Flawed and Free Podcast: 'Manna vs Meat' Review

The Flawed and Free Christian Community and Deliverance Ministry has led me to many divine insights over the past few weeks. The Mentorship Academy along with the resources on their website like the blog, YouTube Channel, and other content have been real eye openers . . . in the Spirit.

Episode 13 of the podcast 'Manna vs Meat' gets into the deep discussion of GOD's perfect will vs His permissive will. As I began to listen to the podcast I was wondering "was there actually even a such thing as GOD's permissive will?"

LaTyna Jalieba, FFM Academy Instructor and Podcast host breaks it down perfectly. The answer was definitely clear by the end of the podcast. It was a great listen. There were points where I laughed. I love LaTyna's personality. Her exploration through The word in this episode and others is enjoyable. It's fun to listen to, but at the same time insightful.

A few key takeaways and gems I got from the podcast episode are below:

• "GOD is not looking for us to be perfect. He wants us to seek Him in His perfection."

• The perfect will of GOD is full of order.

• "GODs perfect will comes with rest."

• "you shouldn't make decisions for yourself then take it back to GOD for GOD to bless, that's out of order."

• "If you fail to learn contentment you will contaminate your future"

So many good takeaways and these are just a very small few. You can check out the episode Manna vs. Meat below and all the latest episodes of Flawed & Free podcast at theflawedandfree.com

Would love to know, what were a few of your favorite takeaways from this episode?

Not Your Average Hope - #BOLDPodcast | Video

 "All He wants for us is All I want for you, So let's go higher." - Mali Music

 

I woke up today with a song in my spirit, it happened to be the same song that Mali Music had to sing.  "a song about hope, a song about faith" As you might imagine there was inspiration that took place.

As I dived more into prayer, I was inspired even more about what it means to have true "hope". I decided to share this dissection, rant, revelation in this BOLD podcast episode: Not Your Average Hope".

My prayer is that it empowers you like it did me not only have "hope", but walk in it for real. Enjoy!

Scripture references in episode: 

Let us not grow weary in well doing  for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. - Galatians 6:9

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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-14

Jeremiah Full Chapter: https://biblehub.com/niv/jeremiah/29.htm

Connect with us on all Social Media platforms @BOLDJournal for the best Empowerment and Inspiration

Created to praise God - Inspiration 3/4/17

Have you ever asked yourself questions like: What were you created for? Why are you here? and What are you doing?

Everything we do should be for the glory of God. Ultimately, we were created to praise God and progress in excellence.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. - Phillipians 4:8

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
-Proverbs 4:7

Mastering Self Control: Emotions vs Feelings

         

   

        Realizing the difference between our emotions and our feelings is a concept that is important for us to learn if we desire to master true self-control. It is necessary that we maintain constant awareness of our bodies and our environment, as those are the two main sources that ignite triggers in our brain causing our emotions to activate. Once we become aware or conscious of what is taking place in our bodies, we then create a feeling as a reaction to that emotion. For example, when some people have to  speak in front of a crowd; their palms may get sweaty, mouth may get dry, and they become nervous.  Well, these are the natural emotions that are particular to their specific nature. What that person does in response to those different emotions, makes up the way they feel. As an example, a feeling to these emotions may develop as inadequacy, causing the person to completely abandon their public speaking  event and withdraw from their audience.

       It is important for us to not automatically react to the developments of our emotions. What we should do is take note of what is happening to cause a specific emotion to arise, and acknowledge what type of feelings we possess toward our emotion. If the feeling you get from an emotion is positive take a moment to embrace the feeling. What aspects of that feeling do you enjoy the most?  What are you seeing at the present moment? What are you hearing? Is there any noticeable sent in the environment? If you really have a chance to take in the moment, think about some activities you can partake in to recreate this experience on a regular basis.
     
