Sex And The Church #BOLDPodcast | Season 2: Episode 6

It's amazing how GOD will come through with confirmation and love when you need it the most. In hosting The InterSession, with this specific topic of sex and worth, I received an unexpected blessing that felt like full love and confirmation from the creator that I erroneously looked for everywhere else in the past.

The panelists: Veonne Anderson, Jay Tyson, Olivia Butler and Darian A. Williams were all right on point with their commentary about pre-marital sex, Such an amazing, knowledgeable group of influencers. I couldn't have hoped for a better panel to talk about this topic with.

As you listen to this episode I hope you will be encouraged to find and honor the truth of sex and it's function as ordained by the creator in the word of truth. In my personal experience the more I sought, the more I find my worth, and as I continue this journey the process also continues.

Be Enlightened. Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily to get the latest episodes first. Continue the conversation @BOLDJournal on all social media channels. You can also join the Official Facebook Group.

Lecrae Partners with Love Beyond Walls To Help Homeless in ATL Amid COVID-19

Multi Grammy Award-winning platinum selling artist, Lecrae has partnered with
lovebeyondwalls.org to plant portable hand washing stations around the Atlanta
Metro Area for homeless and displaced people to clean their hands in response to
Coronavirus (Covid19). The initiative kicks off 10am on Thursday March 19th at
Love Beyond Wall’s Center located at 3270 East Main Street, College Park, GA
30337. Lecrae will join the Love Beyond Walls team at 10am to begin assembling
the sinks after which they will be filled with water, loaded on trucks, and distributed
to key locations frequented by the homeless in the Atlanta Metro Area.

The initiative was developed by Terence Lester, executive director of Love
Beyond Walls, an organization whose mission is to “restore dignity to the homeless
and poor by providing a voice, visibility, shelter, community, and grooming and
support services to achieve self-sufficiency.” Lester who was once counted amongst
Atlanta’s homeless is now founder of Love Beyond Walls and pursuing his PH.D.
in Public Policy & Social Change. “We’re excited to have Lecrae be involved with
our work at Love Beyond Walls because he understands the importance of restoring
the community and affirming the dignity of those who are unseen. Lecrae
understands that it takes both faith and action to provide real restoration in our
communities and world. Jesus washed feet, now we have an opportunity to wash
hands and provide that same type of restoration in a modern way.”

“I’ve been following Covid19 quite intently since it’s become a pandemic and first
and foremost, I want to remind people THIS IS NOT THE END!” shares Lecrae.
“While we can heed The Center For Disease Control and Prevention’s
recommendation to stay away from others who are sick, avoid crowds, and properly
wash our hands, I can’t help but think about those living on the street who have no
way to bathe or wash their hands. People who may eat, sleep, and congregate so
close to each other that social distancing is not possible. Partnering with Love
Beyond Walls is my way of doing what Jesus did which is serve humanity. I’m
humbled to support the work of organizations like Love Beyond Walls who help,
serve, bring light, love, peace, and restoration every day.”

Lecrae was recently recognized at The Georgia State Capital for all the work that
he’s doing in the community. For more information about Love Beyond Walls visit their official website: https://www.lovebeyondwalls.org/

Follow @BOLDJournal online for the latests updates and inspiration

Glory Carriers #BOLDPodcast | Season 2: Episode 4

"I decree GOD will supply all your needs according to his riches in Glory" those were the words that were declared by the Dr., I happened to be reading them repeatedly, then it clicked. . . the riches is in Glory.

Why have I always thought the riches were just riches, in the same way that the world thinks of, or represents "riches"? I seriously sense what it means to be supplied with "riches in Glory" now.
After hearing those words echoed so many times it actually just dawned on me. The Glory has it. It's more than abundance. It's over and above abundance. All of our needs are in Glory.

The declaration in Phillipians 4:19-20 is: "And my GOD will meet all your needs according to the riches of His Glory in Christ Jesus" "To our GOD and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
So ultimately. . . the glory is in Jesus, because it's in Jesus alone it's unparalled, and per the end of declaration, glory is infinite.

I've been looking at this thing all wrong.  I discussed my misconceived notions of wealth, glory, and the supernaturalness of it all more in depth in the latest podcast: Glory Carriers.

