Inspiration Inbox

Courtroom

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:33:00 PST

A man was in court for a double murder, and the judge said, "You are charged with beating your wife to death with a hammer."A voice at the back of the courtroom yelled out, "You bastard!"

The judge continued, "You are also charged with beatingyour mother-in-law to death with a hammer."

Again, the voice at the back of the courtroom yelled out, "You damned bastard!"

The judge stopped, looked at the man in the back of the courtroom, and said, "Sir, I can understand your anger and frustration at this crime,but I will not have any more of these outbursts from you, or I shall charge you with contempt! Now is that a problem?"

The man at the back of the court stood up and responded,"For fifteen years, I have lived next door to that bastard, and every time I asked to borrow a hammer, he said he never had one!"

Plan and Prepare in Advance

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 06:17:00 PST

Use A Time Planner
A time planner, broken down by day, hour and minute, organized in advance, can be one of the most powerful, personal productivity tools of all. It enables you to see where you can consolidate and create blocks of time for concentrated work.

Eliminate All Distractions
During this working time, you turn off the telephone, eliminate all distractions and work non-stop. One of the best work habits of all is for you to get up early and work at home in the morning for several hours. You can get three times as much work done at home without interruptions as you ever could in a busy office where you are surrounded by people and bombarded by phone calls.

Create an Office in the Air
When you fly on business, you can create your office in the air by planning your work thoroughly before you depart. When the plane takes off, you can work non-stop for the entire flight. You will be amazed at how much work you can go through when you work steadily in an airplane, without interruptions.

Make Every Minute Count
One of the keys to high levels of performance and productivity is for you to make every minute count. Use travel and transition time, what is often called "gifts of time" to complete small chunks of larger tasks.

Remember, the pyramids were built one block at a time. A great life and a great career is built one task, and often, one part of a task, at a time. Your job in time management is to deliberately and creatively organize the concentrated time periods you need to get your key jobs done well, and on schedule.

Action Exercises
Here are two steps you can take immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, think continually of different ways that you can save, schedule and consolidate large chunks of time. Use this time to work on important tasks with the most significant long-term consequences.

Second, make every minute count. Work steadily and continuously without diversion or distraction by planning and preparing your work in advance. Most of all, keep focused on the most important results for which you are responsible.

By: Brian Tracy

The Four Agreements

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 18:23:00 PDT

Here is a brief overview of guiding principles in life from the book "The Four Agreements"

Be Impeccable with Your Word
Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Don’t Take anything Personally
Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own drama. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.

Don’t Make Assumptions
Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life.

Always Do Your Best
Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and you will avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.

Some are Smarter than Others? No! One is the Smartest of All!

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:05:00 PDT

General Musharraf, Dr Mahathir, Gloria Arroyo & Lee Kuan Yew were sitting in a train. The train goes through a tunnel and it gets completely dark for the next 8 seconds. Suddenly there is a loud kissing sound and then a slap!

The train comes out of the tunnel.

Arroyo and Musharraf are seated across each other, both looking perplexed. Mahathir, seated across LKY, is bent over holding his face, which is very red from an apparent big slap. All of them remain diplomatic and nobody says anything.

Musharraf is thinking : ‘ These Malaysians are all crazy after Arroyo. Mahathir must have tried to kiss her in the tunnel. Very proper that she slapped him ! ‘

Arroyo is thinking : ‘ Mahathir must have moved to kiss me, but kissed Musharraf instead and got slapped. ‘

Mahathir is thinking : ‘ Damn it, Musharraf must have tried to kiss Arroyo ; she thought it was me and slapped me instead. Shit !! ‘

Lee Kuan Yew is thinking : ‘If this train goes through one more tunnel, I could make another kissing sound and slap Mahathir again!!

Suzuki Yamaguchi

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 01:03:00 PDT

First day of school in an American high school in Washington DC. The teacher introduces the new kid, Suzuki Yamaguchi from Japan to

the rest of the class.

As the class start, the teacher says: “Let’s start with a small quiz in American history”. Who said “Freedom or death?”