      If you notice the feeling that develop in response to a particular emotion is negative, find some positive affirmations you can recite to ease the tension in your body. Some examples of positive affirmations are "I believe I have the power to face anything that comes my way'', or "Even if this does not workout, I know this specific event does not determine the outcome of the next,"  or If nobody else believes in what I do, I believe in it-and that enough for me". Another way to counter the effects of negative feelings is to develop coping skills. When an emotion arises that leads us to have overwhelming feelings of negativity or anxiety, we can use coping skills to bring us back to a normative state of mind. Some examples of coping skills include singing a favorite song, writing in your journal, or even crying. Sometimes we have to give ourselves the permission to cry since some people view crying as a weakness. But truthfully, crying allows us to get over some emotions that otherwise we would hold on to.
 

      Getting a grip on controlling or feelings by understanding our emotions gives us the foundation for self-control. Understanding these principles and concepts not only allow us to identify our triggers, but allow us to control our actions that allow us to fulfill our purpose. Being able to control our feelings to particular emotions allow us to maintain control of atmosphere. We decide what is acceptable and unacceptable. We control our mind and our behaviors. With self-control comes consistency, decisiveness, and the development to dedication which are all needed to sustain a successful lifestyle.



Carla Marcelle, is a Transformation Purpose Coach and founder of she's 31 Ministries which is dedicated to the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the edification, enlightenment, education of the principles to maintain a successful lifestyle based on the foundation of God .{Join the She's31 group on Facebook}

Discovering Propitiation: Where Would We Be Without It?

         

Propitiation: A word that was stuck in the back of my mind, lodged in my subconscious for a while now, but would resurface every now and again. Since lately however, the word has been coming to the forefront of my mind more often. This word, honestly I did not exactly know what it meant, but I know I heard it in a song some where. As the word Propitiation began to stick with me more extensively, I figured it was time to put a definition to this mysterious word that was consistently on my mind, and determine why this word was becoming more compelling to me here and now in this season of my life.
        When I finally looked up the word, what was revealed to me was amazing. First, because the Christmas season was just at here, and second, because I have been spiritually growing into my true identity with Christ. Now, I know you must be wondering what is the significance of this word. OK, here it is.

"Propitiation: The turning away of wrath because of an offering" (Theopedia.com 2016)

 As this definition began to fill my thought process, I began to realize God in his perfection cannot entertain sin, he cannot allow it into his presence, nor can it be accepted in the heavenly realm. Sin in its self is the disconnection to God, the Creator. Therefore, it is important for there to be some sort of reconciliation to restore the connection to God. That reconciliation is Christ.

He [Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2 {NIV})

As I read this verse, I thought about how Christ died to save the whole world. Through his death on the cross, took the punishment that was meant for me and you, because we are sinners, so that we would not have to endure that punishment from God. In this way Christ satisfied the wrath or anger of God that was meant for us. Romans 3:25 depicts the sacrifice of Christ for our sins.

For God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God's anger towards us. He used Christ's blood and our faith as a means of saving us from His wrath. In this way he was being entirely fair even though he did not punish those who sinned in former times. For he was looking forward to the time when Christ would take away those sins.  (Romans  3:25 {TLB})

In reading this, I think about times in weakness of emotions, where I sometimes have no filter because I simply react to a present situation, not thinking, and allowing my sinful nature (anger and vulgarity) to consume me, and totally overtake me without thought. I think about times where I allow my  desire for worldly pleasures to dictate my actions, and give into different things that please and gratify my sinful desires; and I am grateful I have an out. I can repent, and ask for forgiveness with  sincerity and know I am forgiven. Even when I fall a thousand times, I can still get back up and know because of what Christ did on the cross, his grace is sufficient and I am justified. I am able to proceed with a fresh slate to continue in my spirituality until I reach my destination in Christ.

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 {NIV})

The whole propitiation concept is the very reason for the existence of Christ. Think about it, Jesus Christ, God in the form of man coming to Earth to satisfy his own anger, so that we can have grace and a chance to be reconnected to God. Absolutely an amazing gesture to prove how valuable we are to God.