Listen to it Here.

You can also find the Breath Of Life Daily podcast on Spotify and Google Podcasts.

References:
Understanding The Blood Covenant - Dr. Myles Munroe (Video)

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Listen and subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily Podcast #BOLDPodcast. It is available for streaming on Breaker, Overcast, PocketCasts, RadioPublic, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and anchor. 

New episodes are coming your way! Thank you for following breathoflifedaily.com Feel free to connect with us on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Todd Dulaney Talks New EP "Back To The Book"

Credit: Breath Of Life Daily

ATLANTA, Ga. -- Last week at an intimate conference held during Black History Month, Gospel Superstar and Worship Leader Todd Dulaney discussed his new EP "Back To The Book" with attendees. Dulaney talked about the inspiration behind the album, along with other topics related to gospel, entertainment, and the unity of the church.

He discussed his leadership style and shared a message of how "unity produces glory". Dulaney expressed the ultimate goal of getting the church out of their feelings and emotions, and "Back To The Book". That book being the Bible.

Breath Of Life Daily received an exclusive interview opportunity at the event and recorded coverage of a few powerful moments and responses that took place. Check out the video that can only be found on BOLDJournal's Official YouTube channel. 

Todd Dulaney's New EP "Back To The Book" is now available on all retail and digital streaming platforms.

"Like" and leave a comment of your favorite song from the new EP and connect with Breath Of Life Daily on all social media platforms @BOLDJournal for the latest interviews and Inspiration.

3 Affirmations To Kickstart Inner Work

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will." -Romans 12:2 

I'm starting to realize that the more truthful I become about honoring divine purpose and love within myself, The more my spirit serves me and provides good vibes. Yesterday was a divine intervention of the holy spirit. During the mountain top experience with a few friends (we hiked up stone mountain), one of them asked us to write down a few things we wanted to release, and proclaim them on the way up the mountain at each resting point. 

Once we got to the top of the mountain we discarded the things that we wanted to release and replaced them with what we wanted to go forward in. The three things I wrote down to release were procrastination, fear, and disbelief.

Everything that I wanted to progress in moving forward, were the opposite of the things I wanted to release. What I wrote down to walk forward in turned out to be affirmations and came out more defined than I expected. The receiving was more powerful, than the releasing. I wrote down:

I embrace productivity for divine purpose and call forth divine guidance.

I receive courage.

I believe that I'm worthy of an abundance of love, and love is always working for me.

I encourage you to embrace, receive, and believe If you want to release similar things like fear and procrastination. 

Remember, love and fear can't operate in the same place. Feel free to use these affirmations mentioned whenever you're feeling doubtful. 

What are some affirmations that you use for yourself. Share them in the comments section below or let me know online @BOLDJournal  on all social media networks.

Love and Hate For The Church

Photo Credit: Carey Nieuhof

I believe people, namely popular culture has a tendency to say more negative things about "the church" than positive, that negative energy is often cast through media depictions of  "the church".

However in my case. I feel like without the church, the gathering of believers, where would I be? I'm extremely grateful for how my life has progressed through "church and faith culture". So many of my blessings, or what I consider blessings have come through this agency.

On the same token, we have to realize that nobody owes us anything. we can't expect people to just do for us. The church is nothing more than a reflection of people. We generally have good hearts, but maybe there's a spirit or order, that thinks it's ok to take advantage of people with good hearts. 

Taking advantage of anyone is not ok. Again. nobody owes us anything, we can't put it on other people to come save us. We have to take success for ourselves. The least we can do is hope for the grace of GOD. In the understanding that the sovereign creator provides for what is divinely purposed, we can also continually seeking wisdom in it first.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

 

What are your thoughts on the church and the depiction of the church? Leave a comment below or contact us on social media @BOLDJournal.

