“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,

Abigail Slocum
“A pen in God’s hand giving LOVE a voice”
The Bellows of God
www.Abigail777.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.

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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!

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

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

Then Samuel said: “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22)

What does obedience to God look like?

During our weekly Marching Through Culpeper prayer call on Tuesday Feb 17, Virginia Morton shared that the keyword the LORD gave her for this week is “Obedience.” That word, the scriptures Virginia shared, and the prayers that followed all spoke strongly to my spirit at the time.

This morning, I woke up very early and lay in bed reflecting. I heard the question, “What does obedience to God look like?” Then answers began pouring into my spirit. After about 15-20 minutes of listening, I got up and began writing what the LORD was downloading to me.

As I was typing today’s message, I was prompted out-of-the-blue to listen to my scheduled iTunes playlist for Day #19 because this is the 19th day of the month. That playlist began with the song “On My Knees” from Dennis Jernigan’s CD “Hands Lifted High.” That playlist also happened to include Chapter 19 of The Power Of A Praying Husband which is titled “Obedience.” That’s three times in two days the Holy Spirit brought that word to my attention. Clearly God is grabbing my attention. When this sort of thing happens, I believe He has a message for you too.

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In his death bed message, Jesus said “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing… As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. (John 15:5, 9-10) Clearly, abiding in Jesus’ love includes keeping His commandments.

So, what are some simple things that Jesus commanded us (you) to do?

1) “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment.” (Matt 22:37) Love is spelled T.I.M.E. It requires relationship, not religion. Love and hurry are incompatible. Therefore, to be spiritually healthy, you must ruthless eliminate hurry from your life.

A relationship requires two way communication. Do you know have a personal relationship with Jesus? Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Are you a sheep? Do you hear His voice? How often? Are you following Him? Do you dialog (not monologue) with Jesus daily? If not, how do you start?

Psalm 1:1-2 says, “Blessed is the man … (whose) delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.” When you have a close relationship with Jesus, you will meditate on the Word of God, day and night. The Bible is God’s love letter to you. When you spend quality time in relationship with Jesus every day, you will experience His uncondtional love and and that will spill over in your relationships with people.

2) “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt 22:39) Loving your neighbor begins with loving and forgiving yourself. This includes resting and taking caring of the only body you will ever have. After all, your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit ((1Co 6:19)) if you are born again. It means loving your neighbors where they are at without judging them (John 12:47). It means being merciful. It means forgiving unconditionally

3) Keep the Sabbath holy! God designed our bodies to need a day of rest each week. “‘Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings.” (Le 23:3) Taking an entire day off completely from work each week demonstrates our trust in God.

4) “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise. (Eph 6:2) This is so deep and means so much more than most of us realize. Listening and obeying our parents, praying for them daily, and making godly choices are all ways we honor our them. Once again, love is spelled T.I.M.E.

5) “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. (Mt 5:37) This includes being on time (nearly all the time) and completing what you say you will in the time frame you specify. For most us, including me, this means saying “no” much more often.

6) “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Mt 6:33) Seeking first the kingdom of God means much more than just seeking first God. The LORD wants us

7) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col 3:17) This scripture is so rich. It means doing everything with excellence and a good attitude, whether we want to be doing it or not. It means speaking only words of life. Never, never, never be negative!

8) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. (Eph 5:25) This means loving your wife unconditionally, regardless of her behavior or attitude. It means being patient and kind always (1 Cor 13:4-7). It means spending lots of quality time with your wife. It means listening to her and respecting her opinions as your helpmate. It means treating her as an equal partner in your relationship.

9) Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. (Eph 5:22). This means showing unconditional respect, which is what husbands crave more than anything. It means encouraging him and being his top cheerleader. It means spending quality time with him. It means trusting God that he is working through your husband to lead your family.

10) Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Get it? THIS is the will of God. Where’s your joy on a scale of 1-10? How much time do you spend praying? How thankful are you in your current circumstances?

11) Live within your means and be debt free! Be content with what you have. Debt releasing is a key to realizing your dreams! “The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower is servant to the lender.” (Pr 22:7)

12) “Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ‘for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ (Mt 25:34) Compassionately caring for and SERVING the downtrodden is being Jesus to the world. How are doing in this regard? How can you improve?

Prayer Power
Jesus, thank You for today’s download. I’m convicted by much of what You had me write down. When I don’t know what I need, I need to get on my knees. When waves of doubt crash over me, I need to get on my knees. On my knees, I find refuge. On my knees, I find grace. On my knees, I can feel You like we’re meeting face to face. In Your hand, I find refuge. In Your hand, I find grace. In Your hand, I can feel You like we’re meeting face to face.

