“KNOCK, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7c)

What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples to KNOCK?
What are you supposed to knock on?
What door will be opened?

Today we wrap up this week’s series “ASK, SEEK, KNOCK.” What I’ve discovered in the past week is that when the Holy Spirit prompts me to ASK my heavenly Father a question in the morning, God is quick to answer as I journal. This great habit forces me to slow down, rest, and reflect. There’s a big difference between asking God a question in the flesh verses the Holy Spirit prompting me to ask His question.

As the LORD begins giving instructions, it’s important to act on those promptly. How many times do we miss important opportunities because we hesitate or procrastinate? How many times do other people miss their blessings because we fail to do our part.

As I shared Bill Gates comment above in each of the 4 webinars we hosted this past week, I became more and more driven to be a man of action. God is a god of action. As we pray and take action, God frequently opens the doors for us to be the answers to our own prayers. As Rev. Ron Davidson says, “Be the feet beneath our praying hands.”

This morning while laying in bed listening to my scheduled iTunes playlist for Day #16, I asked the Holy Spirit to reveal His question of the day. Eventually I received this, “What question am I to ask the Ambassador from Liberia today?” After writing that in my journal, the answer soon followed, “What are your dreams?”

This prompted me to take my video camera to the Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington DC. That in turn opened the door for me to do a video interview of the Deputy Ambassador. During that I asked God’s question. This video will be posted on the web early next week. My day was filled with other unexpected highlights from start to finish as I promptly acted upon the leadings of the Holy Spirit.

On May 20-22, I am hosting a new webinar titled “UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs.” I’ll be sharing my wealth of experiences to help COACH you to journal in UNCOMMON ways to experience breakthroughs in your life. I’ll send you links to register next week, but for now, check these time slots in your calendar (times shown in US Eastern Daylight Time — click for your time zone):

May 20, 2008 7:00pm - 8:00pm
May 21, 2008 1:00pm - 2:00pm
May 22, 2008 7:00am - 8:00am
May 22, 2008 4:00pm - 5:00pm

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the leadings of the Holy Spirit. Bless me to be able to discern what’s coming from You versus my flesh, the world, or the devil. When I discern an instruction is from You, may I be prompt to act on it. Bless me to leave enough room in my daily and weekly schedules to allow You room to move in UNCOMMON ways. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
John Piper talks about Prayer and it’s impact - GodTube video

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Blessings to KNOCK so God can open the door!

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“SEEK, and you will find” (Matthew 7:7b)

What did Jesus mean when he told his disciples to SEEK?
What is Jesus’ promising you will find when you SEEK?
What type of coaching will help you SEEK more deeply to experience breakthroughs?

Journaling is the LEAD DOMINO for my life and my finances. I first began keeping a written diary on February 26, 2001, 7 weeks after committing my life to Jesus Christ. On January 1, 2002, I began keeping a daily spiritual journal using a blank “My Utmost for His Highest” journal that I bought in the Family Christian Store in Fredericksburg Virginia.

During all of 2002 and 2003, I faithfully journaled every day using the P-R-E-S-S (Pray, Read, Examine, Summarize, Share) method I had learned about in my FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) Bible. Each morning I read the Bible and wrote down at least one scripture in my journal before reading Oswald Chambers’ message for that day. There were several days that the scripture I wrote down was the exact same one Oswald referred to in his message for that corresponding day. Clearly, the Holy Spirit was leading me on His path to a life of abundance.

As I journaled, wrote down my prayers, and reviewed these regularly, I began noticing many answers to my prayers. As I reviewed journal entries from previous days and weeks, I remembered what God had done. As this happened, my faith grew.

In the Fall of 2003, I listened to an 11 CD set by Rick Warren titled “Preaching for Life Change.” On one of the CD’s, Rick briefly (15-30 seconds) mentioned that he did online journaling. At that time, online journaling and “Quiet Time” seemed a contradiction to me. However, because I deeply respected the heart and accomplishments of Pastor Rick, I decided to give it a 30 day trial.

So on January 1, 2004, I officially bumped up my daily quiet time from 2 to 4 hours and began online journaling (using a wordprocessor). Boy was I surprised to discover that online journaling increased the effectiveness of journaling at least 10 fold. I now was able to cut and paste and do searches. I was able to take prayers, scriptures, life lessons, highlights, low points etc for each day and easily copy those to a page summarizing the month and another document for the year. 