Suddenly silence and only Suzuki raises his hand: “Patrick Henry, 1775. in Philadelphia.”

“Very good Suzuki”.

And who said: “The nation is it’s people and as such can never die?”

Suzuki raises his hand again: “Abraham Lincoln, 1863, Washington.”

The teacher looks at her students and says: “Shame on you, Suzuki is a Japanese and know American history better than you.”

A silent voice from the back of the class:“Go f*ck yourselves, sh*tty Japanese”

“Who said that!?”, yells the teacher.

Suzuki raises his hand and says: “General MacArthur, 1942, Guadalcanalu, and Lee Iacocca 1982 at the Chrysler management board

meeting, Detroit.”

The class is in silence and you can again hear a silent voice: “Suck my c*ck!!!”

The teacher is furious: “I’ve had enough. Who said that?”

Suzuki: “Bill Clinton to Monica Levinsky, Oval Office, 1997 in Washington.”

Another voice yells: “Suzuki is sh*t!”

Suzuki: “Valentino Rossi in Rio de Janeiro at the Brazil moto Grand-Prix in 2002.”

The class goes wild, the teacher starts crying, and in walks to the school Principal she said: “What the hell is going on?, I am going to

quit !!”

Suzuki: “Sri Mulyani, Minister of Finance, Jakarta, Indonesia, 2010 when KPK auditors were in her office.”

A Blessing Called Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 04:03:00 PDT

We often take our blessings for granted which goes the same for friendships. We tend to overlook the delicate and intricate bond of friendship. It is only when we lose our friends and end up lonely, do we value friendship BECAUSE we lose someone who makes us believe that there is really good in this world…someone who gets us through the hard times, the sad times and the confused times and someone who convinces us that there really is an unlocked door just waiting for us to open it.

Friendship is the best feeling in the world when you meet friends that you can't stand to be without…that you constantly want to impress to make them like you even more. They make you hope everyday that they won't leave you. Until that day when they actually do and you are lost without them. You can't think about anything else but the days you are going to see them again.

Friendships are not just about sleepover parties or golf sessions. True friendships help us grow into a balanced individual. Remember that a brother is not always a friend, but a friend is always a brother. So, build friendships and build a world full of love. Preserve it. Protect it. It is a rare jewel and sacred treasure!!!

The Richest Man in Town

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 09:42:00 PDT

Moved by the church service, the richest man in town stood up and addressed the congregation. "I can remember the day I earned my first dollar, " he said. "That night, I went to a church meeting, and the speaker told us about his missionary work. I had only that single dollar bill, and i had to make a decision: Give it to his worthy cause or keep it. So I gave him all the money I had. I believe that God blesed that decision, and that is why I am a millionaire today."

As he sat down, a woman shouted, " I dare you to do it again."

You Are Who Your Friends Are

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 06:41:00 PDT

It's important to acknowledge the power of a positive attitude. This goes not only for yourself, but also for the people you surround yourself with.

Attitudes are catchy. Whether they're positive or negative, they're rubbing off on you. If you're around people who complain, judge, spread negative gossip, blame others, and play victim roles, chances are you do, too.

Who are you around most? Are they achieving their dreams or complaining about their circumstances? Do they look up to others who are go-getters and high achievers, or do they make fun of them and roll their eyes? How do they treat you?

If you're spending time with people who don't support your dreams and goals, it's seriously time to look at whom you call your friends, and start networking to up-level your circle of influence.

Successful people surround themselves with successful people, plain and simple. They want to be around others who are achieving goals and making things happen. They want to know their secrets and strategies for winning. They're not embarrassed to be hanging out with people who are studying for success and making good money.

You, too, need to surround yourself with positive influences. Join the clubs that other successful people are in, learn what they're learning. It doesn't matter from what walk of life you are coming from. Show up and transform yourself into an achiever! Success isn't just for those who have had it easy, who came from supportive homes or had expensive educations. There are so many successful people who rose up from very poor conditions and overcame obstacles to achieve the goals they set their sights on.