Blessings of the Day
1) Are you saved? – YouTube Video

2) Father’s Love Letter – YouTube Video

Blessings to hear Jesus’ voice and obey Him!

I invite and encourage you to comment on this blog post. Let your voice be heard. Incidentally, I do my best to only approve comments that speak life.

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The Holy Spirit is inviting YOU to become part of TEAM DESTINY. If you want more favor in your life, then join our team. Favor is always proportional to God’s assignment. That’s because the greater the assignment, the greater the adversity.

Journaling is the key to unlock your dreams!
Journaling is the key to unlock your DESTINY!

Is journaling biblical? Absolutely! Father God is the greatest Journaler of all times. The Bible is His journal – the most profound one of all times. And throughout time, the Holy Spirit has inspired millions of people to write to inspire others to greatness.

Blessings for divine provision and breakthroughs!

Dr. Randy Peck
“Blessed to be a blessing”
The Connector – connecting people, ideas, and resources in Christ through the POWER of the Holy Spirit

P.S. If you’re a small thinker and don’t want your faith to soar, this book is definitely not for you. But if you believe in a BIG God who has destined you for greatness, then you’ve come to the right place.

To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (2Timothy 1:2)

Who do you have in your life that you are discipling?

My pastor, Matt Gregory, has told me on several occasions, that everyone needs three types of relationships – 1) someone who is mentoring them, 2) a peer mentor, and 3) someone they are mentoring. Let me share a miraculous story of someone I mentored in 2008.

On Thursday January 24, 2008, I met with Pastors Jacob and Charlene Phillips for a pre-scheduled phone call and online meeting to discuss creating a website for White Oak Run Baptist Church.

Because I’m a people person, I asked Jacob and Charlene how their family was doing. I learned they had 3 grown children, none of whom I had met. Charlene told me that JJ, one of her sons, had graduated in May 2007 and recently lost his job. When I asked what JJ did, she told me he is a graphics artist and has been drawing ever since he could hold a pencil. As a destiny coach, I immediately recognized that JJ’s God-given calling and gifting was graphics design.

When I asked Charlene if JJ knew how to use computer graphic programs, she told me “no.” However, recognizing God’s potential in JJ, I still asked to speak to him. It so happened he was at Charlene’s home. After talking to JJ, I invited him to come over the next morning to discuss possibly working for me.

When JJ showed up on time and nicely dressed the next morning (FridayJanuary 25), I introduced him to Jon Monroe, my web technical consultant. Then I shared my heart, including why I am so passionate for Jesus and the vision for my parent company (Empower 2000). We then went for a one mile walk in my neighborhood on the beautiful day. JJ shared his heart with me. God had quickly blessed us with a heart-to-heart connection.

I offered JJ a position as a part-time graphics consultant, he accepted, and then he began working that same day. I began the tedious process of training JJ to use Photoshop. It turned out he was a quick learner and very motivated. Over the course of the next seven months, JJ designed awesome logos, website headers, business cards, custom posters, and much more for me and my web clients. Eventually, JJ learned Flash on his own and made an awesome animation for my coaching business.

JJ fit in great with our web team and my wife Julia loved having him in our home. To my delight I saw JJ blossom into a mighty man of God as a result of our Christ-centered work days with daily morning devotionals. Over time, I began to love JJ as if he were my own son.

My discipling relationship with JJ led my wife and I to develop a covenant friendship with Jacob and Charlene Phillips. That opened a whole new bunch of doors of opportunity.

Eventually, I came to discover that God had blessed me with the most anointed graphics artist I had ever met. My wife, my son, my other web workers, and my closest friend all recognized this incredible talent in JJ. I believe JJ will be a catalyst to reclaim the “ART” mountain for Jesus Christ.

Around July or August 2008, I asked JJ to find some Photoshop video tutorials. To my surprise, he was able to list those immediately because he frequently accessed those at home to learn as much as possible, as fast as possible. Now enjoy JJ’s links:

• http://www.tutorialized.com/search.php?id=1&s=basics ***
• http://www.techtutor.tv/category/photoshop-cs3
• http://www.vineyardesigns.com/resources/
• http://www.photoshopatoms.com/tutorials/

Around September 2008, I released me three part-time web workers, including JJ. God had gotten me to the point where I was finally ready to outsource my work on an as-needed basis instead. Within a month or so, JJ interview at a large company which was so impressed with his talent they created a brand new position as “computer graphics artist” and hired JJ.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for connecting me with JJ Phillips and then giving me the opportunity to disciple him. Thank You for the strong bond you built between the two of us. Thank You for all the good artistic seeds that JJ sowed into my web business. May 2009 be the most prosperous year of his young life. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Blessings to learn to use Photoshop well to help your business or organization flourish in the marketplace!

