We have a living God, a speaking God! One who loves us, His children, and He particularly loves to speak to us! He can speak to any one of us who love Him.

“In the Last Days I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh: your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17).

You might be thinking, “I read the Bible every day, so I’m hearing from the Lord every day.” While it’s good to read the Bible, the recorded Word of the Lord, which is the foundation of our Christian faith, it’s wonderful to also hear straight from the Lord and “take heed to His sure word of prophecy, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in our hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).

His Word says to “Stir up the gift of God which is in you” (2 Timothy 1:6). So, every day should be a new experience for us, a new listening to the Voice of the Lord. Why live only on yesterday�s spiritual food, when we can have fresh “manna from Heaven” (John 6:58) every day? Jesus still speaks today! Listen to what He told me on June 15, 2008:

I have the KEYS – simple keys to BREAKTHROUGH. It’s not complicated. You have to trust me on this. Just keep writing down what You hear me saying. I know what works and what doesn’t. I am the Alpha and Omega, so I see the end from the beginning. I have to show You before you can show others. What you shared at Soul Purpose Church today was good. Even though it seems that most people didn’t get it, seeds were planted. You have a generous heart. What you’re doing in secret, I will reward openly. That’s My word – that’s My promise.

BREAKTHROUGH RESOURCES

• #WFJ: THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST! (Dec 19, 2009)
• #WFJ: The $14,400 Miracles (Dec 12, 2009)
• #WFJ: The Spiritual Triangle Between Virginia, the U.K., and Italy (Dec 5, 2009)
• Opportunities to invest in yourself and the Kingdom of God (Nov 4, 2009)
• The Angel Breakthrough and the $14,400 Miracle (Sep 14, 2009)

Words from Jesus to R. Joseph Peck, “a pen in God’s hand, giving love a voice”

• #WFJ: Praise Me with your whole heart! (April 23, 2010)
• #WFJ: Rejoice Greatly (April 21, 2010)
• #WFJ: Keep my words, and treasure my commands within you (April 8)
• #WFJ: Thank you for your willingness to go a NEW DIRECTION (March 31, 2010)
• #WFJ: You are a COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION SPECIALIST (March 14, 2010)
• #WFJ: Can A Nation Be Born In A Day? (March 3, 2010)
• #WFJ: I ALWAYS bless My Word (Feb 16, 2010)
• #WFJ: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard (Feb 15, 2010)
• #STJ: Open my eyes LORD that I may see (Feb 9, 2010)
• #WFJ: Thinking Big and Acting Small (humility) is the key to every highly successful business (Jan 22, 2010)
• #WFJ: VISION CASTING for the next decade (Jan 20, 2010)
• #WFJ: Randy, you have discovered the key to opening the door to anyone or any organization (Jan 19, 2010)
• #WFJ: My sheep are hungry for more of Me and My holy Word (Jan 18, 2010)
• #WTJ: I Stand Amazed In All Of Your Glory (Jan 17, 2010)
• #WFJ: I AM a warrior and My kingdom is spread by force (Jan 11, 2010)
• #WFJ: I AM married to Israel (Jan 9, 2010)
• #WFJ: INTIMACY is the keyword for this year and decade! (Jan 8, 2010)
• #WFJ: The fear of Me is a fountain of life (Jan 7, 2010)
• #WFJ: I AM the cup of the blood (Jan 5, 2010)
• #WFJ: I AM the liberty you seek through my Spirit (Jan 4, 2010)
• #WFJ: I have been guiding you each and every day of 2009 (Jan 1, 2010)
• #WFJ: Come Home My Children – I AM Throwing a Party! (Dec 25, 2009, Nancy Slocum)
• #WFJ: Cherish Julia. Honor her. Treat her as you would Me (Dec 23, 2009)
• #WFJ: I have been enlightening you (Dec 21 2009)
• #WFJ: Let Freedom Ring (Dec 18 2009)
• #WFJ: I AM a God of miracles (Dec 17 2009)
• #WFJ: What if I blessed you with something much better (Dec 16 2009)
• #WFJ: Randy, please tell me what you want for Christmas (Dec 15 2009)
• #WFJ: I have called you friends (Dec 12 2009)
• #WFJ: BE in Me and in My Word (Dec 5 2009)
• #WFJ: I AM the Alpha and the Omega (Dec 4 2009)
• #WFJ: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge (Dec 1 2009)
• #WFJ: Praying in My name, seeking My face with others births My Father’s visions (Nov 30 2009)
• #WFJ: I have shown you the Secrets of the Vine (Nov 29 2009)
• #WFJ: When My people start to tithe their time for Me (Nov 28 2009)
• #WFJ: Communion with Me is where the abundant life starts (Nov 27, 2009)
• #WFJ: Thank you for opening a gateway to heaven consistently (Nov 26, 2009)
• WFJ: Awake! Arise! (Nov 25, 2009)
• WFJ: Rest in Me! (Nov 21, 2009)
• WFJ: I AM your good Shepherd (Nov 20, 2009)
• WFJ: UNLEASH YOUR SPIRIT (Nov 18, 2009)
• WFJ: You are ready now! So am I! (Nov 15, 2009)
• WFJ: God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him (Nov 14, 2009)
• WFJ: You’re being a know-it-all is what’s getting in your way! (Nov 11, 2009)
• WFJ: Love always and blessings for God’s peace that passes all understanding! (Nov 5, 2009)
• WFJ: I live within you, deep within your heart of love (Oct 16, 2009)
• WFJ: In My presence is fullness of joy (Oct 13, 2009)
• WFJ: STILLNESS is a key to pressing in to Me (Oct 12, 2009)
• WFJ: Two Way Journaling – God’s SUPERNATURAL “HIGH”-WAY to His Heart (Nancy Slocum, Oct 8, 2009)
• WFJ: I AM Smiling Down Upon You (Oct 2, 2009)
• WFJ: Randy, write the vision down! (Utah, Sep 22, 2009)
• WFJ: The Dam Is Breaking (July 27, 2009)
• WFJ: I have specific instructions to give You each day (June 18, 2008)
• WFJ: I have the keys – simple keys to breakthrough (June 15, 2008)
• WFJ: I want you to dine with Me this morning and each day! (June 10, 2008)

