Moving Through Life’s Changes with Victory

By: April J. Lisbon, Ed.D.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if there were no changes? Have you ever felt like the shifts of life get you down? Has this created a space or spaces within your life where you feel like all hope is lost?

Moving through life’s changes can be hard to navigate when you feel off balanced. Often times fear, depression, angst, and anger fills are hearts and minds to a point where we are ready to give up.

However, as the Word of God is true to it's promises and as stated in I Corinthians 10:13, He will never give us more than we can handle. When the pressures of life seem to wear you down, remind yourself that the Word of God is the equalizer to help you navigate the battle in the mind.

Understand that God never intended for life to be hard for any of us as He saw the weight of the world on the cross. Yet He also knows that the only way we can win the war of the mind is by never giving up. Standing on God’s promises is the key to helping you move through life’s changes.

Never walk this battle alone. The Word says that the battle is not yours but it’s the Lord’s as written in II Chronicles 20:15. You have already won the battle of the mind. Now walk in your victory in Jesus’s name.

Motivation Music Playlist ft. Mary Mary, Kevin LeVar and More

Go Get It - Mary Mary 

"It's like You lookin' through a telescope you see where you gonna be Growin' gettin' better you're not the person they see. Can't be mad at the things you've been through, 'cause they built your muscle. Now you're stronger than you've ever been, they can't stop your hustle

Yo faith ain't never small that's what brought you this far
See you got your dreams and you got your prayers and you got you God. He gonna take you there, See everybody has a season and I've believe this one's your's. 'Cause you've been working, waiting, this what you've been praying for Go get it!"

GOD has given you the vision, it's up to you to be BOLD and execute it. Like the meme says " The dream is Free, The Hustle is sold separately."

Your Destiny - Kevin LeVar & One Sound

This is not a time to get distracted. . . No no no
This not a time to go off course,This is not a time to lose your focus, You got a work to do for the Lord, And you cannot afford to lose your way
You've come to far from where you started from, So please don't let the time you've sown Be wasted on things that you'll later regret, Wishes you never had Once your realize it wasn't worth it, Your destiny is too important to give up for anything.

Your destiny and purpose is way more important than anything that tries to distract you. Stay Focused. Stay Faithful.

Nobody Like You Lord - Maranda Curtis

"Oh Lord, Our Lord How excellent Is your name, Your name is strength, Your name is power A strong tower, Makes me safe, Oh Nobody like you Lord. . ."

Acknowledging that GOD's name is strength and power, empowers us. We are made strong in GOD's power alone. "But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected inweakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladlyin my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me." Who wouldn't serve a GOD like that?!

Listen to these songs by Mary Mary, Vashawn Mitchell, Jekalyn Carr and more on the BOLDJournal Motivation Music Playlist https://spoti.fi/2AOV2hW

What are some songs in your playlist that get you motivated and help keep you focused? Let us know in the comments section or mention us on Instagram and Twitter: @BOLDJournal

Podcast: Spiritual Fitness For Abundance

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. 

Resistance Will Adjust To Reach Target

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.

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A post shared by Breath Of Life Daily (@boldjournal) on Oct 19, 2018 at 5:15am PDT

Building Spiritual Muscles For Your Breakthrough

This morning I thought about how I gave up my gym membership because it wasn't currently in the budget and all the amenities that particular gym, came with in comparison to another gym.

I had really started slacking in exercising on purpose anyway before I cancelled it, but later in the morning as I was in corporate prayer at church and the bishop was talking, I realized not only should I be thinking about building physical strength and fitness, but how taking time to build spiritual strength is even more important to be considered in terms of investing in it and maintaining it.

"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." -Proverbs 4:7

We talk about "Breakthroughs" so much in spiritual and church conversations. It's like a buzz word that's thrown around a lot, but we should consider that there is real faith and action put behind them most of the time. Faith doesn't work, without work.

"So, also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead." - James 2:17

If we don't intentionally take time out to seek the spirit. How can we pray in the spirit? If we aren't praying in the spirit, seeking GOD, then what are we being motivated by? who's will are we operating on?

Building spiritual muscles, just like building physical muscles takes prayer, faith combined with action, dedication, and time invested. What we don't know and what we don't do can can hurt us, and it usually does!

However, taking the time out to increase  strength. Is totally life giving! Praying and obeying GOD's will is not for GOD, it's for us. Invest in it at all costs!


DISCLAIMER: There is nothing we can do in ANY of our own strength without GOD. Building up spiritual strength means seeking GOD's will first and exercising the mission we receive in prayer to execute. When we try to do so much in our own physical strength we will get burnt out and eventually lose motivation. 