Dr. Randy Peck
“Blessed to be a blessing”
The Connector – connecting people, ideas, and resources in Christ through the POWER of the Holy Spirit

Blessings of the Day
First Steps Ministry: One-on-one discipleship
What Are You Thankful For Today?

So he (Zacchaeus) ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him (Jesus), for he was to pass that way. (Luke 19:4)

On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your willingness to look foolish for God?
How desperate are you to see Jesus?
What lion is God calling you to chase?

Today’s message is the final one in this Chase the Lion series. The series is based on the book In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day. Here is part of what Mark Batterson shared in his sermon “Looking Foolish” on December 20, 2006:

A few months ago I was reading the writings of John Muir—the founder of the Sierra Club. Muir is tough to describe, but the love of nature was the central passion of his life. He spent his life studying it, protecting it, and appreciating it.

One of my favorite Muir moments happened in December of 1874. John Muir was staying with a friend at his cabin in the Sierra Mountains and a winter storm set in. The wind was so strong that it bent the trees over backwards. But instead of retreating to the safety of the cabin, Muir chased the storm! He found a mountain ridge; climbed to the top of a giant Douglas Fir tree; and held on for dear life for several hours feasting his senses on the sights and sounds and scents.

In his journal, Muir writes:

When the storm began to sound I lost no time in pushing out into the woods to enjoy it. For on such occasions, Nature always has something rare to show us, and the danger to life and limb is hardly greater than one would experience crouching deprecatingly beneath a roof.

John Muir was no stranger to danger. He climbed mountains and crossed rivers and explored glaciers. But there is something about this mental picture of John Muir climbing a one-hundred foot Douglas fir tree during a storm that is iconic.

In the words of Eugene Peterson, the story of John Muir climbing to the top of that storm-whipped Douglas Fir is an icon of Christian spirituality. He said it’s a standing rebuke against becoming a mere spectator to life, preferring creature comfort to Creator confrontation.

We are called to climb trees! And it’s based on more than an eccentric naturalist named John Muir. Climbing trees is actually a biblical metaphor in Luke 19.

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Zacchaeus had a reputation to protect. He had an image to uphold. But this distinguished tax collector in a three-piece suit climbs a tree like a little kid. He didn’t care about decorum. He didn’t care about protocol. He didn’t care how foolish he looked. He just wanted to get a glimpse of Jesus!

And I want you to notice what is often overlooked in this story. Zacchaeus was willing to looking foolish to get a glimpse of Jesus. And Jesus returned the favor. The people criticized Jesus for hanging out with Zacchaeus.

The end result is an amazing conversion. Zacchaeus gives half his possessions to the poor on the spot. And Jesus says, “Salvation has come to your house.”

Let me tell you what God is looking for. And I think this is huge. If you don’t know what God is looking for it is awfully hard to please him. In fact, we waste a lot of effort trying to please God in ways that aren’t pleasing to him. The Pharisees are exhibit A. God isn’t looking for religious protocol. I think God is looking for tree climbers. God is looking for people who will do anything to get to God.

Faith is the willingness to look foolish.

It seems like the people that God uses the most are the people who are willing to climb trees or get out of boats or follow stars or chase lions! The greatest turning points in Scripture can be traced back to someone who was willing to look foolish.

Don’t tell me Noah didn’t feel a little foolish building an ark when rain wasn’t in the forecast for another 120 years! Don’t tell me David didn’t feel a little foolish going to war with a slingshot. Don’t tell me Benaiah didn’t feel a little foolish chasing the king of the beasts. Don’t tell me the Wise Men didn’t feel a little foolish when Jewish border agents asked them the reason for their visit. Don’t tell me a professional fisherman named Peter didn’t feel a little foolish stepping out of the boat in the middle of the lake. And don’t tell me Jesus didn’t feel a little foolish hanging half-naked on the cross in front of him family and friends. But faith is the willingness to look foolish. And the results speak for themselves. Noah was saved from the flood. David defeated Goliath. The Wise Men found the Messiah. Peter walked on water. And Jesus was raised from the dead.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God who often asks us to do strange things. Thank You for Your reassurance that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Cor 3:19). Bless each of us with the courage and fortitude to obey You and look foolish to the world when You beckon us to follow You. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Chase the Lion: Looking Foolish – video by Mark Batterson

Blessings to be willing to look foolish for God!

