthrough, but all hell is breaking loose as it usually does. Simultaneously when I decide that I can make it, and I'm gonna go for it...all hell is breaking loose. The odds stacked up against me seem insurmountable. I couldn't help but hear in my spirit. "God puts you in chaos to bring the best out of you". If that's the case then there must be something amazing in store. I honestly do feel like my breakthrough is around the corner. Because of my desire for God to use me, I suspect that this issue had to come out. I couldn't keep living in bondage, but wanting success and quality at the same time. The unction received from the holy spirit: "God will never take you where He can't sustain you." Of course God can sustain me anywhere, but I can't keep getting in my own way.
It really just hit me that I struggle with depression. Sitting there feeling helpless, feeling useless, feeling lost...for most of the day. In an instant, my eyes were open, I felt revelation and pain, and something had to give, I got up in tears. For the first time I realized that this was a struggle. The crazy thing is, with the revelation I got up. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and hurt, but I got up. The next thing I did was call my pastor so she could pray for me. The next step from here will be to get some professional help or counseling, I also want to explore the issues relating to depression how it has affected me and so many people. I praise God that I had the strength and the direction to call my pastor. I feel a breakthrough, and now more than anything I have a sense of direction. God gave me a vision and an organization before, a platform, that I really didn't know what to do with. Now I have my voice and no devil in hell will stop it... I won't either.
