"Two Nights & some buckets"

The fellaz enjoyed the weekend during the Bet Hip Hop Awards.

"Which, they say was very interesting"

LIFESTYLE ALONG FASHION

Wagg'N Swagg'N

Today's Word with Joel & Victoria

Increase Your Capacity to Receive

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back…"
(Isaiah 54:2, NIV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has many blessings in store for you! He has favor in your future like you've never imagined. He wants to take you places that you've never even dreamed of. But in order for us to partake of all these blessings, we have to increase our capacity to receive.

Think about this: if you have a one-gallon bucket and someone has fifty gallons to give you, the problem is not with the supply. The problem is that you don't have the capacity to receive the fifty gallons. But, if you get rid of that small container and get something larger, then you will be able to receive more. It's the same way with God. If we think we've reached our limits, the problem isn't that God doesn't have the resources or the ability. The problem is that our container is too small. We have to enlarge our vision and make room for the new things God has for us. Our attitude should be, "Yes, the economy is down, but I know God is still on the throne. I know wherever I go His goodness and mercy follow me." When you have that kind of attitude, you're increasing your capacity to receive so that you can live the abundant life He has in store for you.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I choose to increase my capacity to receive from You. I let go of limited thinking and old mindsets, and I open myself to everything You have in store for me. Show me Your ways that I may walk with You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Nurture

I give thanks that I am loved and supported.

Mother Earth accepts each seed and enfolds it in love. She provides a place for roots to grow and nourishes the green shoots that reach toward the sun.

I give thanks today for my own mother. If I cannot speak with her or be with her, I send her my loving thoughts. I give thanks for the arms that embraced me, for the nourishment of my body and soul, and for the encouraging words that inspired me to aim higher.

There are also ways that I may nurture and support others. No matter what my age or status in life, I have love to share. The spirit of God is my ever-present source of support and encouragement. For love, both given and received, I am grateful.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; ... and gently lead the mother sheep.--Isaiah 40:11

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Is your trust in the Lord today? Trusting in the Lord is a decision we make just like we choose anything else in life. You chose what to wear today, you probably chose what you would have for breakfast, and you can choose to trust God today, too! And just like the decision to receive salvation, when you choose to trust God, there is a peace that settles on the inside of your heart. There are blessings in store for you when you trust Him.

No matter what you are facing in life today, you can have faith that God will come through for you. You can trust that His Word is always true. In Psalm 32, David calls God his "hiding place." In other words, not only can you choose to trust God in the midst of your difficulty; you can actually hide in Him and find rest for your soul. When the circumstances of life seem to be overwhelming, choose to trust that God is ordering your steps. Find security in Him knowing that He's making your crooked places straight and leading you into the everlasting life He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father in heaven, today I choose to put my trust in You. I know You are a good and faithful God, and I trust that You have my best interest at heart. Help me stay focused on Your goodness today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Vision for Overflow

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Where there is no vision…the people perish…"
(Proverbs 29:18, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

What is the vision you have for your life? Do you see yourself rising higher? Do you see yourself increasing and growing in the blessing of God?

Friend, if we are going to live the abundant, overflowing life that God has promised us, we have to have a vision for it. We have to see ourselves so blessed and so filled that we overflow on to the people around us. We should have so much joy that others are joyful just being in our presence. We should have so much peace that people just feel calm when they come around us. We should be overflowing in our resources so that we can turn around and be a blessing to others. But it all starts with having a vision for overflow.

I want to challenge you today, start seeing yourself living the abundant life God has promised. Start seeing yourself increasing in influence. As you begin to see yourself in His overflow, you’ll begin to receive His overflow, and you will be able to experience the abundant life He has prepared for you!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for desiring to bless me so that I can be a blessing to others. Help me have a vision for overflow. Help me see my life the way You intend for it to be so that I can embrace the abundant life You have promised. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.."

Sunday's Inspiration

Count your blessings!

Power for Life Bible

"I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." – Genesis 12:2

"God is blessing you!" Being blessed is not something that happened in your past or that you have to wait to have happen in your future. Rather, you are already blessed and you are continuing to be blessed.

The challenge is recognizing and counting our blessings no matter what we're facing. Yet when we stop to appreciate how God is blessing us, it is impossible to fear and worry. As the old praise song teaches, "Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."