Blessings to CHOOSE a LIFE of abundance!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Breakthrough Life Coach
Creative Marketing and Communication Specialist

Empower 2000, Inc.
“Raising the Bar of Leadership to Empower People, Businesses, and Communities”
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
www.empower2000.com
540-445-1GOD (540-445-1463)

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P.S. Sign up TODAY for my free E-course “30 Days To Breakthrough!” God wants to transform your life NOW!

P.S.S. Spiritual Journaling will transform your life!

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Today was another historical day of taking a stand for the WFJ GLOBAL MOVEMENT. Team destiny hosted their final of three WFJ (Words From Jesus) webinars in December 2009 called “The Miracle of Christmas.”

Dr. Joseph Peck served as the global connector and host of this webinar. The guest panelists were: Deb Smith, Richard Mayhan, Bertha Hinson, and me, Abigail Slocum. Clearly the Holy Spirit took control of the webinar before it ever started and never let go!

He began by waking me up at 3:22 AM to give me this prophetic word – WFJ: THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST! It was His way of orchestrating the whole focus for the discussion. These are the questions we covered:

1. What is the Miracle of Christmas?
2. What is the significance of Isaiah 9:1-7?
3. How does someone come into the LIGHT of Jesus?
4. What can people do to experience their most special Christmas ever?
5. Prayer for an UNCOMMON Christmas blessing.

WFJ: THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST!

Take the tour of the Word and be free in Christ. CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON FOR MIRACLES BUT EVERY DAY IS A MIRACLE IN CHRIST! TO BE IN CHRIST IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL.

SALVATION IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL. It is God�s free gift to all mankind. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved (have eternal life).(John 3:16).

What is so miraculous is that SALVATION IS THE “GREAT EXCHANGE!” MAN GIVES GOD HIS IMPERFECT, BROKEN, SINFUL LIFE IN EXCHANGE FOR A PERFECT (COMPLETE) LIFE IN CHRIST. JESUS GIVES HIS ALL FOR OUR ALL!

When you receive Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, the LIGHT OF THE WORLD – THE CANDLE OF MAN, comes into your heart to show you the most excellent way of all to live. IT IS THE WAY OF LOVE BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.

In this “GREAT EXCHANGE,” your old sinful man dies and the new man comes alive in Christ. CHRIST LIVES THROUGH YOU to live the perfect will of God which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17).

Unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is your inheritance as a born again child of God. IT IS A LIFE OF VICTORY AND TOTAL PROVISION. To be one with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is to be free from every bondage of sin and to be free to experience the fullness and abundance of life in Christ Jesus. JESUS IS THE DOOR TO FREEDOM AND TOTAL FULFILLMENT.

Jesus� arms are open wide and ALL THAT BELONGS TO THE FATHER OF LIGHTS IS YOURS WHEN YOU SAY “YES” TO JESUS who is the express image and likeness of God, and His Kingdom of Love becomes yours!

IT IS A SUPERNATURAL GIFT OF DIVINE INFUSION AND PROPORTION AND IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL! Become one with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. ALLOW THE PRINCE OF PEACE TO RULE IN YOUR HEART FOREVERMORE, for God set eternity in the heart of man. He loves YOU so much and nothing will ever separate YOU from His love.

LET THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD LIGHT YOUR PATH AND BE A BEACON OF HOPE TO ALL MANKIND. THE KING OF GLORY HAS CHOSEN AND MADE A WAY TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN YOUR HEART AND BE YOUR KING AND PRINCE OF PEACE. SAY YES TO HIM AND THE KINGDOM IS YOURS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. The Redeemer wants to take all of you in your imperfection and transform you into the likeness of Christ. RECEIVE THE GREATEST GIFT KNOWN TO MANKIND AND LIVE “THE GREAT ADVENTURE” IN CHRIST. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THIS INDECSRIBABLE GIFT OF PURE AND PERFECT LOVE. It is greater than anything you ever wanted for Christmas for it is the desire of your heart. RECEIVE GOD�S GIFT AND SPEND THE REST OF YOUR NATURAL LIFE AND ETERNITY UNWRAPPING JESUS, GOD�S GIFT OF HIMSELF WHO IS PERFECT LOVE. THERE IS NO END TO LOVE. REJOICE AND BE AT PEACE. IMMANUEL HAS COME!

RECEIVE ALL OF THE GREATEST MIRACLE WHO EVER WAS OR IS TO COME! Let Christ have free reign in your heart and become His walking talking miracle and witness to all mankind. Your light has come. BE GLORIFIED IN HIS ETERNAL PRESENCE.

I LOVE YOU, MY CHILD. BE MADE WHOLE. ENTER THE JOY OF THE LORD. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE PERFECT LOVER OF YOUR SOUL! BE SATISFIED IN ME. I AM YOUR FULFILLMENT AND HEART�S DESIRE. SHALOM.

Love in Jesus,

Nancy Slocum
“A pen in God’s hand giving LOVE a voice”
The Bellows of God
www.Nancy777.com

Prayer Power

If you don�t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please say this prayer out loud from your heart and you shall be saved and come into God’s Kingdom of Love.

Father God, I believe in my heart that you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I believe Jesus paid my sin debt in full. It was a debt I could not repay and it was a debt Jesus did not owe. Thank You, Jesus. I accept your perfect gift and sacrifice. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Baptize me in the power of your Holy Spirit and I will serve you all the days of my life! I am saved! I am free! Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen.

May you allow the God of all hope and the Prince of Peace to rule in your heart this day and forevermore. May this truly be your most significant Christmas ever as the FULLNESS of the gift of God’s LOVE FOR YOU, becomes an everyday reality in your life!

I BLESS YOU with the joy, laughter, and peace of God! I BLESS YOU with God’s amazing grace! I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

——————————————————————-

Come experience the excitement of our vibrant, online, world-wide community (TRIBE) that is changing lives to disciple nations.

Webinar Details

• Title: The Miracle of Christmas
• Series: Words From Jesus: How to hear God’s voice
• Date/Time: Saturday December 19, 2009, 8 am EST
• Facilitator: Holy Spirit
• Host: Dr. Joseph Peck
• Panelists:
  1) Abigail Slocum – founder of God Whispers
  2) Bertha Hinson – founder of Beauty From Ashes TV and His Gateway
  3) Deb Smith – founder of Connect 7 Coaching
  4) Lynne Lee – founder of Christian LIFE Coaching
  5) Richard Mayhan – founder of Prodigan Returns; leader with Worldprayr

Here is what we covered …

1. What is the Miracle of Christmas?
2. What is the significance of Isaiah 9:1-7 ?
3. How do YOU come into the LIGHT of Jesus?
4. What can YOU do to experience your most special Christmas ever?
5. Prayer for a UNCOMMON Christmas blessing

Watch Team Destiny’s complete webinar “The Miracle of Christmas!”
Click on the image below to watch this 116 minute Camtasia video

RIGHT CLICK HERE and choose “Save Target As” to download the 116 minute MP3 recording of this webinar.