But they didn't get there by hanging out with negative energy-drainers!

Have you been limiting your success by letting yourself become influenced by other people's negative energy?

Make a list of all the people you spend time with and make a note of the kind of personality they have. How many negative people are you around every day? How many people on your list are achieving their dreams, supporting yours and taking responsibility for their lives? You're better off spending time alone than with people who hold themselves back with a victim mentality.

Simply stop spending time with the negative people on your list. Join the clubs that will put you in with a positive circle of friends. Set a new standard for yourself and don't become friends with people who fall below that standard. Invite your old friends to come with you and you'll know who has potential and who to stop being around entirely.

You have to take responsibility for this area of your life. Look around you at the people you call friends. Does it make you proud? Are you selling yourself short? Or are you on the right track?

Starting TODAY ... make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive, nourishing, and uplifting people - people who believe in you, encourage you to go after your dreams, and applaud your victories. Surround yourself with possibility thinkers, idealist, an visionaries!

by Sam Chillingworth

God Will Bring You To A Flourishing Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:13:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #501 - God Will Bring You To A Flourishing Finish
audio download available : #501 - God Will Bring You To A Flourishing Finish (27.60 MB)

We all go through disappointments and face unfair situations. The mistake many people make is that they get stuck where they are. They become bitter and negative, and in the end, give up on their dreams. But here is the good news. Disappointment is not the final chapter in life. God never ends in a negative. Philippians 1:6 says, "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (NIV) If you will keep moving forward with your life, God promises that He will bring you to a flourishing finish. Not a defeated finish, a bankrupt finish, a betrayed finish, a barely-get-by finish. No, God has a victorious finish in your future. Instead of that setback, that disappointment, that betrayal working against you, God will turn it around and cause it to work for you. For every setback, God has already lined up a comeback; for every injustice, vindication; for every disappointment, restoration and new beginnings. Stay in faith. God will bring you to a flourishing finish! That's a promise.

God Has The Right People In Your Future

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:11:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #500 - God Has The Right People In Your Future
audio download available : #500 - God Has The Right People In Your Future (27.60 MB)

Psalm 139:16 says, "…all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." This means that the God we serve is a strategic, detailed God who isn't vague or approximate. No, God has our lives orchestrated down to the very second, causing us to be at the right place at the right time so we can meet the right people that He ordained before the foundation of the world. God has laid out an exact plan for our lives down to the smallest details. He knows the people you're going to need to fulfill your destiny and has it all figured out. Knowing this takes the weight off; you don't have to worry. You don't have to try and make things happen. God is in control. As long as you stay in faith, God will have you at the right place at the right time, and He will bring the right people across your path. As you honor God with your life, His divine plan will unfold. The right people will show up. The right breaks will be there. You will walk into your moments of favor.

Display Your Joy

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:10:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #499 - Display Your Joy
audio download available : #499 - Display Your Joy (27.60 MB)

When people see you, what kind of message are they getting? Are you happy, friendly, good-natured? Or, are you stressed, grumpy, sour and discouraged? Do others want what you have? Jesus said in Matthew 5:14 that we are the light of the world. Most of the time people are not listening to what we say; they are watching how we live. They are watching how we carry ourselves. Many people may not read the Bible, but they are reading our lives. Our joy is not supposed to be hidden; it's supposed to be seen. There are over fifty-three scripture references in the Bible where God talks about our countenance. A simple way to display your joy is through smiling. Even through difficulties and unfair situations, decide to display your joy by faith and smile. Don't wait to feel joyful in order to smile; you may wait forever! Instead, put your faith out there and smile. The joy of the Lord will be your strength. If you will make that decision to brighten up and put on a cheerful countenance, you will feel the joy kick in. You will step into a new level of God's favor. You will not only be healthier, but you will get better breaks and see increase and promotion as you honor God with your life!