I give Honor and Glory to King Christ Jesus AKA God, because they are 2 in the same, for the gift of Propitiation. Who else loved you enough to endure such a great Wrath on your behalf to restore your connection to God? In your down fall, think of the Propitiation and how without it there would be no more chances for you. Think about how God saw it fit that you have the opportunity for restoration, and allow that to be your motivation for advancement in your spirituality.






Carla Marcelle, is a Spiritual Transformation Coach and founder of she's 31 Ministries which dedicated to the advancement of the Kingdom of God through the edification, enlightenment, education of the principles of God.

New Beginnings Aren't So Bad

For real though. Who actually likes starting over. Can anyone actually, honestly say they love beginning a new from scratch.  

"New Beginnings Aren't So Bad" by Rowzina Middleton

I mean it's an interesting process. Having to take the time to be deprogrammed. Breaking mental habits, you probably did not know you even had. Really evaluating your departure from the past and understanding God having a greater plan for you. 

But seriously though. Starting over for me has not been easy. I have been accustomed to certain surroundings for so long, it is difficult not to compare. Yet in comparing I am able to see the negative in my past and the positive in my present. I have the opportunity to be debugged of all toxic emotions from the past as well as the "stinkin' thinkin'" that was associated with it. It's been about finding out who I really am. Who I am in Christ.  As well as going after all things I have ever desired in Christ. I no longer have to worry about anybody blocking me or trying to stop the anointing that they see. My ideas will no longer get knocked down by jealous people. My creativity will no longer be bashed because it's not understood. 

Starting over can have its perks. You may just meet someone new. Of you'll learn something about yourself that you'll actually love. You might stumble upon...

>>Click Here to finish reading full post.<<

Overcoming My Struggle With Depression

by: April D. Byrd

It's this paralyzing, overwhelming feeling of not being able to move, particularly after I've had some sort of perceived success. I laid in the bed the majority of the day, thoughts rummaging through my head and more bad news coming by the minute, one of my young cousin's is dying in hospice, more is being requested out of me that I'm not sure I can provide, more being piled on top of the list, on and off social media looking at whatever, to just laying..."this" feeling had always happened to me. The feeling of being incapable and stuck, the "depressed" feeling and I'd spend hours just doing nothing.

It's not the "doing nothing" part that's so concerning, but the helplessness. "Why do I feel so helpless?" After 10 or so years, or maybe the majority of my life doing "this". It really jumped out to me that it's NOT ok. It really clicked that: It's depression. And on the eve of my 27th birthday this month, I just realized that the battle I've struggled with for so long was depression.

This is a time in my life that I really felt like I was pushing through to my breakthrough, but all hell is breaking loose as it usually does. Simultaneously when I decide that I can make it, and I'm gonna go for it...all hell is breaking loose. The odds stacked up against me seem insurmountable. I couldn't help but hear in my spirit. "God puts you in chaos to bring the best out of you".  If that's the case then there must be something amazing in store. I honestly do feel like my breakthrough is around the corner. Because of my desire for God to use me, I suspect that this issue had to come out. I couldn't keep living in bondage, but wanting success and quality at the same time. The unction received from the holy spirit: "God will never take you where He can't sustain you." Of course God can sustain me anywhere, but I can't keep getting in my own way.

It really just hit me that I struggle with depression. Sitting there feeling helpless, feeling useless, feeling lost...for most of the day. In an instant, my eyes were open, I felt revelation and pain, and something had to give, I got up in tears. For the first time I realized that this was a struggle. The crazy thing is, with the revelation I got up. I felt embarrassed, ashamed, and hurt, but I got up. The next thing I did was call my pastor so she could pray for me. The next step from here will be to get some professional help or counseling, I also want to explore the issues relating to depression how it has affected me and so many people.  I praise God that I had the strength and the direction to call my pastor. I feel a breakthrough, and now more than anything I have a sense of direction.