Focus on your blessings. Thank God for what you have, and thank him for what you do not have! After all, some "blessings" are really burdens in disguise. God knows what's best for you, and he will only give you what will ultimately be a blessing!

SUNDAY'S INSPIRATION

Prosperity


I am blessed by the goodness of God.

Prosperity manifests in my life in myriad ways--not only as money. As I count my blessings, I realize that God's goodness is everywhere. I give thanks for my food, shelter, friends, family and livelihood. I focus on my blessings rather than dwelling on any perception of lack.

The more I look for things to be grateful for, the more blessings I find. By noticing these blessings and giving thanks, I am positive, productive and prepared for good.
The more good I perceive, the more I receive. As I appreciate all of God's blessings and dwell in abundance and contentment, even more goodness comes my way.
I choose to live in God's abundance, accepting all the blessings life has to offer.

I tell you, to all those who have, more will be given.--Luke 19:26

Sundays Inspiration

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Every day we get "reports" from the news, our experiences, our friends and family, and many other sources. We also get reports from the Word of God, which oftentimes, contradicts what others are saying. That's when we have a choice: do we believe what we hear in the natural, or do we believe the report of the Lord?

Friend, we serve a supernatural God! Just because we don't see a way doesn't mean that He doesn't have a way. God can bring one opportunity across your path that will thrust you to a new level. He has explosive blessings that can blast you out of debt and into abundance. "Well, I don't think I'll ever get well. You should see what the medical report says about me." No, that may be true according to medical science, but we have another report and it says, "You will live and not die. God is restoring health unto you." With men it may be impossible, but with God all things are possible.

Choose today to believe the report of the Lord. Stand strong no matter what is going on around you knowing that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I choose to believe Your Word above all else. I know that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf, and You will cause me to triumph. Help me to tune out the negative voices of the world so that I can focus on Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

SUNDAY'S INSPIRATION

Obstacle or opportunity?

Sheila Schuller Coleman

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." – Philippians 4:6

Bumps in the road.
Obstacles in the board room.
Lack of funding.
Loss of energy.
Disappointments in treasured relationships.

The positive anticipation that fueled the beginning of the endeavor has been replaced with the painful reality of running smack dab into hard times. Now what? Now is when you dig in your heels. You ask for help with an open mind, but you don't give up! You replay the reason why you wanted to start this in the first place. Was it God's noble dream?

Then, trust God's sovereignty and
his timing. Thank him that he will supply grace to view this obstacle as his opportunity for you to grow, to learn, to be stronger than ever.

Trust God to redirect, if necessary, to see his perfect plan become a positive reality.

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Pray the words of Philippians 4:6 in a specifically applied way this week. Example: "Dear God, I'm feeling anxious about…[fill in the source of your anxiety]. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to grow. Please…[fill in specific ways in which you would like to see God work in this situation]. Amen."

Sundays Inspiration

One Power
There is only one power in my life and in the universe, God the good.
I begin my day by affirming, "There is only one power in my life and in the universe, God the good." This affirmation helps me keep my focus on God and see God active in my life.

There may be times when people or conditions seem to have a certain power over me. But I remind myself that things only have the power I give them. Releasing any belief in the power of anyone or anything to take away my good, I return to my morning affirmation. There is only ONE power in my life and in those around me--and that power is God.

Centered in divine power, I am at peace. If there is an action I am to take to help restore my health, prosperity or harmony, I am receptive to the guidance and wisdom of the One Power, God the good.

"No one can serve two masters."--Matthew 6:24

SUNDAY'S INSPIRATION

Faith
My faith is strong. I am confident.
If I find myself in a challenging circumstance, I remember to check my perception of the situation. My faith does not lie in the trouble that surrounds me; my faith lies in God. During a dry season, a tree's roots grow deeper to reach water. Likewise, in times of seeming difficulty, my faith grows deeper as I seek connection with God.
I foster faith by focusing my thoughts on God's powerful protection and limitless love. I feel divine love within and all about me. I see any difficult situation through new eyes, and my anxiety disappears. I move through the challenge with grace and ease.
My faith in God is strong, because I know that I am always enfolded in God's peaceful, loving presence.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."--2 Timothy 4:7


Hope
The light and love of God within me shine brightly.
A dark cloud in the sky can seem ominous, but no cloud can stop the sun from shining. Above the clouds, the sun shines as brightly as ever.
Regardless of any shadow clouding my day, the love of God within is ever present, always shining, blessing me with guidance, inspiration and hope.
At any time, I may reconnect with the infinite love of God within. I center myself in meditation and prayer, and the light of wisdom and understanding grows. Nothing in the outer world is beyond the power of God's love to transform.
"Your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope. –Job 11:17-18

Monday's Inspiration

What's Your Plan?

