Um...Why Is God A "He"?

If you're Having trouble with the idea of God as male or female? The reference is usually "Him" or "He" because Christ referred to God as Father. Paul also referred to Christians having a "Fatherhood" through Jesus Christ....and there's more:

Throughout the Bible we find God portrayed as a Father. This portrayal, however, is surprisingly rare in the Old Testament. There God is specifically called the Father of the nation of Israel ( Deut 32:6 ; Isa 63:16 ; [twice] 64:8 ; Jeremiah 3:4 Jeremiah 3:19 ; 31:9 ; Mal 1:6 ; 2:10 ) or the Father of certain individuals ( 2 Sam 7:14 ; 1 Chron 17:13 ; 22:10 ; 28:6 ; Psalm 68:5 ; 89:26 ) only fifteen times. (At times the father imagery is present although the term "Father" is not used [ Exod 4:22-23 ; Deut 1:31 ; 8:5 ; 14:1 ; Psalm 103:13 ; Jer 3:22 ; 31:20 ; Hosea 11:1-4 ; Mal 3:17 ]). This metaphor for God may have been avoided in the Old Testament due to its frequent use in the ancient Near East where it was used in various fertility religions and carried heavy sexual overtones. The avoidance of this description for God can still be found in the intertestamental literature. There its use is also rare: Apocrypha ( Wis 2:16; 14:3; Tob 13:4; Sir 23:1, 4; 51:10); Pseudepigrapha ( Jub 1:24, 28; 19:29; 3 Macc 5:7; 6:4, 8; T. Levi 18:6; T. Judah 24:2); and Dead Sea Scrolls (1 QH 9:35f.).

a.k.a Yahweh.

The teaching of the Fatherhood of God takes a decided turn with Jesus, for "Father" was his favorite term for addressing God. It appears on his lips some sixty-five times in the Synoptic Gospels and over one hundred times in John. The exact term Jesus used is still found three times in the New Testament ( Mark 14:36 ; Rom 8:15-16 ; Gal 4:6 ) but elsewhere the Aramaic termAbba is translated by the Greek pater [pathvr]. The uniqueness of Jesus' teaching on this subject is evident for several reasons. For one, the rarity of this designation for God is striking. There is no evidence in pre-Christian Jewish literature that Jews addressed God as "Abba. " A second unique feature about Jesus' use of Abba as a designation for God involves the intimacy of the term. Abba was a term little children used when they addressed their fathers. At one time it was thought that since children used this term to address their fathers the nearest equivalent would be the English term "Daddy." More recently, however, it has been pointed out that Abba was a term not only that small children used to address their fathers; it was also a term that older children and adults used. As a result it is best to understand Abba as the equivalent of "Father" rather than "Daddy."

A third unique feature of Jesus' teaching concerning the Fatherhood of God is that the frequency of this metaphor is out of all proportion to what we find elsewhere in the Old Testament and other Jewish literature. (Note 165+ times in the four Gospels compared to only 15 times in the entire Old Testament!) This was not justa way Jesus taught his disciples to address God; it was the way. They were to pray, "Father, hallowed by your name" ( Luke 11:2 ). This is why the Greek-speaking Gentile churches in Galatia and Rome continued to address God as Abba. They used this foreign title for God because Jesus had used it and taught his followers to do so. It should be pointed out that although Jesus addressed God as "Father" and taught his disciples to do the same, he never referred to God as "our Father." ( Matt 6:9 is not an exception, for here Jesus is teaching his disciples how they [plural] should pray. ) His "Sonship" was different from that of his followers. He was by nature the Son; they were "sons" through adoption. This is clearly seen in John 20:17 in the distinction between "my" God and "your" God. It is also seen in Matthew 5:16, 45, 48; 6:1, 4, 6; 7:21; 10:32-33, where Jesus refers to "your" (singular and plural) and "my" father but never "our" father.

