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!

R. Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
Community Transformation Specialist
www.empower2000.com

Note: On February 27, 2010, I officially began using my middle name (Joseph) instead of my nickname (Randy) per the Lord’s prompting.

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!

Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. (Proverbs 3:10)

What distractions do you allow to get in the way of giving the firstfruits of your TIME to Jesus each morning?

Yesterday morning I sent out my first YDB devotional in more than 3 weeks. That was prompted by an inspirational email received from Renato Amato, from Bracciano Italy. In my message I shared briefly about Renato, one of my top connections for 2009.

Yesterday afternoon, Renato and I had our our weekly coaching call over the Internet. Wow!!! While I’m supposedly the one doing the coaching, it seems I’m the one receiving the most coaching as I learn so many valuable life lessons. I’m coming to appreciate the tremendous UNITY (oneness) that Renato and his wife Patrizia enjoy. Those are the kinds of people I want to hang around.

Renato’s blog has quickly become my favorite one ever. That says a lot. Renato is the only person in the world I know who is posting his two-way journal entries daily on his blog. He calls his daily messages WFJ = Words From Jesus.

Renato’s message this morning titled “The first fruits of your time” is outstanding and reminds us of fundamental truths of tithing the best of our time each day in relationship with Jesus. It’s so easy to make excuses and start days doing things for Jesus instead of listening to Him.

CLICK HERE to read Jesus’ message to Renato this morning.

Incidentally, I highly, highly recommend subscribing to Renato’s blog. This will bless you, your marriage, and your family. And while your at it, why not let your friends know about Renato’s blog too?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, throughout history and the Bible, You have desired an intimate relationship with Your children in which they prioritize their time spent with You and with ears trained to listen to Your voice. Thank You that Renato is modeling this intimate relationship for others via the web. May Renato’s example be contagious. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

“I AM the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” – John 10:11

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your practice of STILLNESS?

In December 2006, I stepped away from the highest paying, easiest, most enjoyable anesthesia job of my career in obedience to the Holy Spirit to make 2007 a sabbatical year.

On December 30, 2006 the LORD gave me my theme verse for 2007 – “BE STILL … and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10a).

On January 1, 2007, I began a 21 day fast. On the very first day of that fast (and sabbatical year), the LORD gave me a song — “BE STILL.” That was the only song I received from the LORD that year, so I figure it’s quite significant.

Also on January 1, 2007, I sent a YDB devotional to my followers titled “Be Still.” In that I wrote: “Today begins day #1 of my sabbatical year – a year of rest. Each year since 2003, I have chosen a theme verse for the year. Until just two days ago, I was asking God to let me know His choice for a theme verse for 2007. After watching the “Be Still” DVD on December 30, I immediately knew my theme verse for 2007 is “Be still and know.” That is God’s message for the entire world!!!”

CLICK HERE  to read the rest of that profound message.

This morning (May 26, 2009) while I was journaling, Jesus told me to record the song “BE STILL” and post it online. So I did. Enjoy!

Prayer Power
Jesus, we praise You as the God of stillness. Thank You for my practice of being still to know You – the great I AM.

Blessings to be still and know!

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. (Psalm 119:105)

How can you empower your life story?
Will you commit to meet with Jesus daily?
When and where are you going to start?
How long are you going to meet with Jesus each day?
What resources do you need to meet with Jesus?

I’ve had a Wow! morning. God is so good! I’ll share part of the story this morning and more tomorrow. If you need encouragement today, read on.

Yesterday at Soul Purpose Church, Pastor Matt preached a message titled “My Life Story Empowered.” He shared that you’ll never know you’re soul purpose until you meet Jesus and then meet with Jesus daily. Key scriptures were Psalm 119:105 and Exodus 33:7-17.

Matt first addressed the question “How do I meet with God?” and then laid out these 4 simple steps

1) Opening prayer – preparation (confess sin) and permission (“Whatever You tell me to do, I’ll do.”)

2) Read (or listen to) Bible. According to Hebrews 4:12, the Word of God is living and active (if you let it be). According to Henry Blackaby, “The Bible is not something that leads to a connection with God; It is the connection with God.” Matt pointed out that while the U.S. Constitution is often referred to a living, breathing document, it’s not really. But contrast this with the Bible.