God gave me a vision and an organization before, a platform, that I really didn't know what to do with. Now I have my voice and no devil in hell will stop it... I won't either.

The Power of a Mentor: Following the Pattern Set Before Us.

By: Paul Horne


As a student preparing for ministry I am coming to a greater realization that having a mentor who is in ministry is vitally important. The set of verses that constantly come to mind are the words Paul wrote to Timothy in his second letter, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV) Listen to how Paul speaks to Timothy; he calls him my child, showing such a deep loving relationship. We know from human standards that a father is to teach his children how to live in all aspects of life. We need mentors the same way we need to have fathers in our lives to set the patterns for us to follow. Without them we have the tendency to go astray. 

The relationship of mentoring is not a one-way street; it is one that branches off to others. We should be learning from our disciple maker while at the same time taking what we are being taught and teaching it to other men (and women) in the faith.  In order to be in a disciple making relationship it requires work to be put in, along with time. Jesus invested his time in twelve men whom he would send out into the world to teach others. He not only sent out twelve but at one point he sent out seventy-two men two by two (Luke 10:1). The best way for us to be sent is by a man we are learning from so we can implement what is being taught.  

  

What does a mentor look like? A mentor is going to look different for each person; you may not have just one mentor in you life or at one point of time. There will be areas in life that you need to have the footsteps of someone else to follow whether it be in a hobby, in your profession, or in general guidance for your life. This person should be some type of authority on the subject; not necessarily having to have credentials but having done a what ever it is you are seeking them for a period of time with a good track record. You do not want to start following after someone or seeking their help when they have no idea how to handle the struggles you are facing because they have just started the activity themselves. 

Do you have an idea on how this association should look? It is imperative that when you enter into a formal mentoring relationship that some standards be set. The type of standards I am referring to are like how often will there be contact made, what forms of contact are best for this relationship. What kind of accountability is going to be set in place if any at all? Are you both going to keep this association merely about the mentoring/disciple making or is this going to become more of an intimate friendship where lives overlap? 

I would recommend depending on the type of commitment being made, that lives become intertwined with an at least weekly (if not several times a week) contact. It does not matter where the contact comes from be it a phone call, text message, social media interaction. And no less than once a month interaction face to face in a setting that is not sterile, but inviting conversation and allows the relationship to feel more organic and real. 

It is my hope that this work will inspire you to strengthen those relationships that are in place and to possibly form new ones. I leave you with this: who is investing in you and who has the Lord placed on you heart to invest into?



Paul Horne is a follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, a father and expositor of Scripture. You can find more of Paul's writing at preachdatruth.blogspot.com

This Is Your Time!

By Ruthann Mckenzie

I love the story of Esther in the Bible. There is so much to be gained from this book of the Bible.  My favorite verse comes from Esther 4:14.  The part that stands out to me the most is, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

The phrase “for such a time as this” could be applied differently for each individual.  God wants to use you and the time of your calling may be different than the person next to you.  You may look at yourself as inadequate to be used by God.  You may feel like your past situations have disqualified you from God using you. However, when the time comes, when we are thrust into greatness like Esther, we can take courage that God can use us where we are.  We do not have to be higher educated, better dressed, or more qualified. When God wants to use you, He will use you so that all glory will be given to Him.

Esther, like so many of us, had her own baggage that she felt disqualified her to become queen.  She was an orphan, she was captive in a foreign country, she did not know if the king would actually choose her to be queen, and I doubt she truly wanted to be queen. Despite her circumstances, God still wanted to use Esther. But why? He could have picked anyone more willing, anyone more qualified, He could have chosen anyone else.  However, would it have made the same impact? The gifts and purpose God placed on Esther’s life was designed for that moment, which would impact the future. Trust that God created each of us with our different gifts and  purpose to be used to impact the future.