Because of Jesus' use of this metaphor, it is not surprising that the rest of the New Testament also emphasizes the Fatherhood of God. In the Pauline letters God is described as "Father" over forty times. It occurs in blessings ( Rom 1:7 ; 1 Cor 1:3 ), doxologies ( Rom 15:6 ), thanksgivings ( 2 Cor 1:3 ; 1 Thess 1:2-3 ), prayers ( Col 1:12 ), exhortations ( Eph 5:20 ), and creeds ( 1 Cor 8:6 ; Eph 4:6 ). For Paul this fatherhood is based not so much on God's role in creation but rather on the redemption and reconciliation he has made available in Jesus Christ. This is why Paul refers to "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" ( Rom 15:6 ; 2 Cor 1:3 ; 11:31 ). It is through the work of Christ that God invites us to call him "Abba, Father." It is through Christ that grace and peace have resulted and we have become God's children ( Rom 8:12-16 ; 1 Peter 1:3-4 ; 1 John 3:1 ).

The description of God as "father" is under attack today in certain circles. It is charged by some that this leads to a false view that God is a male. This criticism should be taken seriously in that God is not a "man" ( Num 23:19 ). He is a Spirit ( John 4:24 ) without sexual parts. When God is referred as a father, this is simply the use of a metaphor in which he is likened to a kind and loving father. Elsewhere God's love and care can be compared to that of a concerned and caring mother ( Isa 49:14-16 ; Luke 13:34 ). Yet to avoid the metaphor of father as a description and designation for God is to lose sight of the fact that Jesus chose this as his metaphor to address God and that he taught this as the metaphor by which his disciples should address God. It also loses sight of the continuity established by the use of this metaphor with those who have called God "Father" over the centuries. These include the disciples; the earliest congregations ( Rom 8:15 ; Gal 4:6 ); the earliest church councils ("I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth "); and Christian churches all over the globe who over the centuries have prayed together "Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name."

*Source: Bible Study Tools: The Fatherhood Of God by Robert H. Stine

Let Go, Go Forward.

by: April D. Byrd

 

Our true character and ambition doesn't develop from the dreams we have as kids, it comes from everything life puts us through on the path to maturity. Our true passion comes from finding ourselves in divine purpose. How are we designated to serve the world with our gift? That is life's most persistent question. Are you willing to answer the call? 

Oprah has an amazing testimony about the power of surrender and letting go! It Really Works! 
Check out the footage in the video below:

Are you living your absolute Best life? There is no time BUT the present! Let Go and Go Forward!

New Year, New You #VOWchat (Recap)

Thanks to Everyone who participated in the Twitter Chat and Conference Call presented by Voice Of Wisdom Transformational Coaching Founder, Pastor and Coach Jennifer Turner, hosted by breathoflifedaily.com  It was the first of it's kind and the last one for this year.

Coach Jennifer took the message from (1 Samuel 30: 1-8) clarifying the characteristics of David. She reminded of us his cunning bravery and the belief he held that gave him the ultimate advantage.
Thank you to her for sharing an empowering and uplifting word!

Looking forward to Engaging with Everyone more.

Check Out The #VOWchat  recap on Twitter below:

Buy Your Own Flowers

By: April D. Byrd

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection. ~ Gautama Buddha

Someone once bought me flowers and I was extremely happy, later after the relationship didn't work. I realized that It was that gesture that I liked most, so instead of being sad. I thought: "why don't I buy my own"? It was a liberating thought that slightly changed my outlook on life. "Buy Your Own Flowers". We're not dependent on anyone. No one created our lives, so we shouldn't expect anyone to be a source of it. Instead let self-esteem and love blossom from the inside.  So many times we may wait to be honored or acknowledged by people.

Don't wait to be celebrated, loved, accepted, affirmed by anybody. When people see you've upgraded your life and doing well, they take notice. If you celebrate your value and your worth then others will too. Even if some don't it still doesn't matter.  Everything you need already comes from the inside of you. Loving yourself right first, causes everything else to fall into place. You will expect good treatment from others, because you treat yourself well. Make sure you love what you see in the mirror first, and dress up for yourself.