5 Best Travel Tips For A Tight Budget

Travel is very important because it expands your horizons. It helps us think outside the box and go beyond the familiar. Even if you just travel somewhere in the city making time to be active is inspirational. Although, sometimes travel can get expensive if not done with care. Here are some top tips to help you travel more if you're on a tight budget:

Fly on Off-Peak Days

Pricing in the airline industry has become increasingly volatile, meaning fares can drop or sky-rocket at any given time. However, generally speaking, when the demand softens, airfares tend to drop. If you must travel on a Monday, Friday or Sunday, you'll find higher fares since these days tend to be popular for business and leisure travel. That means airfare tends to drop—sometimes by 50 percent or more—on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. If your itinerary allows you to be flexible, search for flights on off-peak days

Travel to Destinations That Recently Hosted Big Events

Some of the best travel savings are based on the destination. Travelers should look at destinations that recently hosted big events, such as the Olympic Games, as hotel inventory will be readily available. For example, the 2008 Summer Olympic Games didn't necessarily translate into the big tourism boom China anticipated. As a result, hotels are slashing rates on their increased inventory, resulting in deals for luxury properties and vacation packages that showcase the best of the country.

Stay at Hotels in Business Districts for Lower Weekend Rates

In many cities, business travel drives hotel prices on certain days of the week. In New York City's Financial District, hotel occupancy and rates are high from Monday through Thursday nights. But once the business travelers leave, hotels in the Financial District have increased availability, making a Friday through Sunday getaway much more affordable. This same trend applies to the cities coast-to-coast. 

Read more: http://www.oprah.com/world/travelzoos-top-5-tips-for-finding-a-travel-deal#ixzz5ipRu2mEQ

Do you have good budget travel advice? Share in the comments section below. Connect with us @BOLDJournal online for the latest updates.

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.

Atlanta Helps Launch New Youth Initiative

image source: kids get outside now

Mayor Kasim Reed and the Atlanta metropolitan YMCA were apart of launching a new youth initiative by the U.S. Interior Department to get kids more active outside. The Event is launching nationwide. The city of Atlanta was among the first selected to participate. The official kick-off was last Saturday. 

The next step in the campaign is a community wide summit to be hosted by the YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta to discuss new strategies and partnerships to help implement this program. The Program is a part of President Obama’s “Every Kid in the Park” Initiative. 

The Wade Walker Park Family YMCA in Stone Mountain will host a Healthy Kid's Day this month on the 25th at 11am. Check out the info below for more details and follow @BOLDJournal on twitter and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates.

Subscribe to BOLD Journal's Bi-Weekly Newsletter

*Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

BOLD Event: Ladies Night In: "SHEEP"

Partiez by Leslie Event Planning Co.

"Ladies Night IN" is a global empowerment initiative and informational event series that helps inspire women to reach their full God-given potential. The Ladies Night IN series will be making a stop in Georgia on April 25th, 2015. You don't wanna miss this GREAT event!!  More details about this years Ladies Night IN experience in Georgia, is shared in the information given (below):

Where: Best Western, 155 Bourne Avenue

                   

                    Pooler, GA 31322 (Savannah Airport Area)

When: April 25th, 2015 | 7 pm

Cost: Tickets are Free!!

         

For tickets visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ladies-night-in-sheep-tickets-12160068091

As women most of us were taught to be strong, independent and goal oriented creatures. However, there aren't too many workshops or seminars for servitude or even when not to lead, but to learn to follow! We are taught to be on the front lines for everything...to carry the cross. After experiencing a trying time in her business, one of Leslie Wright's darkest periods, she learned a great deal about the dynamics of trust, loyalty, principle, and strength.

A great lesson came from the aspect of Sheep: Sheep aren't weak, they are trusting their is a difference. Knowing when to lead and when to follow is critical to a woman's virtue. So sometimes being a sheep isn't so bad... when you're following the right person!

When to lead or be led...that is the question!

If you are in the Georgia area come out and be a part as the Director & Founder of Partiez by Leslie Event Planning Co., Leslie M.Wright shares her story in the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia.

There will be Shopping, Contests, Food, Door Prizes, Raffles, and more...

Ladies Night IN: SHEEP is also a proud sponsor of Tabernacle Of Peace Ministries Restoration Project. For more information on this event you can contact Leslie Wright directly via her email Lez2006@yahoo.com or by phone at 336-937-0189

ArtHeartATL.com Valentine's Day Winner Announcement

Happy commercial love day!! Thanks to James and James, LLC. for sponsoring the Art Heart ATL Valentines day giveaway!!