The Benefits of Laughter

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:07:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #498 - The Benefits of Laughter
audio download available : #498 - The Benefits of Laughter (27.60 MB)

When was the last time you had a good laugh? Proverbs 17:22 says, "A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing." While laughter may seem like the last thing on our list of priorities, it is something we should make a vital part of our daily lives. God created the gift of laughter to benefit our lives in so many ways. When we're discouraged, uptight or stressed, a simple smile or laugh can change a mood instantly. Not only does it relieve stress, rejuvenate us from the pressures of life and make us feel better, it is medically proven to release healing throughout our bodies. Laughter also helps bring down the relational walls in our lives and helps us connect with others better. When we don't laugh, we don't release the healing that God has placed on the inside. When we go around stressed, solemn and discouraged, the chemicals that God designed to keep us young, lower our blood pressure and stimulate the immune system lay there dormant, unused and ineffective. Take time every day to laugh. God desires that we live full of joy. Decide to be good natured and fun to be around. Look for the humor in life. If you will let God fill your mouth with laughter, not only will it bring honor to God, but you will enjoy your life more, have better relationships, live healthier and be more creative. So, go ahead, laugh your way to a better life!

Knowing What to Ignore

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:05:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #497 - Knowing What to Ignore
audio download available : #497 - Knowing What to Ignore (27.60 MB)

If you're going to live in victory, you have to be selective about what you give your time and attention to. You have to know which thoughts, comments and people to ignore. Jesus had a lot of opposition in His ministry with people questioning and challenging Him. But all the while, He stayed focused. What we learn from Jesus is He didn't try to make every critic understand why He did things the way He did or set every record straight. He was focused on what His Father called Him to do. In the same way, in order to fully reach your God-given destiny and be effective, there will be some critics in life that you will have to ignore their insults, opinions and speculations; you'll have to lay them aside. That means keeping your eyes on God and focusing on what He says about you. He approves you, and that's all that matters. When others don't give you their approval, when others are talking about you, learn to ignore it and let it go so you can reach your God-given destiny. God has already equipped and empowered you with everything that you need. Don't waste your valuable time trying to play up to people, trying to win over all your critics, trying to prove to someone that you're important. God approves you, and that's all that matters! Your future is too big to get distracted by small battles!

Hope for Today Magazine Vol 4.1

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:04:00 PDT

Download now for free the latest inspirational digital magazine from Joel Osteen Ministries! You will be encouraged with the exciting truth that God is with you, for you, has called you and has exciting future for you. When you are reminded of the exciting potential inside of you, your faith rises and anticipation builds in your spirit-you can't help but walk with a spring in your step! In this special spring addition, you will be encouraged to tap into your God-given confidence so you can grow and excel in every area of your life! Encouraging articles also feature Victoria Osteen, Paul Osteen, M.D., Lisa Comes, Marcos Witt, and Michael Mellett. Can you see the new thing God wants to do in your life? Let these articles inspire you to have a new vision for your life in 2011!

Click here to download!

Help Others to Win

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 06:02:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #496 - Help Others to Win
audio download available : #496 - Help Others to Win (27.60 MB)

God wants us to help others win in life, to be people who reach back, invest and help others become the best person they can be. We each have skills, influence, position and knowledge to impart to others. There are doors we can help open for others that will launch them into their destiny. In the Bible, Barnabas was instrumental in helping Paul win at life. Whenever the disciples were apprehensive about Paul joining them in ministry, Barnabas stood up for Paul, and in return, Paul was accepted. He went on to write half of the New Testament. Today, you can be a Barnabas in someone's life. You can help someone come up higher and help them step into their God-given destiny. Simply look around. Who are you investing in? Who are you making better? Who are you pushing up? Your destiny is tied to helping others. And remember, what you make happen for others, God will make happen for you!

Keep the Right Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:59:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #495 - Keep the Right Perspective
audio download available : #495 - Keep the Right Perspective (27.60 MB)

We all face challenges, but it’s not the size of the problem that’s important; it’s our perception of the problem. It’s how big or small we make it in our minds. Are you facing a difficulty right now? Is something not going right? David said in Psalm 34:3, “Magnify the Lord with me.” Instead of magnifying what you’re facing, magnify God. No matter how large an obstacle may be, God is much bigger than anything we may face! God did not breathe His life into us to just barely get by and go around intimidated by our dreams and convinced that the giants in our lives are too big. And there is nothing too big that the Creator the universe cannot handle. All power and might is in His hand. Learn to keep the right perspective. When you talk about God’s greatness, your problems become smaller, and you release your faith for God to go to work and fight your battles!