Sometimes we may feel lonely or expect love from others in return for our own, but its best to love with no expectations give from ourselves wholeheartedly without expecting anything in return. The ability to love without attachment comes from self-love. Self-discipline ignites from the flame of  self-love and makes achieving success much easier. In taking the initiative to buy my own flowers, pretty soon i'll have my own garden, and it will be filled with enough beauty inside to share with the world.

Celebrate yourself, Feel free to buy your own flowers (literally) and decorate your own soul, there are few things that are more liberating than realizing that you're worth everything.

21 Habits of Happy People

“Happiness is a habit – cultivate it.” ~ Elbert Hubbard

1. Appreciate Life

Be thankful that you woke up alive each morning. Develop a childlike sense of wonder towards life. Focus on the beauty of every living thing. Make the most of each day. Don’t take anything for granted. Don’t sweat the small stuff.

2. Choose Friends Wisely

Surround yourself with happy, positive people who share your values and goals. Friends that have the same ethics as you will encourage you to achieve your dreams. They help you to feel good about yourself. They are there to lend a helping hand when needed.

3. Be Considerate

Accept others for who they are as well as where they are in life. Respect them for who they are. Touch them with a kind and generous spirit. Help when you are able, without trying to change the other person. Try to brighten the day of everyone you come into contact with.

4. Learn Continuously

Keep up to date with the latest news regarding your career and hobbies. Try new and daring things that has sparked your interest – such as dancing, skiing, surfing or sky-diving.

5. Creative Problem Solving

Don’t wallow in self-pity. As soon as you face a challenge get busy finding a solution. Don’t let the set backs affect your mood, instead see each new obstacle you face as an opportunity to make a positive change. Learn to trust your gut instincts – it’s almost always right.

6. Do What They Love

Some statistics show that 80% of people dislike their jobs! No wonder there’s so many unhappy people running around. We spend a great deal of our life working. Choose a career that you enjoy – the extra money of a job you detest isn’t worth it. Make time to enjoy your hobbies and pursue special interests.

7. Enjoy Life

Take the time to see the beauty around you. There’s more to life than work. Take time to smell the roses, watch a sunset or sunrise with a loved one, take a walk along the seashore, hike in the woods etc. Learn to live in the present moment and cherish it. Don’t live in the past or the future.

8. Laugh

Don’t take yourself – or life to seriously. You can find humor in just about any situation. Laugh at yourself – no one’s perfect. When appropriate laugh and make light of the circumstances. (Naturally there are times that you should be serious as it would be improper to laugh.)

9. Forgive

Holding a grudge will hurt no one but you. Forgive others for your own peace of mind. When you make a mistake – own up to it – learn from it – and FORGIVE yourself.

10. Gratitude

Develop an attitude of gratitude. Count your blessings; All of them – even the things that seem trivial. Be grateful for your home, your work and most importantly your family and friends. Take the time to tell them that you are happy they are in your life.

11. Invest in Relationships

Always make sure your loved ones know you love them even in times of conflict. Nurture and grow your relationships with your family and friends by making the time to spend with them. Don’t break your promises to them. Be supportive.

12. Keep Their Word

Honesty is the best policy. Every action and decision you make should be based on honesty. Be honest with yourself and with your loved ones.

13. Meditate

Meditation gives your very active brain a rest. When it’s rested you will have more energy and function at a higher level. Types of meditation include yoga, hypnosis, relaxation tapes, affirmations, visualization or just sitting in complete silence. Find something you enjoy and make the time to practice daily.

14. Mind Their Own Business

Concentrate on creating your life the way you want it. Take care of you and your family. Don’t get overly concerned with what other people are doing or saying. Don’t get caught up with gossip or name calling. Don’t judge. Everyone has a right to live their own life the way they want to – including you.

15. Optimism

See the glass as half full. Find the positive side of any given situation. It’s there – even though it may be hard to find. Know that everything happens for a reason, even though you may never know what the reason is. Steer clear of negative thoughts. If a negative thought creeps in – replace it with a positive thought.