You can check out more updates from +Art Heart ATL TV  on Instagram @artheartatltv 

Breath Of Life Daily will continue hosting giveaways throughout the year. Subscribe to Breath Of Life Daily  for the latest giveaways and inspirational updates.

We Have A Winner!!

The official winner is announced in the video below:

Congrats!! please e-mail boldimpactnetwork@gmail.com to claim your art work. Thanks to everyone who participated. More giveaways to come!! Subscribe for the latest updates.

For more info on Art Heart ATL you can visit their website or e-mail the founders at thejamesllc@gmail.com

Deal Or No Deal

by: Chancee Christian

As-is defined: as it is; its present state or condition, in the existing circumstances.

When cars have an ‘As Is’ sign on it, it’s an instant Buyer Beware, because getting into it you don’t know what the problems really are until you go forth with the deal…. they only tell you what they want you to know….. So then you gotta take it or leave it…. Deal or No Deal? Jesus said “DEAL” for ALL of us…..

Long before I got saved & before I knew Jesus as my personal Savior, I felt like I had to do Sooooo much in order for God to accept me, to bless me & even to hear His voice. I had a major fear of death because I knew in my heart, at that time of my life, I would be in hell if I died…..so I constantly repented, not truly understanding what repentance was (stop & turn away from)…….

Come as you are

So many people out there feel the same way I felt about God’s Acceptance! I’m so glad God placed me here to call the devil out on his lie & to tell you God wants you ‘As Is’!!! He wants the crazy you, the high you, the drunk you, the hurting you, the crying you, the doubtful you, the you that no one ever sees, the one that cries at night, the you that’s stressed out, GOD WANTS YOU!!!! ALL OF YOU!

But you MUST surrender, your will for God’s Will

You don’t have to hide certain things about yourself…..You don’t have to pretend with God….You don’t have to act like everything in your life is fine, if it’s not.  God is not like people,  repeat that, God is not like people! -Isaiah 55:8-9

In Psalms 139:7-10 it clearly states:” Where can I go to get away from your Spirit? Where can I run from you? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I lie down in the grave, you are there. If I rise with the sun in the east and settle in the west beyond the sea, even there you would guide me. With your right hand you would hold me.”

So instead if trying to run and hide, ducking and dodging God, we should make Him our hiding place, our place of peace, our mini vacation not only in times of trouble but always;

Psalms 32:7 “You are my hiding place. You protect me from my troubles and fill me with songs of salvation.” It's time to come to the realization that God loves you….that won’t change, God wants you the way that you are, not all jazzed up and without flaws because remember Jesus died for sinners not for the people who think they have it all “together”……

This how we know it’s REAL….. In Romans 5:8

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

While we are/were still messed up, ugly, evil, sinful, hateful, doubtful, low down, crazy, drunk, high, hurt & fake! He still died!!!! Thank you Jesus!

God wants YOU…..“AS IS-NO WARRANTY”

10 Best Motivational Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Let your freedom ring!

You're only destined to become what you decide to be. sounds simple enough, but with that decision is the recognition that we have the light and the power on the inside of us to be everything God says we are.

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King's life on this particular day that has been set aside. We should realize we don't have to be a phenomenal amazing public figure or an amazing super hero with a day honoring our name, to be of service and achieve our purpose, just doing the small things we're able to do is what makes us extraordinary. Dr. King left us motivational words that we can use everyday to be of service to the world and fulfill our highest calling.

• Step out on faith: 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

• Never give up:

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

• Hard work pays off: 

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

• Be resolute: 

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

• Stand up for justice above all:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

• Keep your head up:

 “Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”

• Be dedicated to service:

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

• Be gracious with yourself and others: 

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”

• Stay strong, and keep the faith:

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

• Keep God first at all times:

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

What are some of your favorite quotes or sayings from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that inspire you everyday? Let's us know in the comment section below. You can follow the latest updates on Facebook and the Breath Of Life Daily Newsletter. 

How I Found The Strength To Stay Pure For God

by April D. Byrd

I am on a fast (fruits, vegetables,water, etc.) and I wanted to add a little brown sugar to my sweet potato. I'm trying to do the whole completely pure and natural thing, but I was very tempted to add that brown sugar...just a little bit.