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:3-5)

In what area of your life do you need to let go and let God?

Today’s message is a beautiful story of the power of prayer and trust.

When I was at the ProVision Network meeting this past week, Pastor Dan Stratton introduced Mike Barber, who might well be the Superbowl Champion of the world for prison ministry. Dan told us Mike frequently says “I am committed to helping those who are committed to helping me.” That is the basis of Faith Exchange, which is name of Pastor Dan’s church.

God has entrusted me with discipling three young people in their early 20′s who will soon be shaping the culture of the world. Jon Monroe, JJ Phillips, and Amy Pittman are part of my expanding web team. Each of them has been experiencing powerful breakthroughs in several areas of their lives as we work together Monday through Thursday. I am so humbled by the goodness and greatness of God in blessing me with this uncommon opportunity to sow into the lives of young people.

Each morning we spend 30-90 minutes of devotional time together to start our work day seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first. At the close of this time, we each pray – for one another, for our families, for excellence in our work, and for our clients. Two weeks ago we talked about the importance of healthy weekly routines. I then asked Jon, JJ, and Amy to each lead one of the devotionals one day per week.

When leading a devotional, each person is responsible for reading some scriptures, sharing thoughts about those, and then asking at least one powerful question to the team. I’ve been deeply touched by how God is speaking to all of us through each person. After Jon shared his message on May 5, I realized that God is giving them messages to share with the world, not just our team. Therefore, I encouraged each of them to start their own blog (weB LOG) to get their messages out on the web.

Little did I know that Amy had been prompted by the Holy Spirit just a few days before to start her own blog. She had planned to ask me for help in getting that started. When Amy led our team devotional on May 7, I was so deeply by her authenticity that we set up her blog (Amy’s Place) that same day. The Holy Spirit prompted me to ask Amy to use her devotional message to write her very first blog post. She did and when I read that later in the evening, my eyes filled with tears.

Amy is just 20 years old, but she was the Virginia state champion in forensics while in high school. God has gifted her with an incredible ability to write and speak and now she finally has a way to share those gifts with the world through the web.

During yesterday’s devotional time, the Holy Spirit prompted me to speak a prophetic word over Amy that she will begin an international radio and TV ministry in 2008. Little did I know that 2 hours later, we would spontaneously shoot our first video of Amy and post that to Amy’s Place (her blog). Visit today’s Link of the Day to be touched by the God’s awesome goodness and love.

Ben Stewart, one of the top Christ-centered business coaches in the world, taught me recently that there are 5 characteristics of a well-functioning team. At the foundation of these 5 is trust. Through our morning team devotionals and prayer times, God has developed tremendous trust within our team where we feel comfortable being real with one another.

Prayer Power
Loving and faithful Father, thank You for guiding and directing the steps of our web team to develop a firm foundation of trust. Thank You for John, JJ, and Amy. Bless each of them and their families. Thank You for birthing Amy’s place this week. May Amy’s messages speak life and hope into the lives of millions of teenage girls. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Amy’s Place – Letting Go and Letting God

Blessings to let go and let God!

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

What does it mean to you to trust in the Lord with all your heart?
In what area of your life is God asking you to let go and let God?

The acts of God are what He does in our lives. For many Christians, the entire focus of their lives is what God can do for them Their faith is motivated totally toward a miracle, provision or a particular need. Like the children of Israel, they know only the acts of God.

Moses knew the acts of God too; but his focus was the ways of God. The Lord wants us to press in beyond just the acts He does for us, as good as they may be We have been given the spirit of God so that we can discover His ways and touch His very heart (1 Corinthians 2:9-16).

On April 17, Pastor Mark Jarvis told me he thinks God is teaching him to trust God on a deeper level. The next day I was on an international phone conference call when Dr. Niel Stegmann from South Africa quoted Proverbs 3:5-6.

Then on Saturday April 19, I was in Reformation Lutheran Church for the very first time to celebrate Virginia-Liberia Alliance Day, an event sponsored by Rim of Grace Ministries. When Pastor Jacob Phillips came in, we began conversing. Something he said prompted me to quote Proverbs 3:5-6. Little did I know that above the doorway over his head was a wood sign that read “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.” A few minutes later, Ed Lyons pointed that out.