16. Love Unconditionally

Accept others for who they are. You don’t put limitations on your love. Even though you may not always like the actions of your loved ones – you continue to love them.

17. Persistence

Never give up. Face each new challenge with the attitude that it will bring you one step closer to your goal. You will never fail, as long as you never give up. Focus on what you want, learn the required skills, make a plan to succeed and take action. We are always happiest while pursuing something of value to us.

18. Be Proactive

Accept what can not be changed. Happy people don’t waste energy on circumstances beyond their control. Accept your limitations as a human being. Determine how you can take control by creating the outcome you desire – rather than waiting to respond.

19. Self Care

Take care of your mind, body and health. Get regular medical check ups. Eat healthy and work out. Get plenty of rest. Drink lots of water. Exercise your mind by continually energizing it with interesting and exciting challenges.

20. Self Confidence

Don’t try to be someone that you’re not. After all no one likes a phony. Determine who you are in the inside – your own personal likes and dislikes. Be confident in who you are. Do the best you can and don’t second guess yourself.

21. Take Responsibility

Happy people know and understand that they are 100% responsible for their life. They take responsibility for their moods, attitude, thoughts, feelings, actions and words. They are the first to admit when they've made a mistake.

Begin today by taking responsibility for your happiness. Work on developing these habits as you own. The more you incorporate the above habits into your daily lifestyle – the happier you will be.

(source: prettywildhealthy)

For Colored Girls, Miley Cyrus, and The Rest Of Us

Your Destiny Will Compensate You For Your Pain. ~ Max Lucado [Tweet This]

Life is a journey, not a destination, so of course we’re all subject to a wrong turn…or two, or at least however many it takes us to get on the right track. “Child star gone wrong” seems to be a new Disney theme song for most of the kids from the Hollywood hood. Some of them cleaned up their act, but stars like Amanda Bynes, Demi Levato, and Lindsey Lohan were all beating down a familiar path of adolescent madness, and making headlines for being a hot mess. Miley Cyrus is taking good care not to be an exception.

She’s the latest trending topic online for being considered a train wreck in action. She’s built a new league of haters and speculators all onboard for the ride, it seems like everybody hates on Miley now. Yes, her two little teddy bear ears at the VMA’s just made her look like the devil, but maybe she’s not. We can only hope it’s just a phase. She is just 20 years old after all…but then again most 20-year-olds don’t carry around teddy bears.

Bear-y, bear-y strange behavior!

Is Miley acting out because of a “lost childhood”? Was the weight of juggling two lives really too much for Hannah Miley? If that’s the case then forget the haters, that balancing act was quite entertaining! She’s put in her work; she knows the struggle is real. Let the girl turn up, be ratchet, and “twerk” out her issues with the homies. Miley knows how to put on a show and all the media is buzzing, but what about the real “hood” girls whose stories go unsung, struggling to make the rent, on food stamps, and just surviving, with no “Mr. Deeds” to help them out and no President Fitz to bail them out.

Yes, she probably has issues, but until Miley gets a “Kink in her hair” the struggle of balancing fame and normality is weak in comparison to the depth of most black girl problems. However, no one can ever really ever know the pain that Miley or anyone else goes through. Tragedy is not limited to colored girls who have considered suicide. Everybody has issues. We all have our own journey and a personal “climb” we must endure. Our journey teaches us the lessons we’re meant to grow from.

Continue Reading on Regal Realness.

Antoinette Tuff Showed Faith In Action

Throughout the media Antoinette Tuff is "hailed as a Hero", because she is, and her courage is full of inspiration. Her heroism is one of the greatest examples of faith we've seen shared in popular media in a long time.

There was no groveling for mercy. No whining that her life be spared. Even though an armed gunman had invaded an elementary school, struck terror into the hearts of children and fired shots in the direction of police officers, she assured him that everything will be alright. She explained that the incident didn't have to end in death, that she loved him and that she too has struggled in life and had considered suicide.