BREAKTHROUGH RESOURCES

• #WFJ: THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST! (Dec 19, 2009)
• #WFJ: The $14,400 Miracles (Dec 12, 2009)
• #WFJ: The Spiritual Triangle Between Virginia, the U.K., and Italy (Dec 5, 2009)
• Opportunities to invest in yourself and the Kingdom of God (Nov 4, 2009)
• The Angel Breakthrough and the $14,400 Miracle (Sep 14, 2009)

For those of you who can afford it, we encourage you to SOW A $144 SEED (= 12 x 12 = 1% of $14,400) to bless someone in need – the poor, the hungry, widows, orphans, prisoners, or the persecuted. Thank you!

Blessings to TAKE ACTION to make this your most special Christmas season ever!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Breakthrough Life Coach
Creative Marketing and Communication Specialist

Empower 2000, Inc.
“Raising the Bar of Leadership to Empower People, Businesses, and Communities”
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
www.empower2000.com
540-445-1GOD (540-445-1463)

TEAM DESTINY

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;” (John 15:8a)

P.S. At the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders in the U.K. earlier this year, the primary word received was “no more business as usual.”

P.S.S. We want your feedback. We encouarge each of you to share your thoughts below.

P.S.S.S. Please help us share this wealth – “The Miracle of Christmas!” – with the world! THE TIME IS NOW! Here are Sample Tweets

• What is the Miracle of Christmas? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the significance of Isaiah 9:1-7? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• How do YOU come into the LIGHT of Jesus? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What can YOU do to experience your most special Christmas ever? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Prayer for a UNCOMMON Christmas blessing http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What do you want for Christmas more than anything else? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is your greatest heart’s desire? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the greatest miracle of all? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the GREAT EXCHANGE? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Where is the door to freedom and total fulfillment? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the way of LOVE? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Allow the Prince of Peace to rule in your heart forever http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Let the Light of the world light your path http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• BE a beacon of hope to all mankind http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Merry Christmas to all http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Receive the greatest gift know to mankind http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Live “THE GREAT ADVENTURE” in CHRIST http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Enter the joy of the LORD this Christmas season http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.” (Psalm 46:1,2)

What will you do to help this 4 year old desperate girl?

On Friday December 19, Ed Lyons called to ask me for Rick Heeren’s contact info to pass on to a supporter of the Persecution Project Foundation (PPF). When I asked Ed for an update on his life, I learned that he recently returned from a mission trip to Sudan.

Ed then went on to share a story of a 4 year old, 15 pound girl (baby Abuk) in Darfur, Sudan that he helped snatch from death. According to Ed, God must have a big plan for this girl because she has been “rescued from death, time and time again.” After hearing Ed’s story, I was so touched I asked Ed to repeat it so I could record it and then share it with others.

The 9 minute audio file with Ed’s story can be found online at today’s Link of the Day. While visiting the PPF website this morning, I came across an excellent YouTube video with an interview of Brad Phillips (Founder of the PPF) by Howard Phillips, Brad’s father and Chairman of The Conservative Caucus since 1974. I have put that at today’s Link of the Day as well.

While none of us can change the world by ourselves, together we can make a difference in this one girl’s life in Sudan. Therefore, I’m rallying my troops to ask for your support in making a Christmas donation to the PPF. To do so, follow these 3 simple steps:

1) Visit http://persecutionproject.org
2) Click on “Contribute to the Persecuted Church”
3) Enter your billing info. Choose “Darfur” under “Which of our funds should we apply your contribution to?”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank for the Persecution Project Foundation and the big difference that organization is making in lives of tens of thousands of displaced refugees in Sudan. Thank You for sending Ed Lyons to rescue baby Abuk, the tiny 4 year old girl. Continue to bless and protect Abuk. May you stir the hearts of my followers to rally behind this girl and the PPF. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Audio story by Ed Lyons (9 min) + YouTube video interview of Brad Phillips

Blessings to acquire God’s heart for the persecuted church!

Do you know what it feels like to be hungry?
Have you ever gone 3 days without eating any food?
If it was one of your kids going hungry, what would you do and when?
What role is God asking you to play in stopping hunger NOW?

