HaShem, one of the names referring GOD, His name being too Holy to be spoken.
"Hashem is a Hebrew term for God. Literally, it means “the name.” In the Bible the Hebrew word for God is made up of four vowels, and according to tradition it was only pronounced on Yom Kippur by the High Priest. Saying God’s name was considered a very serious and powerful thing, so much so that one of the Ten Commandments prohibits us from saying God’s name in vain. As a result, people have come up with various substitutions."*
The name of The Lord is Holy. When we run to the name of The Lord we're running to a sacred place, a place where not just anything can run behind us. Not everything can enter the most holy place or The Most High's Presence.
The righteous, who have The Spirit of GOD in their hearts can. As the children of GOD when we run to name of The Lord we're protected. We're safe from the things that have no place in the presence of GOD.
The Lord told Abraham, that if he found fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, he wouldn't destroy the city.*
To be righteous is considered by some as being "in right standing with GOD". Righteousness is a position that we can choose to be in, it's one we can work to be in. It's certainly one that we're protected in.
As children of GOD, we can come to know our Father more, when we know our Father more we'll know that we can run to His Holy name, amongst other sacred things that are revealed to us in the covenant we have.
May we seek to live in the safety of The Lord continually.
When you are called to fulfill a purpose, any and everything can be used to stop you from meeting your destiny. It is up to you, who face challenges and situations, to make a conscious effort to be overcomers, fighters, and victors of obstacles you face. When making this decision, you can lose friendships, relationships, and sometimes even jobs. It can be a very uncomfortable situation especially when you want so bad cling to those hindrances because it is all you know, it is what you love, and it is your safety zone. The funny thing about it is that most times we know what the hindrances are, but we may not know what our purpose is. So for that very reason, we never fully comprehend just how much of a necessity it is for us to let go of those hindrances to move forward in our destiny by uncovering our purpose. However, it is in those quiet times with yourself, where you discover your gifts. It is in those times where you are not focused on the rhetoric of your situations where you discover your talents. In those times where you are not indulging with your hindrances and your obstacles, that is when your purpose begins to form. I know for me, one of my biggest hindrances are friendships. Because I like to be around people, I tend to just want to be around who ever is available. Not always are the people who are available conducive to my well being. Not always are the people who are available have my best interest at hand. Often, I find my self compromising my very beliefs, morals, and standards. So instead of being that purpose driven woman of destiny, being a light in darkness of situations, I just blend right in. I conform to the very thing I do not want to be. After spending so much time conforming, I have discovered one of two things will happen. Either you will become complacent, losing your desire for your advancement, and develop a will to simply just exist; or you will get so uncomfortable in your situation, that you have to remove yourself from the very things that are holding you back. At that point the question becomes,
When you hear the call of your destiny, will you chose to pursue it? Will you answer the call?
Or will you allow your destiny that awaits you to just dwindle away, and your purpose that you were designed to accomplish become void; all because you did not want to endure the discomfort of your advancement. We all know there is no growth without discomfort. We can apply the same principles of our natural world to the very idea of advancing in our purpose. As a child grows into maturity they go through very uncomfortable stages called puberty; as a woman creates life in her womb, it is uncomfortable or even painful; for stamina and muscle to develop, there is a period of soreness, and pain. Its evident that we must endure pain, hardships, and discomfort to gain advancement through life, but keep in mind it is only for a moment, and the end result is always greater.
So today I encourage you to think about those obstacles and hindrances in your life that have been placed in the way of discovering your purpose and moving into your destiny. Make a conscious decision to move past them, and let them go. That is how you move into your victory, and gain a life full of joy and satisfaction. Do not be content to just exist. You have a greater value than that!!! ---- Carla Marcelle is a Life and Purpose Coach and regular contributor to Breath Of Life Daily. For more inspirational posts from Coach Carla Stay tuned to her "Wake Up Wednesdays" segment here on BOLD Journal every Wednesday. Subscribe via e-mail and connect with@BOLDJournalon Twitter and Instagram for the latest updates.
The word of God is a seed when planted and watered grows to be great! Remember the parable of the sower? Some seed fell along the path, some fell on shallow rocky ground some was choked up, and some fell on good ground. We have to make sure our ground is good and fertile. that comes in focusing solely on God and His Word. Focus promotes fertility! There is power in studying, staying up to date and current in the word. When we bother to take care of the word God has given us we will yield and reap great benefits. Build and let the life grow in you! Stay grounded, and have an active prayer life. God's word never expires or returns to Him void. Make sure to stay current in it! Rise as good crop children of God! Even though there may be weeds and negativity around you, Still continue to rise and shine! It's your season!
