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.

Bible App Announces Command Availability with Alexa and Google Devices

YouVersion Bible App recently issued an email that the app works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The e-mail aimed toward people with busy schedules mentions various scenarios in which spending time studying scripture might not be the most convenient. 

YouVersion continuously updates the app to make studying GOD's word easier and more accessible than ever. The app also recently introduced it's Bible Lens app and partnered with The Bible Project to help users have the best experience reading and studying the Bible.

Have you partnered your YouVersion account with Alexa or Google Assistant yet? How is your experience so far? Let us know online @BOLDJournal via Instagram or Twitter, or simply leave a comment in the comments section below.


Make sure to follow @BOLDJournal online for the latest inspirational updates.

Peace In The Time Of Storm

The waves of life are crashing in and you feel like you are drowning. The life line that can save you feels like it is far from your grasp. You feel alone and wonder if the Source of your life can see or hear your pain.

Understand that the Most High God sees you and hears your cry. When our minds are in a state of chaos it is hard to hear from God as life and all its trials come swooping down from out of nowhere. Yet the Lord promises in the word that he “…will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3 NIV).

Begin to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7 NIV). As you move through the holiday season, know that the Most High God has created space in His bosom to love you. Let go and allow God to navigate your life so that you can finally experience peace during life’s storms.

A State of Emergency: The Emotional Warfare Affecting School Children

By: Dr. April J. Lisbon

Children today are faced with a lot of trials and tribulations that we as adults may not have experienced in our past. With the influence of technology and immediate feedback, children are bombarded with positive and negative influences that shape their young minds.

Let’s take school bullying for example. The rise of school bullying at the building level and in cyberspace is creating unrest in children so much so that children as young as 7 have committed suicide. Why is this happening? Why are our children in a state of emotional unrest?

The reality is that there is a spiritual war against the minds of our young people. In Ephesians 6:12 (NLT), it clearly states “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” Our children’s minds are impressionable and without words of positive love and light filling their hearts, their minds are unclear of who they are and whose they are.

It is vital that our children hear that they are “….fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14).

We must take back our schools and create safe spaces for our children. We must be open and honest about the state of mental health in our society. We must advocate for our children today as they will be our future leaders of tomorrow. What good is it for our children to learn how to be great test takers if they are emotionally on shaky ground?

Take time today to connect with leaders within your school district to determine how you can use your voice to improve mental health services in schools. Connect with your local mental health organizations to see how you can lend your voice to creating change. Our children need you. They need to know that their lives matter and like them, our schools can no longer be in a state of emergency. With the blood of Jesus behind us, the war on our children is OVER!