The next morning as I was nearing Liberty High School to attend the worship service at Soul Purpose Church, I decided to turn on American Family Radio for 2-3 minutes. The speaker who came on immediately said, “I want to talk today about Proverbs 3:5-6. That was four times in four days that God brought up the issue of trusting in Him. The message wasn’t just for me. It’s for you too.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, loving God, thank You for the ways you speak to us through unusual circumstances. Thank You for clearly communicating Your message to trust in You with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding. Help me to comprehend what that means and to apply it in my daily life. Do likewise for my readers. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Ten Day Prayer Guide leading up to the Global Day of Prayer
http://prayculpeper.org/files/gdop/2008/2008-gdop-10-day-prayer-guide-english.pdf

Blessings to trust in the ways of God!

And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. (Genesis 22:8)

In what ways are you trusting God to meet your needs?

This morning after spending a few hours of private devotional time, I had an awesome 70 minute devotional time with my son and two other web co-workers to start off our work day seeking God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first. We discussed “finding a peer mentor,” which was the subject of the devotional I wrote last night. All three young men agreed it was important to partake in a mutually beneficial, authentic, peer partner relationship and we began the coaching process to pursue that further.

I shared with my web team members how important my relationships were with my 3 coaching group members for 5 years until Jan 2007 and how God then connected me with Dr. Jerry Graham in June 2007 to continue my intentional and accelerated growth process.

I told them that Jerry and Sharon Graham’s two primary websites (http://www.thecoachingpair.com/ and http://www.nutrition777.com/) are actually Addon domains under JIREHMarketing.com, their parent company. When I asked the young men what “JIREH” meant, they did not know. So I told them that “JIREH” means “provider.”

I then was prompted to do a Google search using “Jehovah Jireh.” The number one entry was a 2-minute YouTube video that ministered deeply to my spirit. In that video, the words “The Lord will provide” appear, which reminded me immediately about Stephen Burke and his ministry by that same name. See today’s Link of the Day to be inspired by this short YouTube video.

When Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering,” little did he know that 2,000 years later Jesus, the Lamb of God, would be crucified in the same place as an atonement for our sins.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as my Jehovah Jireh, my provider God. Thank You for meeting my needs every day of my life. Thank You for Your everlasting faithfulness. Thank You for the wonderful life You have blessed me with and all the wonderful things You have in store for me. May I be ever faithful to You Jesus, my atoning sacrifice. Amen.

Link of the Day
Jehovah Jireh – inspirational 2-minute YouTube video

Blessings to trust in our ever-faithful God for your provision!

And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and His voice we will obey!” (Joshua 24:24)

What would you do if there was no way you could fail?

A few weeks ago, Rick Heeren referred me to Richard Gazowsky, founder of Christian WYSIWYG Filmworks, as a possible web client. Subsequent to that, I began receiving periodic emails from Richard, who lives in San Francisco, CA. Richard’s message below (sent 11:57 PM on Oct 5) was too rich not to pass on.

Hey guys, just back from Argentina.

My family and I were invited by Ed Silvoso to attend his annual  conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  I was totally blown away by the quality of people who attended this conference. They definitely had substance where it really matters.  The Apostle Paul once made the observation that the kingdom of God was not filled with blue bloods and highly educated folks but that God has chosen the simple, weak and despised people to provide shock and awe to the gospel message.  That is the very group I met and hung out with this week.  Now I would like to make some observations about the selection process that God seems to use when He picks the people He is going to use to change the world.

The first element I have noticed is that they are risk-takers.  Now let me clarify what I mean when I say risk.  I know many businessmen that take risks on making large sums of money but this usually involves bending the law or using some unethical advantage.  These tactics are even used by some Christian businessmen.  Other Christians often praise them for being wise as serpents but harmless as doves. No, no, no this is not who I see God choosing, for when God calls on people to become risk-takers, He is looking for men to be willing to rip their own personal reputations into shreds for the purpose of obeying God.  One CEO of a large construction company in South Africa demanded that his company quit over estimating their government construction projects even though this practice had been going on for years.  Of course secular competitors and even government officers mocked him and said he was losing his mind.  King David said that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and I personally feel that a man’s inward fear of the Lord determines if God will place him in a place him in a position of influence and power.  For example, Moses was really a social reject by his own confession (I can’t speak, they won’t believe me, etc.) and his reputation was totally inappropriate as a spiritual leader since he had a first-degree murder rap on his Egyptian police report.  So why did God use him?  The reason is that Moses feared the burning bush more than the burning anger of Pharaoh. 