This past week I began reading “The President Diaries: Ronald Reagan,” a book edited by Douglas Brinkley. I learned that President Reagan is one of only 5 U.S. presidents to keep a diary during his presidency. President Reagan first began keeping his diary on his Inauguration Day - January 20, 1981. He never missed a day journaling after that during his entire 8 year presidency except while he was in the hospital after being shot. In my opinion, President Reagan was our nation’s greatest President during my lifetime.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for my daily habit of journaling. Thank You for the reflection and revelation that comes from that. I pray that you will bless my readers with the habit of journaling to experience the wonder of You. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Red’s Story - a true and inspiring story about a dog  [see below]

Blessings to seek and find!

——————–

Lara Moody  (Red’s Story)
City Sun Newspaper

“Lay hands on that dog and pray,” I heard God tell me.

The German Shepherd, almost entirely hairless, malnourished beyond belief, with sad, sad eyes, certainly needed prayer.

I squished my hand through the pen at the shelter, touched the poor old guy, and prayed.

“Go inside the pen and lay hands on the dog,” God interrupted me.

Although reluctant to get too close to this dog that was scheduled for euthanization, I obeyed God anyway.

The dog hunkered down for prayer and petting as soon as I entered the pen, and I immediately sensed in him a desire to live, not die.

“I’m taking him with me,” I told the shelter staff. “I’ll find somewhere for him to go.”

Since I already had plans for the day, I took my new friend with me. As I stood on a sidewalk in Savannah hours later with the dog in tow, I noticed the shock, and disbelief, of those who walked by and saw him.

“I took him from a shelter so he wouldn’t be euthanized,” I told the strangers who stopped to ask about the horrible condition of the dog.

One stranger stood out above the others. Like the dog, he, too, was homeless. Dressed in dirty clothes, with a scraggly beard and a tiny knapsack with his life’s possessions, he stopped to talk to me.

“I used to raise dogs myself,” he told me. I noticed his eyes, clear as could be. I focused on those eyes, full of something I could not at the time name. “I’ve rescued dogs, too,” he said.

“Do you know about the church I go to?” I asked the man, who was more concerned with the dog’s homelessness than his own. “I’m going to church tonight, and the homeless are very welcome. This church, my pastor says, isn’t for the elite. It’s for the streets. We’d love to have you.”

Never in a million years did I expect to ever see the man again, nor was I sure why I invited him to church.

“My name is Red,” he shared with me, and after he left I knew my homeless four-legged companion had a new name. Red.

I realized when I drove to church that night that I had not thought to arrange a ride for the homeless man. The church was a long ways from the sidewalk where I had met the man.

But Red the man, who had been so moved by Red the dog, knew where he wanted to be that night. When I saw him arrive at church that night in his dirty clothes, with his scraggly beard, those clear as day eyes, and all his life’s possessions, I was moved to tears. I gave him a hug.

“Red, I named the dog after you,” I told him.

Red took out a harmonica and played with the choir while Red the dog sat in my truck and waited for me.

“I have to leave now,” Red said half-way through the service. “I’m going down to stay at the river.”

“Do you have something warm to wear?” I asked.

“This,” he said, pointing to his sweatshirt.

“Come to my truck,” I said. “I have a jacket for you.”

Outside the church, Red shared his story.

“I was shot in Vietnam,” he said, “But God saved my life so I could see my wife again. Then one morning, my wife was drunk and got in the car with my kids. I never saw them again.”

I was speechless, and I thank God for what followed.

“I have so much sorrow, and so much sadness,” Red confessed. “Today, I thought I might jump in the river and kill myself.”

“When I was walking down the street, God told me to turn around and come and talk to you,” he revealed.

God never ceases to amaze me.

“And never did I think the answer to my sorrow would come in the form of a mangy dog,” Red finished.

“I love you,” I told Red the homeless man.

“I love you, too,” he replied simply. He had hope again.

I cannot imagine the last time Red must have heard the words, nor did I realize until later that night the whole of what God had done.

Years ago, living a life of sin and destruction, I had decided to take my own life. God had saved it.

A decision had been made to take the life of Red the dog. God had saved it.

The homeless man had thought to take his life the day I met Red the dog. God had saved it.

Three lives saved, and I pray that God would use our story to save even more. 

PUBLISHED ORIGINALLY IN THE CITY SUN, SOUTH CAROLINA, march 2006, please call 843-757-9507 for copyright information.