What is more amazing, Antoinette exhibits the courage to lobby on his behalf to the police, taking up his cause as her own, even to the point of walking outside with him. She was poised enough to humanize the situation by giving details about her own family - her disabled son and her husband who recently left her after 33 years of marriage. As she shares her story, the gunman is moved to contact his own family and to talk with them amid this crisis.

Antoinette’s disarmingly kind words reshape the entire situation. This was no longer a terrorist threat against innocent civilians, but a broken man speaking with a broken woman about common hurts and pains. Michael Hill puts down his gun, lays face down on the ground, hands behind his head. The police are able to move in quickly and peacefully apprehend him. No one is harmed.

Her witness is sorely needed as many other educational institutions send the exact opposite message.

We learn what was going through Antoinette’s mind from an interview with ABC’s Diane Sawyer. When asked where she got the courage, she boldly professed, “I was sitting there just praying.” But these weren't last-ditch, “Hail Mary” efforts. Her prayers were informed by regular teaching she had received from her pastor at church. “It is bigger than me,” she proclaimed. “He is a hurting young man.” “I’m not the hero,” she clarified, “I give it all to God.” Though absolutely terrified and truly suspecting that Michael would take her life along with his, God helped Antoinette keep it together, in her words, “through His grace and mercy.”

I've taught lessons about all humans being made in God’s image and how God causes the sun to shine on the good and the evil alike. I've delivered lectures about the power of love and the deceptive security of violent retaliation. I've ranted about gun control and decried shallow answers to “What would you do?” scenarios, which proceed as if God does not act in history on behalf of His people and beckon humans to rely on their own strength and marksmanship.

But all those speeches seem hollow now. This woman’s testimony is so simple yet eloquent, so effortlessly intuitive yet genuinely heroic, an example of Romans 12:21 in action. Her witness is sorely needed as many other educational institutions send the exact opposite message. 

Antoinette Tuff's faith should continually be heralded. It's what being BOLD is all about.

#BOLDJournal

a version of this post originally posted by John C. Nugent. Read more on ThinkChristian.

The Best Things in Life are Free

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The best things in life aren’t things.  -Art Buchwald

Some years ago, in Bhopal, India, poison gas leaked into the air through an industrial mishap. Disaster struck when people living in the vicinity of the factory inhaled those noxious fumes. Hundreds died and hundreds more were crippled for life. Even today memories of that dreadful day haunt those who survived, when Death came brandishing his blade, riding on the very air they breathed.

For most of us, what happened in Bhopal is a freak accident, not likely to happen to us. Although we pollute the air, we can breathe it, without the threat of disease or death, because gales of pure air drive out stagnant clouds of pollution. It is God’s way of continuing the free supply of air. And He levies no charges for His services.

Consider water. Could we live a normal day without it? Do we pay for it? Not really. The paltry sum we pay for the supply of water to our homes does not give us a true sense of its value, so much so we waste it. The abundance of water around us gives us the assurance that the waters of the earth will not run dry. That God will replenish dwindling stocks through life-giving rain.

What about the sights, smells and sounds of Nature? Watch a breathtaking dawn, when darkness cannot linger as the gates of morning are opened; or the grandeur of a sunset, as night drives back day, and you witness the Divine Artist at work. Wait, the show is not over. As evening lowers its dark mantle over the earth, a blood-red tropical moon casts its eerie glow. Wait a little longer to see twinkling stars adorn the dark sky. What a sight to behold, when night takes a deep breath and holds it!

Marvel at the flowerbeds – in a riot of colors - nodding their heads in the breeze. View unending lush green lawns or throw your head back and laud sturdy trees climb the sky. Take in the exhilarating fragrance of flowers and fruits, or taste delicious fruits that hang low from drooping branches, and you are beside yourself with unexplained joy. Or, stand in awe as jagged bolts of lightning touch the turbulent waters of the sea; or, be amazed at the power of the storm as it uproots and splinters giant leaf-clad monarchs of the forest; or, be stunned at the dexterity of the wind as it hurriedly sculpts the waters of the ocean into moving mountains. Even in its fury, Nature is beautiful!