Esther’s natural response when being told by Mordecai that God placed her in the palace for such a time as this was to make excuses out of fear. It is natural to have that response and God knows this, but Esther surrendered her will to the Lord’s to be used. The fact that Esther surrendered and put her confidence in God that His will be done instead of her own is the best part of this story.  She was thrown into the situation, but she did not let that stop her from being used.

Perhaps you are here for such a time as this and you too have been thrown into a situation, whatever it may be.  That does not mean you cannot be used by the Lord. God wants to use you…yes, YOU!  Surrender fully to His will.  Allow His love to flood your life and you will see that through our weakness His strength can be made perfect. Be used by God, for this is the time.

The Power Of Legacy After Loss

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

Pain Is Inevitable, But Misery Is Optional.

Today marks the six year anniversary since I lost my grandmother.  She was the love of my life; a woman of God that I looked up to and strongly admired.  She had grit and soul.  Her life was turbulent, yet she not only survived, but was more than victorious.  My grandmother was a helper, a friend, hardworking, beautiful, intelligent, meek and kind. Not only did she take part in helping to raise myself and my other two siblings, but countless other grandchildren, children from other parents, her own, basically a village.  I always looked at her in amazement that such a petite little lady could birth 11 children, survive after losing two of them, work a lifetime with her hands, yet never complain.  This is a tiny snippet of my great admiration for her and I am proud her legacy lives on within me today.

Losing someone you love makes your world crumble.  All that you had with that person is now past tense, a memory. The comfort of others in that moment is nice, but slightly useless as it does not change the reality.  The pain is so real.  Yet, something can be gained from the legacy one leaves when they pass on.

The legacy far surpasses the memories. Memories soon fade, but you can carry on the persons legacy with the good works they accomplished, not letting those go when they pass on. For myself, I have taken on the good work my grandmother began by helping others around me.  It may not be in the same capacity that she worked, but it is her legacy within me.  In addition, her legacy for education has been passed down.  One would have never known without her telling them that she had a fourth grade education. Yet, she instilled within her kids to do well in school, and my mother did the same for us.  Due to her diligence with us working on our education, many of her grandchildren are educated and carry on her strong work ethics.  The epitome of legacy.

I can only imagine, that if she could see who I became as a result of her love and care towards me, she would smile enormously. Six years later, I still want to cry. The pain of losing a loved one is inevitable, but misery is optional.  It has taken much time to grieve and I have my days I just sit in her loving memory.  I am blessed to have known such a wonderful person and having that person shape my life in so many ways.  Her legacy continues on.

So today, if you are heartbroken in any way by the loss of someone you love, remember their legacy.   Know that their life served a great purpose.  Focus your energy on being better because of the one(s) you have lost.  Live a life of hope and great expectancy, knowing that you can be reunited with them once more with the return of Christ. I trust that my grandmother would not have it any other way with me. She would rather me live life abundantly as she taught me to with hope, than have my soul die when she did. I have chosen to live with her legacy.  I pray this comforts and motivates someone to live in hope and carry on their loved ones legacy.  The passing is not the end, at times it can be the beginning.  Time will heal and wounds will close.  Let the legacy live on.

Waitress Khadijah Muhammad Receives a $1,075 Financial Miracle

Khadijah Muhammad, a Knoxville, Tenn., Waitress saw that her guest's check was turned upside down and she thought the worse. She turned the bill over, and found a $1,075 gratuity for a $29.30 check, WBIR reported the story.

Wow! this is amazing! God can use anything and anyone to bless you!... and the fact that they used a biblical format to determine the amount was even more stunning. I learned this working as a waitress myself. Don't underestimate the power of God to work in your favor at any given moment. There truly are some kind people in the world. Khadijah Muhammad needed a miracle and she got one! This gives me so much hope that God can do the same for us. All things are possible to them that believe.

~April D. Byrd