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind"
(Proverbs 21:5, Message)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

One thing I've learned is that success is not accidental. You're not going to accidentally accomplish your dreams. You don't accidentally have good relationships. You won't accidentally lose twenty pounds. You have to have a plan. If you're going to get to the right destination, you've got to know where you’re going and how you are going to get there.

If you've ever been at the beach just floating in the water and relaxing, you'll notice that after a while, the current will take you far away. That's how it is in life, too. If you don't have clear-cut goals with a plan in place to accomplish those goals, you're not going to end up at the right place. You'll just float around in life easily distracted not knowing where you're headed.

Today, I encourage you to examine where you are in life. What are your goals? What is your plan? Maybe your first goal needs to be to make a plan. Do some research. Talk to people who have been successful at what you are trying to do. Ask the Lord to guide your steps and connect you with the right people. As you step in faith to accomplish your goals, I believe God will pour out His favor so that you can experience His supernatural blessing on everything you set your hand to.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, I commit everything I am to You today. Direct my steps. Order my destiny. Give me the plan to accomplish every dream and desire You've placed within me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

SUNDAY'S INSPIRATION

Act on Your Dream Today

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Write the vision [dream] and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it."
(Habakkuk 2:2, NKJV)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Have you ever known someone who had an exciting dream to do something great but did nothing to make it happen? It's so important to act on the dreams that God has given you. You can take ownership of your dreams by planning and preparing for them. Remember, success is not accidental. Where do you see yourself in your career, finances or relationships? Put some action behind what you're believing for. Maybe you don't see how it can happen in the natural. The good news is you don't have to have it all figured out. With your faith and obedience, God will work supernaturally in your situation to turn things around for good.

Believe in your dreams today. I encourage you to write down your short and long-range goals. Keep them in front of you so you will stay focused. When you make a move, God will direct your steps. He'll make sure you come across the right people, at the right time. God will give you wisdom, insight and favor as you take steps to bring your dreams to pass.

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the dreams You have given me. Today I will take steps toward seeing them come to pass. Help me to set goals and map out steps for victory so that I know where I’m going and how to accomplish my dreams. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

SUNDAYS INSPIRATION

He Collects Your Tears

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle. You have recorded each one in Your book"
(Psalm 56:8, NLT)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Do you know how important you are to God? He cares so much about every detail of your life. He cares about your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. In fact, what you are going through is so important to Him that He records every sorrow and collects every tear you've shed. Why would God record your sorrows and collect your tears? It's because He loves you so much. He is your Vindicator. He's keeping account of every wrong that's ever been done to you so that He can make up for every single one of them. He wants to restore everything that has ever been stolen. He wants to heal every single hurt and pain. He sees the longings and desires of your heart, and you can rest assured that behind the scenes He is working things out for your good!

I want to remind you today that God is with you. He is on your side. He has your best interest at heart, and He is working to bring restoration and peace to every area of your life. Keep standing, keep believing, and keep doing the right thing because the One who collects your tears will restore every broken place in your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and setting me free. Thank You for being my Vindicator. I choose to release every hurt, pain and sorrow, knowing that You will make all things new. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

SUNDAY'S INSPIRATION

He Has Good Things in Store

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life…"
(Psalm 23:6, AMP)

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria

God has a plan to take every adversity, every hardship you go through and use it–not to beat you down and make your life miserable. No, God's dream is to take that difficulty and supernaturally turn it around and use it to bring you good. He will use those tough times to bring you out stronger, more mature, and prepared for promotion! Goodness, mercy, and unfailing love are God's plan for you!