Watch the seasons unfold. Spring, when the earth is unlocked, and the air is filled with the perfume of promise. Summer, when vegetation seems fulfilled, and fruit is abundant; and when hesitant summer rain cools your face. Listen to the music as your feet trample fallen autumn leaves. Watch the first snowflakes land lightly on expectant earth, as winter bids autumn goodbye. Gently the seasons make their entries and exits.

Be thrilled with the music of Nature – chirping birds and rustling leaves, whistling winds and the lapping of waves on the beach, rumbling thunder and rain pelting scorched earth.

We buy tickets to visit Art Galleries and Art Exhibitions, and to attend concerts and watch magic shows, but do not pay a penny to rejoice in the works of God. It is easy to dismiss these wonders as manifestations of Nature. What is Nature, but an outstretched finger pointing to God!

Have we stopped to think of time? Each moment is a gift because we do not know if the next will be ours. Yet, we are guilty of wasting precious time, because God gives it to us free.

His crowning gift is His love. Nothing that we do will diminish His love for us. His love brings with it an abiding peace. As an extension of His love for us, we receive love from those around us – parents, siblings, spouses, friends and others. And all the genuine love we receive is free.

Because we have life, we can plan and execute, perform and win praise, follow our creative urges, love and be loved,

raise a family, and cherish the love of children. It is true that death is an end to one phase of life – given to us free - but Death asks us to live life, when we have it.

We can enjoy life to the full only when we have bodies that house our souls. Rejoice at the miracle we call the body. Every single cell of the entire body is changed once in seven years. The average person possesses 500 to 700 different skills and abilities. The brain can store one hundred trillion facts. The nose can smell ten thousand different odors. Human touch can detect an item 1/25,000 of an inch thick. The tongue can taste one part of quinine in two million parts of water. The list goes on.

God is too good to be unkind and too wise to make mistakes. So, in His Infinite wisdom and mercy, He continues to shower us with His blessings. Neither will He stop giving nor will He take back any of His gifts. We are blessed. If we are to put a value to the gifts we receive from Him, we are millionaires, many times over.

Are we conscious of our indebtedness? Do we sincerely thank Him? Life in the mainstream has become a pavement-pounding activity in quest of profit, pleasure and possessions. We have little or no time to think of God. Even if we do, we try to keep Him out of our lives.

It is time we realized that the best things in life aren’t things and that they are free. It is also time that we gave Cicero’s words some thought: Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all. A thankful heart enjoys blessings twice – when they are received and when they are remembered.

-Ignatius Fernandez

The Truth Without Photoshop

Poetry by Janette...ikz

Another writer posted a question "who was my favorite poet?" Maya Angelou was the first to come to mind, but as I thought about it more another name popped up: Janette...ikz. I saw a powerful video by her on YouTube  some years back. 

I checked out the video again just to reminisce. I  wasn't intending on listening to the whole thing , but it was so attention grabbing it's kind of impossible not to.



The truth without Photoshop is much more than a poem, it's a ministry. A girl tells her story, and its power  packed with action! From sadness to salvation. In your face rhetoric that's undeniable.

Hope to see a lot more from this poet!! by the end of the video I was screaming with delight and at points I was in tears. Awesome Content! Very Inspirational! Way to Go Janette...Ikz!! continue to be an uplifting Witness!!



-April D. Byrd

Go For Your Dreams

In other words..."Keep Calm and March On!!"

As the nation celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the "I Have A Dream Speech". I sat reminiscing on all Dr. King has accomplished, not as a Doctor or a Writer, but as a man of God, it brought a spirit of worship and  reverence for God's power to my heart. The speech is iconic, even legendary. My mind is filled with awe, splendor and excellence as the nation looks back on the words that made a difference. There is no doubt that it was the Reverend's and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's faith that made a major and outstanding impact in the world. Dr. King was a  cultured and college educated man, but he understood the difference between a hunger for facts and the need for the fear of God. “Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.” 