Matt answered the question “Where do I start in reading through the Bible?” by recommending John, 1 John, Luke, Acts, Romans, then Genesis in that order. What a great suggestion.

Matt’s answer to the question “What am I looking for as I read?” was SPACE PETS = Sin to confess, Promise to claim, Attitude to change, Command to obey, Example to follow, Prayer to pray, Error to avoid, Truth to be believed, Something to thank God for.

3) Journal – meditate and record answers to these questions:
a) What did God say to me? (Which of the SPACE PETS really got my attention today)
b) Why did God say that to me today?
c) What am I going to do today because of what God said to me? (What needs to change?)
d) With whom can I share what God said to me today?

4) Record your response prayer. Commit to follow what He has shown you today. Praise Him for who He is. Thank him for what He has done.

Then Matt did something that every preacher would benefit from. He gave each person 10 minutes to actually practice what he taught using Psalm 1. As I read that Psalm, I underlined “meditates on it (the Word of God) day and night” as my one Command to obey. I made the commitment to spend an hour each morning and night in My Secret Place reading the Bible and praying for specific people on a written list starting that evening.

So yesterday evening before I went to bed, I read all of 1 John out loud in our home. That resulted in a rocket launch this morning. Be sure to catch tomorrow’s message and opportunity.

Prayer Power
Jesus, thank You that every day each of us has the opportunity to meet with You by reading your Word with an open mind and an open heart. Thank You for helping me write today’s message. May those who read it be doers of Your Word, not just hearers. We bless You. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Everyone should have a blog. Here’s why

Blessings to empower your life story through a daily meeting with Jesus!

So he answered and said to me: “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ Says the LORD of hosts.’” (Zechariah 4:6)

What is your soul purpose?
What one habit can you establish to discover that?

The LORD has really been working in my life on how best to COACH and bless those he has placed in my sphere of influence. With all the people I know and who ask for my help, it’s not really practical for me to coach people one-on-one. I have come to the conclusion that God wants me to coach people in groups of 15 and 1,000.

Since journaling is the lead domino for my life and I do more journaling than almost anyone in the world, God has prepared me to teach others. Therefore, coaching others to journal effectively will be my primary focus. As a physician and LIFE coach, I have a desire to positively impact the WELLNESS of leaders, businesses, and communities. Using the web to exponentially multiplying people who journal well will be one of the main ways to accomplish this.

In the past year, God has connected me with several UNCOMMON Destiny LIFE coaches. One is Dr. Jerry Graham. Another is Ben Stewart. As certified Lifeforming Leadership Coaches walking in our destinies, we will lead groups to COACH people to discover and fulfill their own destinies.

Through my extensive journaling (now on the computer) over the past 7 years, God has coached me to get in alignment with my assignment to fulfill my destiny. Now I’d like to share some of my experiences and methods with you to COACH you to journal in UNCOMMON ways to experience breakthroughs in your life. Discover YOUR Destiny!

Take a step toward discovering YOUR destiny and REGISTER TODAY for one of these FREE webinars titled “UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs!”

Thursday, June 5, 2 – 3 pm
Wednesday, June 11, Noon – 1 pm
Wednesday,  June 11, 8 – 9 pm
Thursday,  June 12, 4-5 pm

Participants in these webinars will be given the option to join a 5 week (35 day) online journaling course in small groups of up to 15 people. These classes will be led by me and Dr. Jerry Graham, one of the top LIFE Focus coaches in the world. Each student will be taught and expected to journal every day. After 35 days, journaling will become an enjoyable, steady habit. Jerry and I will be coaching student regarding LIFE Focus. Seize this UNCOMMON Opportunity!

We have had a very good response from the first two webinars we already did.

I like what Bill Gates (Microsoft) says, “If we don’t act on a good idea within 24 hours, we are less than 50% likely to ever act on it. If we haven’t acted on it inside of days, then we are less than 2% likely to ever act on it.”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the Master Coach with Master Plan. Thank You for coaching me to this point where I can now coach others in small groups to discover and fulfill their soul purpose. I pray that many people on my devotional list will choose to reorder their priorities and seize this UNCOMMON opportunity to participate in one of these upcoming journaling webinars. Thank You Jesus. To You be all glory, honor, and praise! Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs

Blessings to seize this opportunity to discover your soul purpose!