In my devotionals on January 1 and 2, 2008, I mentioned that 2008 will be a year of convergences. Today’s story is a wonderful example of that. In previous devotionals, I’ve mentioned Virginia Morton, Erick Kalenga, Rize Up, Sam Reeves, Liberia, Ron Davidson, and Gleaning for the World. Recognizing convergence experiences is valuable to get involved in big things God is doing.

Wednesday May 7 at 9:30 AM, Rev. Lee Warren from South Hill, VA will be speaking at the Stop Hunger Now assembly at Culpeper High School. Lee is a United Methodist minister and oversees Stop Hunger Now in Virginia. This program has mushroomed since Lee took it over. There are some good videos posted on YouTube and GodTube. Today’s Link of the Day is one of those.

Lee’s husband went to judge’s school with Roger Morton, Virginia’s husband. God called Lee into pastoral ministry after her kids left home and she commuted to Duke to get her degree. That took energy and determination. According to Virginia, Lee is a very vivacious lady.

This Stop Hunger Now [www.stophungernow.org] assembly is important because Culpeper High School has given Rize Up responsibility for organizing it. Rize Up will challenge the high school students to raise $4,000 which will pack 20,000 meals. The packing will be done at a future date, probably in the Fall.

Frequently Lee actually accompanies the food shipments and helps distribute meals in the schools where hunger is rampant. Some of the meals are going to Liberia, and we’re praying ours will be directed by God to Liberia and Sam Reeves will be there to supervise. It also happens that Lee warehouses her supplies, dry ingredients in Lynchburg and Ron Davidson with Gleaning for the World oversees it.

Each highly nutritional meal  costs only 20 cents. 25 people can package 5,000 meals in just 2 hours. That’s enough to feed an orphanage with 32 children for 7 months. Children as young as 5 years old can get involved and help. 

The youth of today are having a much greater impact than ever before in shaping the culture of the world. Stop Hunger Now is a great hands-on way for young people to assist with world hunger. One goal of Stop Hunger Now is to target apathy. When Erick Kalenga, the leader of Rize Up, heard about the idea, he loved it and ran with it.

According to its official website, “Stop Hunger Now is a non-profit, international relief organization committed to ending hunger worldwide. Stop Hunger Now leads ongoing efforts to feed the hungry around the world by providing direct emergency food and other life-saving aid in crisis areas. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Raleigh, NC, Stop Hunger Now has provided over $100 million of aid in more than 55 countries.”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for using Virginia Morton, Erick Kalenga, and Rize Up to open the door for Lee Warren to share about Stop Hunger Now at the school assembly on May 7. Bless all those who participate to ignite an epidemic of people following in Jesus’ steps to feed the hungry. Use the web to magnify the impact of Stop Hunger Now 100 fold in 2008. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Stop Hunger Now – Operation Sharehouse @ NCSU 2007

Please Turn on Javascript

Blessings to play your appropriate role to stop hunger NOW!

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. – (Matthew 5:7)

What would the Good Samaritan do?

We continue today with this week’s theme of the Good Samaritan – a message of mercy and compassion.

Yesterday when I was riding my bicycle home, I came across a significant two car accident. As I passed by, I asked if anyone was seriously hurt and was told “No.” About 100 yards later, I turned around and came back. This time, I asked “Is there anything I can do to help?” While I was told “No, thank you,” I knew I had done the right thing. Then I thought about asking myself the question “What would the Good Samaritan do?” anytime God crosses my path with someone in need.

It’s easy to pass by people in need with excuses – “I don’t have time to help” or “I can’t help everyone.” However, it is possible to help one person at a time as God puts them in our paths. Sometimes, just listening to someone or praying with them provides the encouragement they desperately need at just the right time.

By reaching out and showing mercy to Sam Reeves, God connected me to Rev. Ron Davidson, president and founder of Gleaning For The World (GFTW). Ron sent a lengthy reply of gratitude within 2 hours of sending my devotional on January 4 titled “Life is an Adventure.” I had just spoken to Brucie Quick, the Mission Coordinator for Gleaning for the World, the day before and she told me she would add herself to my devotional list. I don’t think Ron was on my email list on Jan 4.