Breakthrough requires that we get out of our comfort zone. Take time to Pray, study, and be BOLD in executing GOD's will through your life.

Pray From A Place of Faith

Pray from a place of faith not fear. In the same vein, Give from a place of fullness not lack. 

 It came to me that in the past, sometimes I've sought to share with others, from a place of lack wanting to be liked or accepted by people. Feeling like people could provide validation of some sort.

The truth is we should give because there's an overflow of what God has given us. The gifts, understanding and blessings that we have in abundance is what we're supposed to give out of. Even if that's just having faith from your experiences to share.

Fear of loss, or any type of fear is not the best point to pray from. It shows that we think whatever problem we're facing is bigger than GOD. The great news is that nothing is. Pray from a place of trust, adoration and confidence. Whatever the situation is the King is in control.

Who is the King of glory? 

The LORD strong and mighty,

the LORD mighty in battle.

-Psalm 24:8

10 Inspirational Quotes From Queen Sugar

[Photo Credit: Queen Sugar]

Queen Sugar is back! (OWN) The Oprah Winfrey Network recently kicked off Season 3
of it’s series Queen Sugar. It was explosive and powerful to watch as fans expected it to be.
“Sugar babies” can’t get enough of the show because of it’s quality content and uninhibited expression
of truth. Queen Sugar is one of, if not THE most woke, conscious, and real shows on TV.
The show airs on Wednesdays at 10pm EST. So many inspirational gems and quotes
can be taken from the show I decided to share a few from the premiere of this season.
Hopefully these words of wisdom, strength and affirmation can hold us over until the next episode:

“Don’t lead with the fear of what might be, lead with the strength of who you are.”

"Don’t lead with the fear of what might be, lead with the strength of who you are." - Charley Bordelon West #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

"Amplify through your words and glory"

"Amplify through your words and glory" #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

“Bet on yourself”

“Bet on yourself baby” - Aunt Vi #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

“For the first time in my life I didn't feel like I had to justify my presence"

“For the first time in my life I didn't feel like I had to justify my presence" - Micah West #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

"I will always lift you up."

"I will always lift you up." - Hollywood #QUEENSUGAR pic.twitter.com/s6sxhB6BRT

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

"I will not be side-lined, sidetracked or side-stepped!"

"I will not be sidelined, sidetracked or side-stepped!" - Aunt Vi #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

“I’ve been ‘only human’ my whole life, I want to be something else now, I want to be a warrior.”

“I’ve been ‘only human’ my whole life, I want to be something else now, I want to be a warrior.” - Aunt Vi #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

“Just because you wish something is meant to be doesn’t mean it is.”

“Just because you wish something is meant to be doesn’t mean it is.” #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

“It depends on what you're giving up to get it"

[A Win] "It depends on what you're giving up to get it!"  - Remy Newell #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

“I know it's a little thing, but it's my little thing.”

“I know it's a little thing, but it's my little thing.” - Aunt Vi #QUEENSUGAR

— BreathOfLifeDaily.com (@boldjournal) June 4, 2018

What are some quotes or moments from the show that inspire you to “take flight” toward your best life? Share in the comments section of this post or reach out to us online @BOLDJournal.

5 Essential Tools To Increase Your Spiritual Wisdom

At times multiple worries, anxieties, and to-do lists can weigh down on our spirits. Staying positive will usually help provide the solutions we need. Wisdom is the key! Worry and stress do not belong to us.  If worry or anxiety is looming around in your thoughts, just send it back to hell where it’s from! Wisdom is so powerful and so worthy nothing can touch it. When we put down worry and pick up wisdom, we reap the benefits:

1. Take Some Time Out To De-stress

“Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.” - (Proverbs 3:16) Wisdom makes life easier by helping us to stress less and providing enlightenment. Less stress equals longer life, medical reports will gladly back that up. Wisdom also holds wealth and honor, in modern terms that's fortune and fame. Not the fame that causes you to be exploited and ridiculed, but the one that causes favor and admiration. Worry has no results, but negative ones. Jesus once asked: "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?" The answer is NO!  Wisdom on the other hand, holds Long life and Honor. Schedule a time to get centered, to study scripture and proverbs.

2.  Secure The Wisdom Before The Bag

You Better Ask Solomon! Solomon from the Bible chose wisdom over everything. 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 Because the King chose wisdom, God blessed him abundantly with wisdom and everything else he didn't ask for including riches, wealth, and honor. Wisdom rejoices in truth, it is the empowerment serum for the soul. It made Solomon's reign better and as a bonus he received the things that wisdom itself possesses. Wisdom is more valuable than any worldly thing we can ever clamor to possess.