Thankfully I was able to resist. If i would have added just a little then, it would be ok to add just a little later and that would determine the course of my fast, I'll start to be ok with the "little things" then they will come more and more, and eventually evolve into big things. I thought about the verse: just a little just a little leaven leavens the whole lump, or in other words just a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough. When we make it ok to do the small things it becomes common place for us to continue to do them and the next thing you know we're doing much more than we expected. Because we made a small thing ok, we'll be cool with continually doing it. I've learned it's not good to play on the edge.

I came across one explanation for this scripture online that said:

“Leaven” is used in the Bible to denote sin or corruption. Jesus Christ told his disciples: “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees,” and, “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” The apostle Paul employed the same symbolism when he commanded the Christian congregation in Corinth to expel an immoral man from the congregation, stating: “Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole lump? Clear away the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, according as you are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our passover has been sacrificed.” He then clearly showed what he meant by “leaven”: “Consequently let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth.” (1Co 5:6-8)

That last scripture got me and rung a bell in my head "Cakes of sincerity and truth" This can be used in the case of purity as well, just like abstaining from delicacies in my time of "dedication". Cake is sometimes used as a slang term for women's body parts. For a young lady to take the purity of her body seriously is a blessing through God. The scripture talks about Cakes of sincerity and truth.

As a young lady, seeking sincerity and truth, being whole and pure before God is amazing. It doesn't matter what you've done, because being dedicated first starts in our spirit. When we seek to have a pure, clean, undefiled spirit the rest follows, including the flesh.  Even though we read the lament that "all of our righteousness is as filthy rags before God", it's His grace that makes us clean and white as snow. Its up to us to accept His love and dedicate every aspect of our lives to him, including our bodies. When we allow a little bit of sin in, it can ruin everything. There are ways I've found that tend to work for me:

• Remember a key goal you have in mind, and reference from there. When something pops up you can challenge it because you know what you wish to accomplish through your dedication. (ex: For God to bless your business, heal your body, etc.) People who have a clear goal in mind usually succeed. (Matthew 21:21-22)
• Run and pray!! seriously. the bible says flee from sin. When you see it coming run the other way. When something is happening to me and I run to talk to God about before anything. I usually find healing, solace, and comfort. (Psalm 91:2)
• Have an accountability partner. This should be someone you're comfortable to pray with. Pray with them regularly. Help give each other strength. It's very good to know someone is supporting you and you have someone praying with you, for you, and vice versa. (Matthew 18:20)

Whether it's through fasting, abstinence or simply honoring God in our everyday lives dedication and commitment is key. Within the time of this fast I was able to attend a purity ceremony in Birmingham and made the commitment to honor God with my life, It was an amazing experience. I feel so blessed. God rewards us for our faithfulness. When we're faithful to God, He is faithful to us and then some. Though His grace exceeds our actions, God set up a life of righteousness and abundances as a reward for us. When we aspire towards a life of sincerity and truth, God's blessings are what we reap. Purity is walking in truth, and truth is the foundation for everything good. Be encouraged to honor God and continue walking in a life of abundance.

This Time I'll Rise

He called me today... there was a warning in me so badly not to pick up...but I couldn't resist. Why because I'd been really wondering why he hadn't called already, and even wanted to call him just to say it "Happy New Year" of course. as he did, but I resisted the tug of familiarity for my own sanity.

Last year I'd become so used to him calling at the times that were convenient for him that it was expected, becoming common place. I thought I'd overcome, but he called me, and I picked up. When I answered the excitement in me to say a simple, nice "Happy New Year" like I wanted to, was stifled. I had a dry attitude that was close to bitter. I cut him off short. I shouldn't have even answered, but I did.

When people call you and say Happy New Year, they more than likely want to be in your life for the year. My picking up woke me up, after that conversation, realizing if  that frustration is inside of me, it means that there are feelings inside of me that can still be accessed. I will not allow myself to be used by the enemy or taken for granted this year!

