Da Word... 220! Streams baby

Ever come into contact with someone who seems to just turn you on? And no, I don't mean in the sexual sense. I mean when you speak with this person you suddenly feel revitalized! In fact you may even feel ready to take on the world! You can't put your finger on it, but there's just something about this person that is just insanely refreshing. This may be a clue, checkit:

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."

- Da Christ (John 7:38)

The very next verse tells us that Da Christ was speaking about the Spirit. That's right, da Holy Spirit baby! And my man J describes it as streams of living water straight flowin'! Now that is hot. Not only does one who believes catch a supreme dose of Holy Ghost infusion, but he who believes becomes a wellspring of life himself! And that because the Holy Spirit that has taken up residence with him is spewing forth some ILL living water. Nice.

I don't know if you've read Acts, and some choice other books of the bible. But Acts talks about when the Holy Spirit first made an appearance after Christ done bounced. And yo.... it was OFF the HOOOOOOOK! Think about it, the Spirit of God teaming up with you!? Oh what possibilities then become available! And yeah, the apostles brought the ruckus. Numerous miracles, healings, speaking in other languages, clarity into scripture... the list goes on my friend. When you and the Spirit are straight rollin', everyone is blessed.

So check it, if you've got the Spirit, then the Spirit in you works through you to reach those around you. Hence, you've got streams of living water flowing from within you. Now water is necessary for all life on this planet. Without it, things are dead... dead... DEAD. It's no great wonder then when we get that nice glass of water we've been craving after some serious output that we feel so insanely refreshed. As water replenishes and revitalizes us physically, the Spirit of God revitalizes us in our inner most being -- spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and more. And thus it is also no wonder that when you come into contact with a cat that rolls with the spirit, you seem to soar.

Let's endeavor to link up with the Spirit of God thus unleashing streams of living water from within. It's unlimited upside my friends... for everyone!

G-bless,

- patrick

Da Word... 219! Perspective

There are generally two ways to approach or perceive a monumental task. One can focus on the details and the sheer weight of what might seem daunting. Or one can focus on the potential impact and/or reward of pulling off such a monumental feat. The former tends to suffer quite a great deal more than he or she should, and more times than not fails (that sucks, suffer and fail!?). The latter on the other hand, heh heh, the latter generally seems to triumph (BAM!).

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

- Paul (Romans 8:18)

Yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about! That's some ILL perspective! That kinda view on things will propel kats to maaaad heights! Fa sho' ;-D But the best part is that it ain't a pipe dream. It isn't some kind of fantasy or wishful thinking. No my friends, this is bona fide truth! Nothing worthwhile comes without effort, getting down and dirty. Those things that give us tremendous pride, joy, and sense of accomplishment are those where we've put in the time. Think about it for a hot second... yeah, see what I mean?

Walking the walk ain't no walk in the park, for sure. It's not easy standing up for truth and justice. It's not easy fightin' the raw desires of the flesh to keep yourself free from its chains. It's not easy being free! But yo, it's so worth it to be free!!! When we compare it to what Pops has in store waiting for us, maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan, all of this work towards growth and development and integrity will be like a drop in the bucket compared to the sheer elation and joy that will be bursting through when Pops says, "Well done! Well done!" And homie beckons us into his crib.

Is that the only time we'll feel it? At the ultimate moment of cribdom? Naw kid! The fruits of our walk will manifest even now! You'll see it when a friend finally gets it. You'll see it when you look around and notice that your circle of homies are genuine to the core. You'll see it when by your sacrifices and dishing out of love, families or even whole towns have a second chance at living. You'll see it in the smiles of those who cannot help themselves when you defend 'em, feed 'em, clothe 'em, house 'em. You'll see it when people begin to realize that you are the real deal. Yo, when people know that when the stuff of life comes bearing down they can come to you and get it straight, you'll see it. You'll be taken aback when you realize that people believe you are someone who will stand in the gap or walk side by side in the trenches. These rewards are intangible and non-perishable. These are things that last a lifetime and beyond.

So what's the word? Don't sweat the pain, just get in the game. Play your friggin' heart out cuz yo, you're about to catch and avanlache of blessing. Keep the perspective in all that you do! Homie, it's the recipe for coming out on top. Word.

G-bless,

- patrick