Homosexuals today are fighting, pushing for marriage benefits because it’s such a powerful institution. but men and women with the consciousness of God are taking it for granted, not thinking twice about it’s sanction, before “getting it on" however and with whomever they choose for seemingly convenient gratification. Lives are fading away and in the balance because society chooses to adhere to pollution and disregard purity. Understand that purity is the only place we find our sanity. The exploitation of sex, cars, and money that continually flashes before you is the pollution. Of course any one would look for pure love anywhere they can find it, when what is supposed to be glorious, becomes blasphemous and misrepresented. There is a way that is right and a truth that is Life. Don’t Judge another, but please DO NOT BE DECEIVED! The word of God is the source of wisdom, power, life, and love. look past the affairs of the world and allow your heart to commit, truly. -April Byrd
Don't be a statistic! If there is a race card, there is also a Blessed Card. Life deals each and every one of us a unique hand. It is up to us how we play it and whether we succeed in making the best of it. Consult "the dealer" and refuse to stay down on your luck. Even when it seems like we don't we have anything, the truth is we have everything we need to be blessed and walk in divine purpose. May each and every individual in this one nation under God, as well as the rest of the world seek true love peace, and justice in order to operate as Winners and be a blessing in the earth. May Trayvon's life and controversy that has united so many voices to speak out and take a stand cause those same souls to seek and speak the righteousness and the blessings of God. Live In Peace!
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. - Romans 12:2
Last month, Essence Magazine's new September cover girl Kelly Rowland gave us a lot of insight into her personal life. Kelly Rowland has been in the news a lot lately dealing with the issues of her domestic struggle, violence, and self-esteem. While flipping through stations on the radio the track "Dirty Laundry" struck me as profound. Deep in the since that Rowland was telling a candid story in detail. She talks about her life immediately after her Destiny's Child band member Beyonce Knowles launched into solo super stardom. Rowland talks about being happy for Beyonce's Success, but also wondering what her next act would be, or who would really care. At the same time Kelly was in her crisis, she was in a relationship dealing with emotional, verbal, and physical abuse.
(Excerpt:)
"And I was trapped in his house, lyin’ to my mama Thought it could get no worse as we maximize the drama Started to call them people on him (the police?) I was battered He hittin' the window like it was me, until it shattered He pulled me out, he said, “Don’t nobody love you but me Not your mama, not your daddy and especially not Bey” (Beyonce) He turned me against my sister I missed ya..."
It was the drama of it and behind it that made it engaging, a story being played out that the hearers got to listen to, a peep into her life behind the scenes. The story was a lot different from all the glitz and glamour that we're used to seeing with celebrities. One very noticeable thing about the star is she gives good face...whether it be for the cameras or for the public. Her beauty could easily let her pass for a Barbie Doll. However, the thing about Barbie Dolls is they are plastic and fake. Our lives become more substantial and authentic through divine purpose. Despite my admiration for the plot of the song, I noticed that by the end there was no triumph in the testimony. Yes, Rowland is successful in popularity, but how do we avoid toxic relationships like the one she noted? What lesson is there to be taken from it all?
The song was intriguing because as people we love drama. Dirt and "dirty laundry" is what some media outlets thrive on. Its through the elevation of our spirits and our mindsets that we demand better for ourselves. Seeking God's understanding for us, is when we go in the right direction and make the best decisions for our lives. "Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool."- Isaiah 1:18 There is one source that can wash away the dirt and truly make us "clean inside". Keep The Faith!
Trying circumstances happen to everyone regardless of who we are. What we personally believe and how our thought process works determine how we we react to those circumstances and the overall flow of our daily lives. In this Lesson "It's Not Personal" Coach Jennifer instructs how we can strategically work with, go around , or leap over obstacles; Also, how we can use revelation and right thinking to move toward authentic success and be fulfilled in our specific purpose.
Psalms 18: 28-31
The war is impersonal. Obstruction is not personal. Leap over it, go round it or go through it. God is not interested in people that put their hand to the plow and then look back to the side. When people betray you, you don't have the power to bring them back, but you have the power to move on with your life. Betrayal, death, riches, wealth, all were here before we got here. Stop treating life as though as though its after you.
Key Points:
Depend on the revelation of the word of God and what your true self believes. you, your mind, and your belief system and what you're trusting God for should should line up. there has to be synchronicity. Right thinkingis thinking which is based on truth and not illusion. It is the foundation which determines the solidity of all other thinking.
positive thinking and negative thinking are both filtered through our belief systems.
truth does not care what your belief system is. the world operates on principles and laws. it doesn't matter if you're a Christian or a non-christian the principles and laws are the same.
God put the law of gravity in place.