You may not understand everything that's going on in your life right now, but I encourage you to keep your head held high. Know that God is working in your life. Keep being faithful. Keep doing the right thing knowing that in the end God is going to turn things around in your favor. If God is for you, who can be against you? No one. Greater is the One who is in you than anyone who can be against you. No matter what's going on around you today, you can put your shoulders back and put a smile on your face because God has good things in store for your future!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

"Father in heaven, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for all You've done for me in my past and for what You are preparing for my future. Help me keep my eyes on You. Help me stand strong in You and look for Your goodness all the days of my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen."

SUNDAYS INSPIRATION

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE
"We know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose"
(Romans 8:28).

TODAY'S WORD from Joel and Victoria
God is working behind the scenes in your life today. No matter what you may be facing, no matter what trial you may be going through, God has a plan to turn things around in your favor. Right now, He is working out a plan for your good. Right now, He is orchestrating the right people to come across your path. He is orchestrating the right opportunities to open up to you. You may not see it in the natural, but look with your eyes of faith today. Keep standing. Keep believing. Keep hoping. Keep following His Word. Focus on His goodness in your life, knowing that He rewards the people who seek after Him. As you meditate on the faithfulness of God and show your love for Him by following His Word, you will see His plan come to pass. You'll experience His peace and joy, and you will live in victory all the days of your life!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. I trust that You are working behind the scenes on my behalf. Give me Your strength and peace today and fill me with Your faith to overcome. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Take the high road

August 05, 2009

John C. Maxwell

"Do what is right and good in the Lord's sight, so that it may go well with you…." – Deuteronomy 6:18
The high road truly is the path less traveled. I say that because taking the high road requires thinking and acting in ways that are not natural or common. However, those who practice the High Road Principle become instruments of grace to others and recipients of grace.

People who embrace the high road make excellence their goal. That's something that can be accomplished if we:

Care more than others think is wise.

Risk more than others think is safe.

Dream more than others think is practical.

Expect more than others think is possible.

Work more than others think is necessary.

When we conduct ourselves according to our highest standards, we are less likely to be defensive and take the low road when attacked by others. I say that because when you know you've done all you can do, you can let criticism roll off your back like rain.



* * *

Choose to take the high road today, regardless of what others may do or say.

Share your thoughts...

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This excerpt was taken from the
"The Maxwell Daily Reader"

The Trust Test

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart…in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." – Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust releases a tremendous power within us. A trusting person is a persistent person. A person who doesn't trust is a skeptic. And skeptics tend to give up quickly.

When you begin to trust God, you discover real power. You come to the realization that God believes in you and trusts you and recognizing this you begin to trust yourself. That's when God begins to release real power in your life—the power of self-confidence, the power to trust others, and the power to trust the ideas God gives you. When someone trusts you, they help bring out the best in you. God trusts you because you are his child; you are created in his image.

Next time you're short on trust, repeat this positive affirmation: "I am God's child. I trust him and he trusts me."

By: Robert H. Schuller

My Mission

I am an expression of God's love.

During my lifetime, I have the opportunity to explore many paths. I may fulfill several roles in my family; I may have different careers. I may be guided to pursue education or to travel to far-off lands.

Wherever I am and whatever I do, I remember that my true mission is to express God's love in the world.

I am an instrument of peace in times of conflict, beholding each person as a child of God. I am a channel for good as I share my blessings with others. In fulfilling my mission, I provide comfort and strength to those who may be struggling.

In simple ways every day, I am an expression of God's love, touching lives and making a difference.

"Do not fear, greatly beloved, you are safe. Be strong and courageous!"--Daniel 10:19

MOTIVATION..... FAITH

Grace

God loves me unconditionally.

The blessing of divine grace is mine, for I have been created by and am eternally one with God. To gain an even greater sense of the majesty of divine grace, I take a few moments to withdraw from the activity, sounds, and circumstances around me.

Closing my eyes, I become quiet, calm, and conscious of God's presence within me. I let this sacred awareness expand so I am enfolded in the Holy Presence.

My faith does not waver because the grace of God does not waver. Regardless of what I may experience, as I continue to acknowledge the presence of God, grace sees me through. The unconditional love of God is actively blessing me at all times and in all places. With full comprehension and appreciation, I accept the blessing of grace.

"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."--Romans 6:14