Seeing Through Eyes of Love

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:56:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #494 - Seeing Through Eyes of Love
audio download available : #494 - Seeing Through Eyes of Love (27.60 MB)

God wants us to see people through eyes of love. Too often, we judge others without knowing their story - the struggles they have been through, how they were raised and the current challenges they may face. We are quick to say, “He sure is unfriendly. She shouldn’t wear that. I don’t know why they act that way.” There is a reason why people are the way they are. That’s why it’s important to take the time to get to know others. Romans 15:1 says, “You who are strong, you who are mature are to bear with those that are weak.” This means instead of judging others, our attitude should be “God, how can I help this person come up higher? How can I make them feel more loved, accepted and secure?” The world is full of people that need someone that understands. Can you be that someone today? Can you make the choice to love others back to wholeness? The closest thing to the heart of God is helping hurting people. As you walk in God’s love and mercy instead of judgment and condemnation, you can be the catalyst for change in the lives around you. And when you extend mercy and understanding to others, God will make sure there is mercy extended to your own life.

Going Beyond Invisible Walls

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:54:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #493 - Going Beyond Invisible Walls
audio download available : #493 - Going Beyond Invisible Walls (27.60 MB)

Colossians 3:11 (The Message) tells us,"From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ."In God's kingdom, everyone is included. Not just one race, one social or economic class, everyone. Yet in society, it's easy to write others off and exclude them from our inner circle based upon unjust prejudices. But in order to live a full life and one that honors God, we have to move past the invisible walls built on prejudices. We have to love the way God loves and include the way He includes others. As you treat all people with respect and honor in a way that pleases God, then you're positioning yourself to go higher, and you will enjoy your life more.

Hold On To Your Peace

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:50:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #492 - Hold On To Your Peace
audio download available : #492 - Hold On To Your Peace (27.60 MB)

Jesus said in John 14:27, "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." We all face difficult situations and seasons. It's not a matter of if we face them, but when. And when we do, God has His gift of peace to sustain us and carry us through. Like the eye of a hurricane offers a stillness and calm to those caught in the midst of the storm, God's peace will keep you sustained, lifted, and encouraged during life's adversities. There may be a raging storm today in your health, your finances or your family, but instead of being torn apart, you'll find right in the center of your storm there is a place where you can stand still and find rest in God. Are you facing a storm in your life right now? Receive God's peace and let it sustain and empower you. As you do, you'll experience a deep sustaining strength and confidence of God's good plan for your life!

Heaven is Cheering You On

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:49:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #491 - Heaven is Cheering You On
audio download available : #491 - Heaven is Cheering You On (27.60 MB)

It's always a great encouragement and comfort to know someone has been in our shoes whenever we face challenging times. Knowing that others have been there, faced that and, with God's help, victoriously overcame obstacles, gives us that extra boost of confidence; and we're reminded of God's great faithfulness. The Bible is filled with such great men and women of faith who were champions in life. Hebrews 1:12 says,"Since we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses, let us run our race." You are not alone in your race of life. You have all of heaven cheering you on each day, filled with saints of old who know what it means to persevere and live a life of victory. Let this message encourage you and remind you that you have the greatest support system there is backing you up each day. Nothing that you face in life is new to God or a surprise to Him. He has been giving strength, wisdom, endurance and supernatural power to others who've lived before you since the creation of time. When you live life knowing that all of heaven is cheering you on, you'll go further and accomplish more than you ever thought possible!