Your decisions and choices have consequences.
Right thinking comes from being aware of the truth or reality of a situation.
God's blessing is already declared its up to you what kind of vessel you come with to life. (ex: spoon, bowl, bucket etc.)
No amount of inspiration. motivation will solve your problems if you keep looking outside of you for solutions. the first place to start and succeed is to shut everything off and focus inward.
God is (inside) of you.
hypocrisy doesn't work authenticity does.
your mind attracts whatever is familiar to itself.
God knows ALL, our job is to learn to listen. (As for God... Psalms 18:30)
His way brings truth to the circumstance.
God speaks through revelation. light and understanding.
the word that causes light is revelation
to the extent your revelation goes is to the extent that your life and understanding go.
transformation is dependent on revelation
the word of God comes in three forms: revelation, spoken word, and commandments of the Lord. commandments are written.
what transforms us is revelation... "you can never not know what you know."
God loves a cheerful giver... familiar words from 2 Corinthians often recited at church services when it is time for offering. We reach into our wallets and pull cash, change, checks, and sometimes credit cards to give our offering to God because He has been so good to us and we want more blessings. After absorbing the message on Sunday morning we often return to our daily routines that may or may not glorify God. We pass by the homeless man without giving money, because he may use the money for drugs. We ignore a new struggling mother with a screaming child, because she is a public annoyance. We give overabundant amounts of clothing, supplies, and food to a shelter abroad, but will not help a friend who is struggling financially. By giving you create and/or strengthen a spiritual connection with someone that could very well save their lives, called hope. When God blesses us he reminds us that he is the light out of the darkness and it is up to us to spread His light. The action of giving is an act of spiritual completion that allows our blessings to rain upon us... and not just through our wallet. However it is hard to have a heart of light in a world of darkness.
www.illustrationsource.com
Speaking from personal experience there have been several times when a homeless person has cheated my kindness for their gain. Similarly there have been trustworthy people that have used my charitable heart against me. Their actions have been similar to those of a predator who preys on guilt and compassion to get any and everything they needed. There are tears shed and smiles gleamed that promise the best intentions with whatever is given. Sometimes their intentions are blatant lies or your kind actions are used until they are no longer needed. This is when the spirit of giving seems like more of a curse and becomes absurd to believe that God will bless you for your actions. Then questions like these arise in your spirit and you challenge God on why it is important to give:
Why bother having a charitable
heart to strangers and those closer to me?
Why have an open heart if it continues to hurt?
Why allow others to relish in my heartbreak from their exploitation of my kindness?
After reciting these questions over and over again while mulling over your decision to be kind, it seems like being selfish is the best option to protect your heart. The truth is as long as the spirit of the kindness is done with good intentions your blessings will come. It seems like an overused line to ease the spirit of a hurt individual, but it's the truth. When we give of ourselves and not just of our wallets blessings appear. Understand that as individuals our purpose is to fulfill every task that God puts in front of us so that His plan continues to prosper us and the world. We have to realize that is the random acts of kindness that can change the very way we live, believe, understand, and appreciate life.
The homeless man that may be on drugs could receive your gift of food, shelter, or clothing and be inspired to change his life around. Because of hischanges he could change the lives of hundreds more. The mother causing a nuisance with her screaming child could be calmed and encouraged by your words and assistance; in turn she could be a mentor for new struggling mothers. And finally instead of shipping clothing and more to a perfect stranger, take your friend grocery and clothes shopping. By doing so you could have saved your friend from an attempted suicide caused by their hard times. No one knows how their actions will ripple or return to them. Just keep in mind that as many chances as God has given us after our transgressions, we too must give the gift of giving a chance to continue to receive God's charity.
Because of the abundant gift of free will our choice to live a life fulfilled is in our hands.
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."
HEBREWS 13:5
My Kind Of Love- Emile Sande
There are times when we are so angry and bitter because we are alone. Alone in circumstance, alone in pain, alone in happiness, or alone in love. We feel so combated with ourselves because we want to achieve things alone through the trenches to reap the glory. Yet when the cameras stop flashing, thefameleecheslet go, we are left alone...unless we have the love of God.
When we don't get what we want in life or everything goes wrong, we curse God for everything he has not given us. Not even considering his protection, demon deflection, and blessings along the way. We would rather say we did it all, no figment God gave us anything.
It is in those moments that God will finally make us 'sit down' and re-evaluate our lives; whether it is a Job like experience or not. Then we will finally understand his will, because his will, his guidance, his protection is love.
Spring is in the air, a lot of love and relationships form around this time. Relationships are great, but it's important to appreciate who we are as individuals first.
Being the best us for our own self, is the best gift we can give ourselves, and the world.