“ASK, and it will be given to you; SEEK, and you will find; KNOCK, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
 
What question can you ask God today that will result in a breakthrough? 
 
In my devotional on May 9 titled “Letting Go and Letting God,” I mentioned that Ben Stewart is one of the top Christ-centered business coaches in the world. Ben taught me recently that there are 5 characteristics of a well-functioning team. At the foundation of these is trust. I was originally connected to Ben through Jerry Graham who has been my top mentor in the past year. In January 2008, Ben and I began sowing regularly into each other’s lives. Ben has now joined Jerry as one of the top coaches and mentors in my life.
 
On April 29 during our Marching Through Culpeper weekly prayer conference call, Virginia Morton said, “I’ve been thinking about Randy all this week. Randy has helped me get a new website and blog going. Randy is someone who seeks – he seeks constantly. He never gives up. So our key word for this week is “SEEK.”" This was Ben’s second time participating in these powerful prayer calls.
 
The next morning, Ben began formally coaching me in business on a weekly basis. During our Holy Spirit inspired coaching session, Ben asked a series of powerful questions. During our discussion, I shared that journaling is the lead domino for my life. It is through this extensive time of rest and reflection that revelations are birthed and people, ideas, and resources are connected.
 
During this coaching conversation with Ben, a light bulb went off that journaling is not only the lead domino for my life, but for my finances as well. Out of our discussion, a new series of weekly webinars is being birthed to coach people to journal in such a way as to experience breakthroughs in their lives. My very first journaling webinar will be at 7 PM on Tuesday May 20. More on that later this week.
 
On Saturday May 10, I had an awesome start to my day. Here is the first part of my journal entry for that morning:
 
Good morning Father. My spirit is leaping for joy as I listen to Songs of Zion while journaling. Thank You for waking me up early this morning to give me one of the most profound revelations of my life – ASK! That is my keyword for today.
 
Jesus, You instructed and promised in Matthew 7:7 (and Luke 11:9), “ASK, and it will be given to you; SEEK, and you will find; KNOCK, and it will be opened to you.” The three key words are ASK, SEEK, KNOCK.
 
Holy Spirit I hear You telling me very clearly, “Ask the LORD a question each morning.” I hear You saying, “To close deals, ask prospects questions. Don’t be a teller. To be the greatest salesman in the world, ASK questions. BE A COACH in all relationships, including in my marriage, with my children, with my family, and close friends.” Ask email subscribers questions through surveys.
 
What I read last night in Dan Stratton’s book Divine Provision is jumping out at me right now. “The gold is in what you hear. You will start hearing about opportunities and about needs that you may be able to meet. Do not get yourself trapped by the same person every week… and do not be the same one every week concerning someone else.  If you want to stumble across opportunity, you must be an excellent listener. There are some who never get the gold nuggets because they want to talk about how smart and successful they are.”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God of questions and the God of answers. Thank You for the revelation this past week to ask You one new question each morning. Thank You that when the Holy Spirit inspires the question, You are quick to answer. Bless my readers to receive and apply today’s message. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Inspired Wellness Coaching – brand new blog by Ben Stewart

POTENTIAL
Your are invited to participate in a FREE webinar at 11 AM today and Noon tomorrow titled “Discover, Release, and Maximize Your Potential.” One of the presenters is Michael Stay, a dear friend and top strategic planner. The other presenter is Frankie Morea, who has been involved in Christian radio for two decades. To learn more and register, CLICK HERE.
   
Blessings to ASK inspirational questions to God and people!

but exhort one another DAILY (Hebrews 3:13a)

What would a healthy daily routine look like to you?
Have you written that down?

Yesterday’s webinar (web seminar) with Rev. Ron Davidson was awesome. What he had to share spoke so strongly to my spirit. Several times while Ron was sharing, my eyes flooded with tears. Ron has the heart of Jesus to serve the poor. While the group attending this webinar was quite small, every person was deeply impacted by what Ron had to say based on survey results. Every attendee made a commitment to make a donation to Gleaning for the World to benefit Operation Rescue Liberia.