Ron has an incredible story of what’s possible when someone develops an attitude of mercy and sees the downtrodden from God’s perspective. Here is part of what Ron shares on the GFTW website:

“In 1992, I met the homeless for the first time. I had seen the ghostly figures walking the streets, but had not taken the time to meet them personally. One night, I sat and talked with a group of homeless people who had lost their jobs, their homes, and their futures. As we talked, I realized they had the same dreams for their lives and their children as I did for mine. As I delved deeper into the challenge of poverty and homelessness, I saw that, while local organizations were doing all they could to help these individuals, they lacked many simple, essential supplies. After that encounter, my heart was burdened to help and my life was changed forever.

By 1998, my desire to help the poor was so great that I stepped down from my position as pastor of a 1,200-member church. My wife and I moved from a four-bedroom parsonage to a basement apartment and used my mother’s basement to start Gleaning For The World. We were determined to make a difference in people’s lives by providing charitable organizations with the supplies they needed to help the poor.

In just six years, GFTW moved from its basement office to an 18,000-square-foot office and warehouse facility in Concord, Virginia. By 2006, we had shipped more than $300 million in supplies to people in desperate need — both here in the U.S. and around the world. For every $1 in donations, Gleaning For The World can provide $100 worth of critical, life-saving supplies where they are needed most. We are committed to this mission.

While the average organization does well to show a financial model of 30 percent administration and 70 percent programs, GFTW consistently exceeds this benchmark, with the total cost of operations being less than one percent of the value of the service. This is one of the lowest in the non-profit world.”

Amazing! That’s God!!! He does exceedingly abundantly above and beyond what we can imagine or think. One man’s uncommon obedience to the call of the LORD has resulted in more than $300 million of supplies being delivered to desperate people. Now God has placed a desire in my heart to magnify the impact of GFTW 30-60-100 fold through LIFE coaching, Internet marketing, and POWER networking.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Ron Davidson and his uncommon obedience to You. Thank You for crossing my path with his. May You allow and empower me to magnify the impact of Gleaning for the World many fold. Bless those who read this message to take the message of mercy and compassion to heart. Bless them to slow down and think BIG! Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Links of the Day
History of Gleaning For the World
Stewardship – Gleaning For The Word

Blessings to be merciful to those in need!

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25)

What must I do to inherit eternal life?

As mentioned in yesterday’s devotional, God worked out the circumstances such that I listened to Pastor Randy Orndorff’s sermon about the Good Samaritan three different times on my 7th spiritual birthday (Sunday Jan 6). It became very clear to me that God wants to drill home the message of the Good Samaritan deep down into my heart and your hearts as well. The scripture reading on Jan 6 was Luke 10:25-37.

And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He (Jesus) said to him, “What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?” So he answered and said,” ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” And He said to him, “You have answered rightly; do this and you will live.” But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Then Jesus answered and said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. (Luke 10:25-30)

Why didn’t the priest and the Levite stop to help the man beaten up alongside the road. Perhaps they were in rush needing to be somewhere on time. Perhaps they were fearful. Perhaps religious laws prevented them from helping someone unclean. Then a good, but despised Samaritan came along and responded in a way we know is right and good.

When we are in a position of being needed to help another, many attitudes arise within us. Jesus expects us to slow down, bend down, reach out, and lift up – to show mercy to those in need. Often these opportunities are unplanned and inconvenient. However, the greatest satisfaction and greatest blessings come when we serve others.

The Jericho Road is always with us. The Jericho Road is any place where people are robbed; where people are robbed of their dignity, robbed of their love, robbed of their food and clothing, robbed of their value as human beings.  It is any place where there is suffering and oppression. The Jericho Road is a symbol of suffering in the world.

This parable of the Good Samaritan is essentially about people not wanting to get involved with people who are suffering because of safety, because of money, because of time, because of inconvenience, because of busyness with churchy activities. While this parable is a condemnation of non-involvement, it also is an invitation for us to be merciful and kind to those in need.

It is much easier to take the “wide road” like the priest and the Levite than the narrow road like the Samaritan. Life is a highway. How much time do you spend reflecting on where you’re going and what you’re doing? How many times do you say, “Here I am LORD. What is the question?”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Pastor Randy and the generous and caring congregation at Culpeper United Methodist Church. Bless them Lord. Water the good seeds that were sown this past weekend with Your miracle grow. Continue to multiply the number of people and organizations supporting Sam Reeves and Operation Rescue Liberia. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Jericho Road (The Good Samaritan) – by Sermons from Seattle

Blessings to choose to walk the narrow road and be a Good Samaritan!

But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

Who is my neighbor? How should I respond?