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“ASK, and it will be given to you” (Matthew 7:7a)
 
Are you looking for people, ideas, and resources to help fulfill your dream?
What is your need?

As mentioned in yesterday’s devotional, the Holy Spirit instructed me on May 10 to make the theme of this week’s devotionals “ASK, SEEK, KNOCK.” Specifically, my first devotional (sent yesterday) was to be titled “Ask, Seek, Knock,” the second one “Ask,” the third “Seek,” and the fourth “Knock.”
 
On May 2 while I was in New York City at the Provision Network Leadership Summit, people were assigned to groups of 8 for a profound roundtable exercise called “Seed and Need.” During this exercise, each person was given 3 minutes to share what they do (their seed) and what they need. After each person shared, others at the table would try to meet that need by connecting people, ideas, and resources.
 
What happened in 30 minutes was profound. I have never before experienced such divine provision - uncommon listening, generosity, and connecting - in this type of business group setting. Debra Smeltzer, one lady I met at our table, is the most anointed (good) seed sower I have ever met in my life. Cheryl Cooper Johnson, another lady from Jamaica originally, shared her heart to birth a Christ-centered Wellness Center in New York City. As a physician and life coach, Wellness and wholeness (Shalom) is what I’m all about. I learned that this type of “seed and need” exercise is a routine at monthly Provision Network Chapter meetings.
 
In response to my devotional on May 7 titled “Jesus’ Ministry - Prisoners,” Cheryl sent me a reply stating, “Thank you soooo….very much for these e-prayer devotionals!! They are truly a blessing. My husband and I sat at the same table with you. I am developing a Wellness Center( body, soul and spirit) for my Church. I would welcome resources that would assist me in this Ministry. What is your need?”
 
On Saturday May 10, I received the revelation “ASK” - Ask God one question each morning and BE A COACH, asking questions, in all my other relationships. So I wrote down, “LORD, what must I do TODAY to experience a breakthrough in the marketplace?” Then later that afternoon, I sent Cheryl a reply. As I re-read her email, her question “What is your need?” jumped out at me. It is so rare to find someone who asks you that question sincerely intending to help fill your need. That is what covenant relationships are about.
 
On Sunday morning May 11 (Mother’s Day, Pentecost Sunday, Global Day of Prayer), the Holy Spirit prompted me to email my Team Destiny partners to ask for their support in helping Cheryl fill her need to develop the Wellness Center in New York City.
 
On Monday morning May 12 while I was lying in bed resting and reflecting, I received the instruction to ask God, “What is my need?” After typing that in my journal, answers began flowing - godly things to do that day and this week. Breakthroughs began happening.
 
One breakthrough that I experienced is the panelists on today’s webinar at 2 PM EDT titled “UNCOMMON Internet Marketing Coaching.” If you are looking for people, ideas, and resources to help fulfill your dream, this is for you. Our exceptional group of panelists, includes:

1) Dr. Jerry Graham - one of the top LIFE Focus coaches in the world
2) Ben Stewart - one of the top Christ-centered business coaches in the world
3) Michael Stay - one of the top strategic planners in the world
4) Frankie Morea - more than 28 years of radio programming and leadership experience
 
If you aren’t available this afternoon, we will be repeating this webinar at 8 PM EDT on Thursday May 15. Our slogan at Webinars777 is “UNCOMMON coaching and connections - to impact the world for Jesus.” To learn more and register, visit today’s Link of the Day.
 
As Ben Stewart so beautifully states, “Our core values are to always give more than we receive.  This is true whether we are coaching, consulting, or developing nutritional strategies for Wellness.  We are firmly committed in our core that WELLNESS is not only a core value that all should and will want to share whether in business or personal lives.”  ”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God of Divine provision. We praise You as the Master Coach with the Master Plan. We celebrate ahead of time how You will connect people, ideas, and resources during today’s webinar. To You, be all glory, honor, and praise. Hallelujah! In Jesus name, we pray. Amen!

Link of the Day
FREE UNCOMMON Internet Marketing Coaching webinar - featuring Dr. Randy Peck, Dr. Jerry Graham, Ben Stewart, Michael Stay, and Frankie Morea

POTENTIAL
Your are also invited to participate in our second FREE webinar at Noon today titled “Discover, Release, and Maximize Your Potential.” I will be co-hosting this with Michael Stay and Frankie Morea. To learn more and register, CLICK HERE.
 
Blessings to express your need and have it filled!

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“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!