Ron says, “A vision is not a business plan. In fact most visions if written as a business plan would not make sense. A vision is from God for the purpose of reaching people with Gods love so God’s receives the glory. A vision is not normal and is uncommon.” That message really spoke to me since my growth goal for my current Implementation coaching course is to develop a business plan for my web company.

Last night I went to bed at 10:30 PM and set my PDA alarm for 5:55 AM. Wouldn’t you know it, the Holy Spirit woke me up at 5:54 AM to formally begin my morning quiet time. This was less than one minute before my alarm went off. Mind you, it was dark and I had no clue what time it was.

While lying in bed and listening to my scheduled iTunes playlist for the day, the Holy Spirit gave me an instruction to make a slight but profound change to the wording for the gorgeous poster image on my computer desktop. JJ Phillips, my anointed graphics artist, designed that.

What was this profound yet simple change in wording? “The secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine!” became “The secret of my future is hidden in my daily routine!” While this may seem insignificant to many people, the change was huge because the message became personal and I see it every day when I come to my computer. The Holy Spirit made it crystal clear to me that my simple desktop image and scripture is His business plan for me. To see this gorgeous custom image, visit today’s Link of the Day.

God has given me a huge vision and I won’t fulfill it by planning in detail. The Holy Spirit refuses to be put in a box. He’s much too great for that.

Prayer Power
O Holy Spirit, soul of my soul, I do adore thee. Thank You for enlightening, guiding, strengthening, and consoling me. Open the eyes of my readers today, speaking to them Spirit to spirit, to have them understand and apply today’s message to their own lives. Thank You Jesus, my King and my Redeemer! Amen and Hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Holy Spirit inspired poster image (business plan) for Dr. Randy Peck  [see below]

Blessings to be men and women of “every day” like Dr. Jerry Falwell was!

UNCOMMON Opportunity
I am hosting another free webinar titled “UNCOMMON Internet Marketing Seminar” from Noon – 1 PM EDT on Wed March 19. This can be a huge blessing to your own network of friends and supporters. To learn more and register visit https://www.webinars777.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=43&webinar_id=0000015. Thank you.

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.
(Psalm 1:1-3)

‘O Lord GOD, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do anything like Your works and Your mighty deeds?’ (Deuteronomy 3:24)

What wonders of life are you noticing around you each day?

Late yesterday afternoon, I discovered a voice message from Peggy Walker, one of my neighbors, inviting me to go to My Fair Lady at Woodberry Forest School. Peggy told me that she and Tom Earles had gone to that musical the night before and it was outstanding. On top of that admission is free. Tonight (Feb 16) at 8 PM is the last showing for this wonderful musical. If you live nearby and are available, I highly recommend going. You can see photos from last night’s performance at today’s Link of the Day.

While I had heard of My Fair Lady, I wasn’t familiar with the plot, nor many of the songs. The story reminded me of how God is at work in each person’s life inviting them to a transformed life through Jesus Christ. By simply and sincerely inviting Jesus into your heart, the Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence within you to transforms you from the inside out. Essentially, He leads you on a journey to take you from rags to riches in a miraculous way.

Woodberry Forest School is located on historic Route 15 on the way from Culpeper to Orange Virginia, part of the “Journey Through Hallowed Ground.”  This scenic and historically rich landscape is recognized as the region which holds more American history than any other swath of land in the country. It is home to significant and unique historical, cultural, scenic and natural legacies. The Journey’s corridor follows US Route 15 and Route 20 on a 175-mile meandering course from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, through Maryland, and ending in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Woodberry Forest School is one of the premier private high schools in the nation and it’s located less than 20 minutes from where I live. The school is renown for reverence of sacred things, intellectual thoroughness, good sportsmanship, and its honor system. You’ll learn about Woodberry in my devotional on Feb 18. Stay tuned.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me with the opportunity to attend this wonderful musical at Woodberry Forest School. Thank You for all the performers and cast. Bless and protect each of them and their families. Bless every person who comes to Woodberry tonight for the closing performance of My Fair Lady with a new understanding of Your goodness and greatness. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Photos from My Fair Lady

Blessings to reflect daily on the wonders of life and the goodness of God!