Yesterday I attended all three morning worship services at the Culpeper United Methodist Church. Pastor Randy Orndorff allowed David Bean and me to support Sam Reeves and Operation Rescue Liberia during each service by sharing short testimonies of how God moved in our lives to get us involved. The Holy Spirit moved in power to inspire other people to get involved.

Around 7 AM yesterday while preparing my three minute testimony, I remembered it was my 7th spiritual birthday. Seven is my favorite number. Exactly seven years ago, on January 6, 2001, I stepped over line for Jesus. By quietly saying something as simple as “Jesus, I commit my life to you” and meaning it, the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence in me. That was the most important day of my life.

Appropriately, the scripture reading yesterday was Luke 10:25-37 which tells the story of the Good Samaritan, one of the best known and well-loved stories of the Bible. That story took place on the road leading from Jerusalem to Jericho.

While Pastor Randy was preaching his message during the first worship service, the Holy Spirit told me, “Sam is your neighbor.” When I first heard Sam’s story on December 18, I felt compelled to stop and help him. Now God is inviting others into what He is doing in Liberia. I envision God using Rim of Grace Ministries to bless thousands and tens of thousands of people in Liberia, who in turn will bless hundreds of thousands and even millions in Africa.

On my way home yesterday afternoon, I stopped at Food Lion to buy groceries. There God crossed my path with Jeanne Nixon. We had a long spiritually-centered conversation which Jeanne said greatly encouraged her. For the first time, I saw Jeanne as “my neighbor.”

When Jeanne learned it was my 7th spiritual birthday, she recommended I buy a birthday cake along with the number 7 and 7 candles to celebrate at home. So I did that. That opened the door to celebrate this momentous occasion with my wife, son, and one of his friends in the evening.

In retrospect, God blessed me with an amazing 7th spiritual birthday. One key milestone was listening to Pastor Randy’s message about the Good Samaritan three times in a single day and videotaping that. Another was the opportunity to sow sees to bless Sam and Liberia. Therefore, this week’s series of messages will focus on stories of the Good Samaritan.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the wonderful ways You blessed me on my 7th spiritual birthday. Help me to understand the significance of each milestone. Thank You for Pastor Randy and his timely message about the Good Samaritan. Guide me to apply that message each day of my life as I meet and learn about people in need. Bless me with a healthy balance of mercy and truth. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Photos from my 7th spiritual birthday – you now can rate each photo and post comments

Blessings to recognize your neighbors in need and respond in Jesus fashion!
 

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion.” (Luke 10:33)

How can you create more margin in your life to be able to help more people?

This past Saturday (July 14), I drove to visit my parents. They live 50 miles from my home. It had been about two weeks since I had seen them. I joined them for the Saturday evening mass at their church. The Gospel reading and sermon were about the Good Samaritan. This morning during my daily quiet time, I read Luke 9-10, which is what my son, Tim Jr, and I were scheduled to read. Chapter 10 happened to tell the story of the Good Samaritan.

I was deeply moved when I read the verse “And when he saw him, he had compassion.” While my wife and children sometimes tell me I’m too generous, I find it difficult to walk by or ignore someone in need. I realize I don’t own anything and every day is a precious gift from God. My goal each day is to sow as much good seed as I can – to do what John Wesley talked about above.

While my son was eating breakfast this morning, we discussed grace and mercy. When I asked him “What is grace?”, he answered “undeserved favor from God.” I don’t remember his answer when I asked “What is mercy?” I then shared that grace is getting what we don’t deserve, while mercy is not getting what we do deserve when we’ve messed up.

I then asked Robbie, “What is great grace?” He didn’t have a good answer. To the best of my knowledge there is only one place in the Bible that speaks of “great grace” and that’s in the book of Acts when the followers of Jesus were in true unity and meeting one another’s needs.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (Acts 4:32-35)

Prayer Power
Most gracious heavenly Father, thank You for Your tender mercies which are new each and every day. Thank You for all the people who have stopped to help me when I was in need. My heart is broken as I think about all the hurting people that I personally know. Keep my heart soft and bless me with the resources and opportunities to bless many people around the world in need. Thank You Jesus. I love You dearly. Amen.

Link of the Day
Parable of the Good Samaritan – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_Samaritan]

Blessings to do all the good you can every day!

Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many deeds. He had killed two lion-like heroes of Moab. He also had gone down and killed a lion in the midst of a pit on a snowy day. And he killed an Egyptian, a spectacular man. The Egyptian had a spear in his hand; so he went down to him with a staff, wrested the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and killed him with his own spear. (2 Samuel 23:20-21)

Have you ever had one of those moments where you do something crazy and ask yourself in retrospect: What was I thinking?

Normal people don’t chase lions, but Benaiah did. He also killed two Moabite heros and a spectacular Egyptian. Benaiah’s valiant acts ultimately promoted him to become the leader of King David’s body guard (2 Sam 23:23), then commander of David’s army, and finally commander of all of Israel’s forces under King Solomon.

To end up in a pit with a lion on a snowy day would be considered a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day by most people. But God is in the business of strategically positioning us in the right place at the right time. A sense of destiny is our birthright as followers of Christ. God is awfully good at getting us where He wants us to go. But here’s the catch: The right place often seems like the wrong place, and the right time often seem like the wrong time.

God is in the resume building business. He is always using past experiences to prepare us for future opportunities. But those God-given opportunities often come disguised as man-eating lions. And how we react when we encounter those lions will determine our destiny. The greatest opportunities are the scariest lions. Taking no risks is the greatest risk of all. The biggest risks are the greatest opportunities.

No risk, no glory (for God that is). My wife and I have become lion chasers. She started a brand new coffee roasting business out of our garage at the same time I stepped away from my highest paying anesthesia job. When we don’t have the guts to step out in faith and chase lions, then God is robbed of the glory that rightfully belongs to Him. Mark Batton says spiritual maturity is seeing and seizing God-ordained opportunities.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the extraordinary LORD God Almighty. Jesus, You are the rock upon which I stand. I want to live an extraordinary life for You and through You. Make me a valiant lion chaser for Jesus. Bless me to manifest the fullness of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of my life, including my family, finances, friendships, work, and play. Team me up with other people who dream big dreams so we can impact the world for Jesus. I pray for the salvation of more than one billion new souls. I love You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
www.chasethelion.com – Watch the video on the home page

Blessings to defy odds, face fears, reframe problems, and embrace uncertainty!

Your Daily Blessings News
Most of the excerpts above come directly from Chapter 1 of “In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day.”

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

Do you have a heart for your suffering brothers and sisters in the world?

Sunday November 12, 2006 was the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. About 150 nations of the world held some type of prayer service.

In Culpeper Virginia, the Persecution Project Foundation hosted this event at the Culpeper United Methodist Church. The outstanding keynote speaker was Court Wood, co-founder of “In Jesus’ Name Ministries.” Only about 50 people showed up, which was quite disappointing. In my opinion the church should have been full. The good news is that 5 teenagers came from our local Rize Up club.

My initial impression regarding this poor turnout was that the vast majority of American Christians are apathetic about their suffering brothers and sisters abroad. The next morning, however, the Holy Spirit convicted me for not inviting anyone personally myself. God has really been working on me recently to bring my heart in alignment with what matters most to him.

In the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), Jesus gives apt teaching on what people live for in the year 2006. He says there are three very different choices and that every human being has taken on as his moral world view.

The first world view is the robber’s. He lives according to ‘what is yours is mine.’ The second is the priest’s and the temple assistant’s. They live according to the view that ‘what is mine is mine.’ It’s not my problem. Why should I care about Christians in North Korea or Sudan? I’m OK here! This is a religious and not a Christian attitude.

However, God is the founder of the ‘give it away movement’. He gave away Jesus! And Jesus gave away forgiveness for sin, hope, peace, life and an eternal future. Jesus lived his life on earth demonstrating ‘what is mine is yours.’ As followers of Jesus Christ we are now called to give away the blessing there is in prayer and again take part in the world’s largest prayer group in November.

Prayer Power
Forgive me LORD for my past apathy about my suffering brothers and sisters around the world. I finally realize that when they are being persecuted, so are You. I’m so sorry. Now I feel Your pain and suffering. Thank You for using the Persecution Project Foundation as an instrument to bring hope and relief to so many people in Sudan. Thank You for the Voice of the Martyrs. Thank You for In Jesus’ Name Ministries. Thank You for all the people around the world who are loving Your children in deed and truth. Bless them. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church [http://www.idop.org]

Blessings to have a heart of compassion for children of God around the world!

Your Daily Blessing News
Why not forward this email to your friends and church? Why not give that wonderful vision that we are one in Christ and that we care for each other?