It's important not to depend on relationships with people for happiness, if we have no life before them, we'll have no life without them. It's best to Recognize the true source of our Joy and Peace. God's love is above all. When we Put Him first, we'll find the love to healthily love another.
After that the best thing to do is to make sure we're better than good or all around totally Awesome! When we look in the mirror we should be the person we absolutely love. Self-love, strength, and confidence start from within. Everybody may not like the confidence we exude, but some people are depending on it.For the whole creation hopes for and expects the revelation of the sons of God.*
The world deserves you at your best!!
"We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world" -Marianne Williamson
If we have a good relationship with ourself we relate to everything and everyone else in the world much better.
“Oh, heart, if one should say
to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers,
but the seed remains. This is the law of God.” -Kahlil Gibran.
At
the best of times, a walk in a cemetery is not a stimulating exercise. It is
an eerie and spooky place. Ghosts make unearthly noises, it is said, as they
roam from tomb to tomb. Surely, not a nice place to visit.
Despite
these warnings, I ventured into the cemetery alone. On earlier visits I had
others with me. I found my way to the spot where my beloved parents were laid
to rest. As I stood at the foot of their graves - side by side – and prayed
for the repose of their souls, my eyes fell upon the epitaphs inscribed on
the granite slabs. My father’s had the words: “He gave even when it hurt”,
and my mother’s extolled her love: “A life of love”.
I
had read those words many times before; now they gave me a new insight –
those words summed up their lives and were not just tributes paid to them. My
father gave until he had nothing left – money, time and effort. Those who
came to him did not go empty handed. Even when he was cheated, by
manipulating con men, he would console us: ‘He needed the money more than I’. Many stories of his acts of
charity were told to us after his death. The words of Erich Fromm came back
to me: “Not he who has much is rich,
but he who gives much”. Indeed, my father was rich. I felt blest to be
his son. If only I could open my heart, like he did!
My
mother was the personification of love. She made no difference between family
and friends, and between friends and acquaintances. She reached out to all,
not stopping to consider what it cost her. She rejoiced in giving. How I wish
that a spark of her love inflamed me!
As
I stood lost in thought, my eyes traveled to an adjoining tombstone. The
name read Terrance Gomez, who died 20 years ago. The inscription on the slab
stated that he had left behind a sorrowing wife and two children. Perhaps
they were a happy family. Now he lay embalmed in the soundless depth of their
affection. Next to him was Tony Jacob. This stone gave no clue of family or
friends who grieved for him. Was Tony a loner? Was there no one to pray for
him? Dying friendless on earth, did his soul fly free like a bird over
endless seas? Right next to Tony was a small slab – Jennifer Bond (5). There
were no words that followed her name. Were her parents so full of sorrow that
they found no words to express their grief? Perhaps they dreamed that
Jennifer’s life would be like Nature’s progression – seeds to sprouts, buds
to blossoms and flowers to fruits. When she was born the air was filled with
the perfume of promise. Then the winds of change blew away the fragrance, leaving
her parents with only the smell of damp earth.
As
I looked around, I saw row upon row of tombstones – so many dead and so many
stories buried in silent tribute – keepsakes for heaven. With Kahlil Gibran,
I will affirm that the soul does not perish; it will live on forever. One day
the bodies that once housed indomitable spirits will come alive and praise
their Creator. For now, I imagine that they have taken abode in the stars and
shed their gentle light as a sign of love for us, who await our turn to
occupy other stars. We know with our minds, but believe with our feelings.
Standing there I believed that the love of my parents still enveloped me. The
gentle light from the stars that is home to them brightens my path. That
would not change with time.
Like
the beggar who mistakenly comes to his own door to beg, I stopped at my door
– at my life. What kind of life was I leading? Surveying the debris that
surrounded me of failings and failures, I felt sick in my heart. Resources
and opportunities were given to me in plenty, but I squandered most of them. After many years there was not much to show
for a life well spent. As indolent hands turned the pages of the book of
life, I found many pages were blank. And, like the slave in the Parable that
Jesus told, I too buried many of the talents that were given to me. I have
few gains to report – only promises that were not kept and potential lying
fallow. Was mine an unfulfilled life, I pondered?
Even
in my reverie, I figured that there was no point in mourning the past. I had
to find the courage to beg God for unconditional forgiveness and start anew
using the gifts that He had given me. Without letting the river of regret
drown its banks, I had to cling to hope and find safety in the thought that ‘tomorrow is another day’.Much can be achieved if I try. Death is a
sobering thought. The irony is that, the more you come to terms with death,
the more you learn to live. To gain that insight a visit to the cemetery
turned out to be a good idea.