Receive Your Inheritance

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:46:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #490 - Receive Your Inheritance
audio download available : #490 - Receive Your Inheritance (28.25 MB)

Every year there are billions of dollars of unclaimed inheritance in the United States alone that relatives do not receive because they knew nothing of their unclaimed will. In the same way, God has laid up countless blessings for His children. Like a will, God has given us His Word filled with blessings. Yet, so many people are not receiving and walking in the blessings of God that are rightfully theirs because they are unaware that these promises belong to them. God has blessings for you that He's waiting to release in your life, but it's up to you to claim and receive them by faith. Don't let God's blessings for you stay unclaimed anymore. It's never too late to claim what God has for you. Rise up in faith and believe what God says about you in His Word. God will release His blessings and favor in your life, and you will become everything God's created you to be!

2011 is Going to Be Your Year

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:39:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #489 - 2011 is Going to Be Your Year
audio download available : #489 - 2011 is Going to Be Your Year (28.25 MB)

It's easy to get stuck in a rut and go year after year coasting on auto-pilot, expecting the same thing, same problems, same income, same level of joy. But it's time to start expecting something new this year. Our God is a God of increase! That means as His children we shouldn't be at the same level as we were last year. We should be increasing, too! It all starts with what you're expecting. Are you expecting God's favor in your life this year? It's time to believe for increase. Let go of little dreams, little goals and little plans because God is a surpassing God; He does exceedingly abundantly above and beyond what we could ever ask, imagine or think! Let this encouraging message inspire you to rise up higher in 2011. Remember, those whose hope is in the Lord will not be disappointed! Your best days are ahead!

Wear Your Blessings Well

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:30:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #488 - Wear Your Blessings Well
audio download available : #488 - Wear Your Blessings Well (28.25 MB)

Deuteronomy 28:2 says,"All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God." God is a rewarder of those that seek Him. When you keep God first place and do your best to honor Him, blessings always follow obedience. That means you will come into increase, promotion and good breaks you didn't necessarily deserve. When blessings come, God desires that you wear His blessings well so you can be an example of His goodness and display His greatness to others. This means you are quick to give God the credit when credit is due. This means instead of feeling guilty for being blessed, you are thankful for His blessings and receive them with gratitude. Let God make an example of what it means to live a blessed, prosperous, abundant life through your life. We are His great representatives here on earth! Don't hide what God has blessed you with from the world. Learn to let God's goodness shine brightly in your life each and every day and wear His blessings well.

Developing Your Pearls

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:24:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #487 - Developing Your Pearls
audio download available : #487 - Developing Your Pearls (28.25 MB)

Just as a pearl faces many irritants to become beautiful, God uses uncomfortable situations to mold and shape us. Isaiah 64:8 says God is the potter and we are the clay. One of the ways God shapes us is by allowing us to be in situations where we're uncomfortable. This pressure brings to light impurities in our character - pride, selfishness, being critical and easily offended - that need to leave our lives so we can move forward into His blessings. Are you running from adversity, praying away hard situations and everyone that is difficult? If so, it's time for a fresh revelation. God has a purpose behind every situation to shape you, mold you and bring you into God's abundant best. If you will work with God through all situations, God will make more out of your life than you've ever dreamed!

Your Life is Divinely Orchestrated

noreply@blogger.com (Bobby Hamasaki) — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:22:00 PDT

by Joel Osteen
source : Lakewood Church Weekly Video Podcast
video download available : #486 - Your Life is Divinely Orchestrated
audio download available : #486 - Your Life is Divinely Orchestrated (28.25 MB)

Are you facing a setback today? A closed door? Has someone you loved walked out in your life? Usually when difficult situations happen, our natural tendency is to become discouraged and question where is God. But when you're a believer, you can rest assured that God is in divine control of your life. Just as God uses promotion, breakthroughs, loyal people, encouragement, God also uses disappointments, closed doors, betrayals and persecution to move us toward His divine plan. God knows how to get you where you need to be. When you understand everything in your life is divinely orchestrated, and God controls the whole universe, then you will begin to view adversity and unanswered prayers in a different way. You will begin to see that things don't happen to you, they happen for you. God has a reason for everything happening in your life and has a plan to prosper you in all things. You can trust Him to do things His way. You don't be disappointed!