Being a risk-taker is a pretty big element when it comes to determining who among us is going to change the world.  The church is filled with wimpy guys who have no guts and are constantly overly sensitive in building and establishing a clean, spotless, and sterling silver reputation.  You know what, I have found out they can even spray gold leaf on plastic.

Something else stood out at this meeting in Argentina. This was the transfer of power that occurred during very short meetings.  For a lack of knowing how to say it, I will call it the “force of gravity”.  When leaders who have gone through layers and layers of resistance in trying to find the place of obedience under the hand of God, it seems that God gives them an force of attraction that works much like gravity works.  Things come to them with force and power and very little time is spent in negotiation.  The scripture kept coming to me from the words of Moses, “forget not that it is the Lord that giveth thee power to make wealth”. 

Most of the men that I know feel that the only thing they lack is the proper finance and then they can do the work of God.  But I am convinced that nothing could be further from the truth.  What you need is this…element…or thing…maybe it is a force…I don’t know but I know that it is from God…for now I will call it gravity.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for men and women like Richard Gazowsky, who seek to walk in a step by step obedience to Your Word and Holy Spirit. Bless Richard, his family, and Christian WYSIWYG Filmworks. Thank You for the awesome Harvest Evangelism conference that just took place in Argentina. Now water and fertilize the good seeds that were sown with your miracle grow. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Quotes about risk taking [www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_risk.html]

Blessings to be willing to be a risk taker when it comes to God’s leading! 

“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

How can you live a life of victory?

The most inspiring message I have ever heard in my life is Nick Vujicic’s testimony called “Victory in God’s Grace and Perfection” shared on the Hour of Power recently.

After preparing yesterday’s devotional about Nick, I found a link with Nick’s entire message shared recently at the Crystal Cathedral. Visit today’s link of the day and prepare to be inspired. 

Prayer Power
Father, I pray that every person who reads today’s message will choose to watch Nick Vujicic’s complete testimony and message online. May they be inspired to live lifes of victory in Your grace and perfection. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Nick Vujicic’s complete testimony and message [http://www.hourofpower.org/video/video.php]

Blessings to live a life of victory in God’s grace and perfection!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Where does this devotional find you today?  On a mountain-top of enthusiasm and hope, or in a valley of discouragement and despair?  Perhaps somewhere in between? 

In the past two years, Rick Heeren has had a greater impact on me in my faith walk than anyone else. At the beginning of July, Heeren Enterprises officially became a web client of mine. Since then, I have been meeting weekly with Rick and Rachel Heeren, Duane Davis, and Mary Olson. Much has been accomplished and uncommon ideas are being birthed.

Rick now has two new websites (www.rickheeren.org and www.CityMiracles.com). A week ago, he began sending an outstanding “daily” (3x/week) devotional. If you desire to see your city reached for Jesus, I highly recommend you visit www.citymiracles.com to sign up to receive the “City Miracles” devotional.

From 2-3 p.m. EST on Thursday August 9,  Rick will facilitate his very first webinar (online seminar). More details about that will follow early next week.

In his second devotional titled “City Miracles: The Influence of The Elk River Story,” Rick states “Perhaps the most startling paradigm shift happened when we realized that the Lord was going to perform the extraordinary miracle of bringing transformation to the entire nation through our hands.”

Needless to say, Satan and his demons aren’t pleased with the fact that my team is turbo-charging Rick Heeren’s communication to help him and the Harvest Evangelism team fulfill their destiny to transform communities across America. We both have experienced tremendous spiritual attacks.

I previously shared about attacks on my family. Then during evening rush hour traffic on August 1, the Interstate 35W bridge connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul collapsed, killing at least five with eight people still missing. When the 40-year old bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River, an estimated 60 cars plunged 50 or more feet toward the water.

Chuck Pierce, the head of the U.S. Global Apostolic Prayer Network, called Rick to say that this bridge collapse is to the state of Minnesota what Hurricane Katrina was to Louisiana – absolutely devastating. I learned this bridge was within one block of the flour mill mentioned in Rick’s third book “The Threshing Floor.”

Prayer Power
LORD, many things are happening that don’t make sense from our standpoint. In the midst of the storms, may we keep our eyes on Jesus. Help us to trust in You and lean not on our own understanding. We pray for mercy for all the victims and their families in the recent tragedy in Minnesota. Turn people heart’s toward you for wisdom in how best to respond. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
The Collapse of I-35 – Aug 2 devotional by Rick Heeren
[http://citymiracles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=74]
Blessings to trust in the LORD and lean not on our own understanding!