Multiply
To refer a friend simply send them a brief personal email along with a link to www.yourdailyblessing.com. Thank you for helping God multiply this ministry’s impact!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

What wrong thinking plagues you?
What can you do to change that?

In yesterdays’ devotional, I talked about Jesus’ 3 R’s for Valentines’ Day. One of those was repent of your wrong attitudes. On Feb 13, I received this email from Pastor Gregory Dickow about a fast from wrong thinking:

Dear Friend,

If you’ll stay with me for the next 40 days, there is no limit to what great things can happen in your life.  Your 40 day journey — From the Inside Out — can begin today!  Each day, you will get an email from me, identifying a thought that we will FAST from. 
                                                         
I want to be clear about this: “fasting” is not about food.  It’s about “abstaining” from something.  In our case, we are abstaining or GIVING UP wrong ways of thinking.

This is simple.  Too often, we make things harder and much more complicated than they really are. To get started visit www.thinkingfast.org now.

Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you, for My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”  He did the heavy lifting.  Now our job is to ‘enter into His rest’, by believing what He has already done for us.

Today’s thought that we are fasting from is simply:  “I can’t…” There are so many things that we think we CAN’T do.

To read the rest of this message, visit today’s Link of the Day and click on “Fasting Devotionals Archive” – “Day One.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God of possibility. Thank You that through Jesus, all things are possible. Thank You for Gregory Dickow and his teaching. As I go through this 40 day fast of wrong thinking, cast out any thinking from my mind that is contrary to Your holy Word. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
“From the Inside Out” – Simple Steps to Lasting Change

Blessings to fast from wrong thinking!

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (Matthew 11:21)

How will you prepare to make this year’s Easter celebration the best ever?

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. In the Catholic Church, when the ashes are put on a person’s forehead in the shape of a cross, the priest says “from ashes you came and to ashes you will return.” This is a reminder of the temporary nature of our bodies and the need to focus on eternal things. Lent is the 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter when Christians are encouraged to confess their sins, repent, and draw near to God to prepare for the greatest celebration of the year -  the resurrection of the Messiah.

Lent offers us all a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism.  In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we’ve done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus shared that praying, fasting, and giving all go hand-in-hand.

Yesterday morning while “doing the dew,” the Holy Spirit led me to listen again to the audiobook “Too Busy Not To Pray.” While doing that, I posted former devotionals related to this topic into my blog for Your Daily Blessing. To read some of these great messages about prayer, visit today’s Link of the Day. Here are some of my favorite life lessons from those:

1) When man works, man works, but when man prays, God works!
2) Prayer is the key to unlocking God’s prevailing power in your life!
3) Our God is a giving God, a blessing God, a loving God!
4) God is capable of handling any problem we can bring Him. He is waiting for us to recognize His power and to ask Him.
5) God invites us to come into His presence!
6) The point of prayer is not to get what you want, but rather to receive what you need!
7) Without a carefully structured plan, we’re all likely to become imbalanced.
8) Faith comes from looking at God, not the mountain!
9) When the request is right, the timing is right, and you are right, God says “Go!”
10) The most common cause of unanswered prayer is prayerlessness.
11) For you to pray at all times is the will of God, not just a good idea!
12) The value of a contemplative life is character transformation.
13) Listening to God is like listening to anyone – before you can hear Him, you must be ready to listen!
14) Strength comes from solitude.
15) The Holy Spirt never contradicts the Word of God!
16) Prayer is a way to maintain constant communion with God.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful Father, we praise You as the great I AM. You are all we need. You are the author of our liberty. Thank You for choosing freedom as our destiny. During this season of Lent, may Your children around the globe choose to draw closer to You than ever before. May we do the things that matter, to walk in the ways of God. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

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Archive of devotionals related to “Too Busy Not To Pray”

Blessings to be a good steward of these 40 days of Lent to prepare for the greatest Easter celebration ever!