However, I don't think it was  Dr. King's intellect or science savvy that caused him to see the light at the end of the tunnel. He had a dream, a vision, a revelation from God. When he say's he went to the mountain top... he wasn't kidding! Worship and meditation have a tendency to lift our spirits to their highest altitude and give us a "peak" into greatness. Don't let your nightmares get in the way of your dreams. Whatever you think is holding you back has no power at all, because all the power is in your God given purpose. “If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”* 

Phenomenal, Positive Hope leads to "Change".

There is a plan and vision for your life and you will never realize it until you seek God for a mountain top experience of your own. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.-(Jeremiah 29:11) Dr. King had a "King's Faith", he proudly identified with being a royal child of the most high king. Scripture reads that: "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings is to search it out."*

When we look for and get the vision that God has for us, we can create greatness on purpose. Life abounds in the way of God. Boldness, vigor, and excitement comes from the courage to be passionate and act on faith. Dr. King said: “A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.” We can never live our best lives if we never know what our passion is. The difference between where you are and where you want to be is faith. Keep Calm and Carry on! Develop a "kingly" faith and go for your dreams.

*References:

Jeremiah 29:11

1 Peter 2:9

Proverbs 25:2

*Quote: T.D. Jakes

-April D. Byrd


Follow BOLDJournal on twitter: @BOLDJournal.

Live Your Best Life

Living Your best life, and realizing the highest vision of yourself is simple: Meditate, trust God, and go for your dreams!

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. - 2 Corinthians 3:17

For more posts and inspirational updates visit Breath Of Life Daily (#BOLDJournal)  on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Motivation: Your Power To Win Is Within

The blessing doesn't come from what you get out of life, 
but from what you put into it.” -April D. Byrd 

The DRIVE comes from inside...

We have the gift of life! Life is the ability to move, to do, make choices, make decisions, so on and etc. It encompasses everything we make it to be, because we have the power to make it so. Empowerment is action based. Truly every choice that we make and action we take can either bless us or break us down. When we have wisdom and enlightenment in our lives, we make better choices than if we didn't have them at all. Here are a few simple, yet powerful ways to take over the world:


Study:
Read the bible and other positively empowering or faith-based content. Show yourself approved, verified, certified. Stay Motivated! Wisdom makes you a more valuable human being. Knowledge is power and an asset to the whole world. “Because of your wisdom, because of your knowledge, because of your life giving word, you can help somebody out of the pain and anguish that they experience! You can also continually help yourself. Study is a reminder for the brain. Words are powerful don’t take studying and knowing the Lord for granted. Utilize the power!

Pray: 
Communication is key. Your life is based on your own perception of it, if you have a wrong perception of it can be miserable, if you have a God perception of it it will be exhilarating... to say the least. Prayer provides a confidante. It helps to give dominion and authority in decision making. It's also a practice of focus and it makes us more in touch with our good spirit daily.

Conquer: 
Self-discipline is vital for success. Harness the power of focus. It can be gained through prayer and meditation. Fasting also helps. Our conquering is in our concentration. its so easy to get distracted in all the business of the world . All the different types of media can be a big distraction. People can be as well. Do not let other peoples emotions affect your emotions, primarily ones of negativity or hostility. If someone else's bad mood sways your own it shows they control you, it projects your own lack of vision and good perception. Scripture reads if the blind lead the blind both will fall in the ditch(1), or otherwise grave. Where there is no vision the people perish(2). Hate kills. Your life is your liberty. Experience it as a gift.

(click) Matthew 25: 14-30

Seek good counsel and get the joy and peace you need for your soul. “Everything you want in life, you have the power to go get.”

but remember it's important what you get! Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all your getting get understanding. -Proverbs 4:7


Money doesn't rule the world, innovation does and it's all yours for the taking!. Make the choice to be awesome today and #thinkBOLD!


*references:
1.) Matthew 15:14
2.) Proverbs 29:18
3.) Matthew 25: 14-30
4.) Proverbs 4:7