3.  Leverage Scripture To Level-Up

Wisdom can upgrade you way better than Beyonce’! Because wisdom rejoices in truth, it helps eliminate unnecessary drama. The word says put wisdom first and you'll be promoted. A wise person is a blessed person. Wisdom is the key to fulfillment on so many levels. Wisdom can upgrade us better than anyone can claim or sing. Scripture says wisdom preserves us, keeps us, promotes us, honors us, gives us grace, and delivers a crown of glory and that's only the half of a scripture. We can do more with wisdom than we can ever do without it.

4. Seek Satisfaction In Truth

That snickers bar isn't what you're really hungry for. We can search for validation and try to fill our emptiness  with temporary fixes all we want, but it will never be enough. Even the best bread can't compare to wisdom: "Why spend money on what is not food, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare." - Isaiah 55:2 Wisdom is sweeter than the honey on a honeycomb. "I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path." - Psalm 119: 102-104 Hungry? why wait! Start digging into your word!

5. Replace Worry With Wisdom

There's a difference between wisdom and standard knowledge. Wisdom is more enriching. in Matthew 6, Jesus instructed people to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. The kingdom of God is filled with wisdom, and wisdom is filled with everything essential. Worrying about absolutely anything is useless. Wisdom is the antithesis of worry, and it's the actual cure. In the end, It doesn't matter if we have it "All Together" or even if everything looks right, with wisdom on our side we can’t go wrong! There's no need to worry when we walk in purpose, the word says God will supply our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. Follow your purpose passionately and leave the rest to God.

What are some different methods you use to grow your spiritual wisdom? Share in the comments section of this post or reach out to us online @BOLDJournal.

Time's Up For Unfaithfulness

It's like Oprah's words earlier this week were prophetic: Time's Up!

I had the choice today to come down on someone for their fault, or to compliment them and be of assistance how I could where they fell short. This came a day after me being angry at my own self for all my faults, but still feeling grace from God and the revelation to do better.

You will never get people to do right by bashing them from the start, or reprimanding them to establish a point. God doesn't bash us, but there is a number of times to keep making mistakes before its just blatant ignorance.

Let's do better! Let's strive to do better NOW more than ever.

"Times up to ignore the voice and will of God for our lives.
Times up to stay stagnant for our own comfort.
Times up to not be walking intentionally in our purpose."

As I go forward in the day I feel very encouraged to be influenced by God's character. More importantly to seek it before everything else. 

Although it's not easy, it's absolutely necessary.

3 Ways To Declutter Your Mind

It's time to get clear and stop tripping. You know it, but how is your emotional environment? Is it free and clear of toxins that might weigh you down? whatever those toxins may be: other people, emotions, feelings, thoughts. etc.

Whatever is not in service to your purpose, it's vital to let go.

"Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us." -Hebrews 12:1

Ancient wisdom says "lay aside", in other words throw away everything that weighs us down or causes us to trip. I recently came across an article that came from the perspective of treating our thought process just like we treat our inbox. We can organize the same way by following these steps:

Filter

First off, there are standards and metrics that we can set every thought that we have against to measure if they're worthy or not. Is it pure? is it excellent? is it honorable? and so on. Philippians 4:8 Whatever thought doesn't align with this standard or the promise that God has shared, KICK IT OUT! Don't allow it to take up space in your mind.

Delete

Delete all the old negative thoughts and replace them with good thoughts. Any lie that we have held on to, or believe to be true can be replaced. We can renew and refresh our minds just like we clear the trash bin and spam from our desktops. Romans 12:2 Some thoughts don't renew us, they just restrict us. The way to avoid the darkness is by exposing our minds to light. Light and darkeness can't fit in the same space, there will either be one or the other. Continually pray and aim to expose your mind to what God says first, always.

Unsubscribe

Just like in our inboxes, even if we delete a "message" or correspondance if we're still subscribed to that source, it doesn't matter how much we hit delete we will continue to get the crap we don't want. Unsubscribe for your issues or anybody else's that don't help you evolve and pay full attention to where the solution is. Proverbs 3:5-6 Subscribe to the truth in God's word, it will make things so much more clear.  

This blog was inspired by a post from Team Jesus Magazine. What are some other methods that you use to declutter your mental space? Share in the comments section of this post or reach out to us online @BOLDJournal.