A while back I wrote a poem pertaining to this situation called "Don't Let The Devil In." In actuality I'm not talking about this guy who called. We can serve as our own worst enemies. Sin is what happens when our actions aren't based in wholeness and rooted completely in God. We are what we let in. Where there is no enemy inside, the enemy outside can do no harm.

We read that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, we have the power to refute whatever comes against us, well that power is a direct result of being fortified with God's strength which is greater than our own. This truth comes with understanding that God is the very creator and master of every weapon created. I was allowed to be placed in a situation with a particular man for a season in my life. He wasn't the devil, my lack of self-esteem and confidence was.

I will not stay held in bondage this year, I will not stay running around in circles. I will not be taken advantage of by the devil. The devil wants us to be complacent. There are many things in our lives that can be considered the devil. There are many things that the devil works through, but we have to ask ourselves "are we inviting the devil in?" Our greatest honor is in listening to God's calling and following  His will. We hear "my sheep know my voice and another they will not follow. God uses the fire and trials of our lives to wake us up and show us what's really important, but we're supposed to learn from them. I've learned my lesson. This time I'll go beyond avoidance, I'll rise above keeping the devil out. This year will be amazing, because I'll do everything  I can to let God in.

10 Steps To Help You Enjoy This Journey Called Life

by: Shaprecious McGruder

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to Him,

and He will make your paths straight.

So you’re just not ready to  go on your  journey? We’ve all been on plenty of trips, but can we honestly say that is was God driven….or did He even make it to riding shot gun? This time you’re looking for a better ride. A less bumpy one, less confusion, and fewer roadblocks. There are a few steps that you need to take to make sure you can fully complete the Journey (and especially with God.) That’s a major part so often we begin the trip with Him, but somewhere along the way we lose sight of Him.

• Deciding where to go…When deciding which direction to go in with your life. You can call your momma, your sister, girlfriends, and even your Pastor, but if you haven’t spoken with God about it then you’re already going in the wrong direction and you haven’t even pulled out the yard.

Pray 

Psalm 119:133 Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me. 

Ask, Seek, Knock 

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks will receive. He who searches will find. The door will be opened to the one who knocks.  

Plan  

Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you,” announces the Lord. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come. 

Go! 

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord. He said, “Who will I send? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me!”

• Packing- when getting ready to go on your new journey it’s best to leave some things behind. You can’t take everything with you and to be honest it’s best you don’t. Save some room for you to pick up new things this world has to offer.

  (Matthew 11:28-29) Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  

  Don’t get caught up on the luggage.  It doesn’t matter if you pack it in a paper, Ziploc, or hefty bag! We all come with some sort of baggage, some more visible than others. Control the issues you can and the others toss in a backpack and go! Remember the lame man in (John 5:8) Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.”  

  Traveling- So you’re finally on the path you want to be on and you're traveling. Don’t forget who is riding with you. Could you imagine going even on a small road trip and the person utters not one single word to you? Not a "thank you" for joining me or anything? Picking up old habits like that is usually when we get off course, but it’s ok God is the official GPS and He will place you all the way back to the starting point if you get too far off target just to humble you and get your attention. When approaching turns, roadblocks, pit stops, and even hitch hikers always consult Him because whether we acknowledge Him or not He is involved in everything we do.

• John 5:30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just because I seek not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”

• Traffic Sometimes on your journey it will feel like you’re right in the middle of a traffic jam and are not going anywhere. That’s when you take a deep breath and reflect on how far you have come. It’s still a long road ahead, but God has been faithful in bringing you along this far on your journey. So be patient and know that your exit is coming.

• Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

• Are we there yet? Like children on the way to Grandma’s house, we can get very impatient and antsy... especially waiting for God’s timing. Maybe you have to find another route or in some cases routes. You may feel like you’re going in circles or running out of gas.  

• Galatians 6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

• Ecclesiastes 3

• You Have Arrived at Your Destination!

• Rejoice- So many times we pray to God asking for safety and guidance. Going to Him for deliverance and doors to open, but when He does we forget to give Him the proper thanks.  

  Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.

  Share your journey – God didn’t bring you out of everything you went through on the way just for you to keep it to yourself. Spread how good God is to you and how He was impacted your life. Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world. Preach the good news to everyone." Share your trials and triumphs, encourage, and even mentor; Just don’t set up residency.

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.