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“ASK, and it will be given to you; SEEK, and you will find; KNOCK, and it will be opened to you.”  (Matthew 7:7)
 
In what area of your life are you seeking a breakthrough?  
Upcoming Webinars
 
1) How to discover, release and maximize your God-given potential
 
Presenters: Michael Stay and Frankie Morea
 
Dates and Times:
May 13, 2008 11:00am - 12:00pm
May 14, 2008 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Registration Fee: FREE
 
Description: Trapped inside of you, waiting to be realized is an awesome God-given potential. Your spirit of potential is stirring within; re-fire your passion for living and activate the buried treasure uniquely created in you. Explore the key principles to realizing, discovering, releasing and maximizing your potential. Change your life by setting on a path to personal fulfillment, purpose and productivity.
 
REGISTER NOW! 
 
2) UNCOMMON Internet Marketing Coaching
 
Presenters: Dr. Randy Peck and Dr. Jerry Graham

Dates and Times:
May 14, 2008 2:00pm - 3:00pm
May 15, 2008 8:00pm - 9:00pm

Registration Fee: FREE
 
Description: God has blessed each of us with an UNCOMMON message to share with the world. How will you do that? Learn from a leading Internet Marketing Coach some simple ways. Also learn how to EXPONENTIALLY MULTIPLY your impact and profitability. Become part of God’s team to POWER network God’s army around the world.
 
REGISTER NOW!  
Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for each person who is receiving this e-prayer newsletter. May the coaching and teaching of these webinars bless the particpants to experience divine breakthroughs and provision so that they may fulfill their destinies. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen and hallelujah!
 
Blessings for divine breakthroughs and provision!   

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“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
 
How will you celebrate this most uncommon day and bring glory to God? 

Today is a most uncommon day. It’s a day of convergence when Mother’s Day, Pentecost Sunday, and the Global Day of Prayer all take place. On top of that, it’s our son’s birthday. He was born 21 years ago. That’s 3 x 7.
 
Since Mother’s Day is always the second Sunday of May and Pentecost Sunday is always 50 days after Easter, it is extremely rare that Pentecost Sunday occurs on Mother’s Day. In 2008, Pentecost Sunday occurs at the earliest time in the calendar year it ever will during any of our lifetimes.
 
Today, about 300 million people from at least 212 nations of the world are gathering in their communities to repent, pray, seek God’s face, and exalt the name of Jesus. This is the largest prayer gathering in history. 3 years ago, the Global Day of Prayer was officially birthed out of Transformation Africa. A huge prayer and spiritual revival was birthed out of the poorest continent in the world. Since then, the Global Day of Prayer has been celebrated each year on Pentecost Sunday.
Today, you can tune in to live video Global Day of Prayer broadcasts from around the world at www.god.tv. Don’t miss this opportunity to somehow, somewhat get connected.
 
Culpeper, Virginia had community celebrations for the Global Day of Prayer in 2005 and 2007. Today, Culpeper is having its very first outdoor Global Day of Prayer celebration at Yowell Meadow Park from 3:30 PM until dusk. 

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful Father, we thank You for this most uncommon day of convergence. We thank You for the mothers in this world and ask You to bless them with an uncommon day, week, and month. We thank You for pouring out Your Holy Spirit 2000 years ago and celebrate what You are doing on this Pentecost Sunday. We repent of our sins and ask You to renew our spirits. In Yeshua’s name, we pray. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Invitation to Global Day of Prayer celebration in Culpeper 
 
Blessings for an uncommon Mother’s Day, Pentecost Sunday, and Global Day of Prayer! 

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“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

How will you celebrate this most uncommon day and bring glory to God?

Today is a most uncommon day. It’s a day of convergence when Mother’s Day, Pentecost Sunday, and the Global Day of Prayer all take place. On top of that, it’s our son’s birthday. He was born 21 years ago. That’s 3 x 7.

Since Mother’s Day is always the second Sunday of May and Pentecost Sunday is always 50 days after Easter, it is extemely rare that Pentecost Sunday occurs on Mother’s Day. In 2008, Pentecost Sunday occurs at the earliest time in the calendar year it ever will during any of our lifetimes.

Today, about 300 million people from at least 212 nations of the world are gathering in their communities to repent, pray, seek God’s face, and exalt the name of Jesus. This is the largest prayer gathering in history. 3 years ago, the Global Day of Prayer was officially birthed out of Transformation Africa. A huge prayer and spiritual revival was birthed out of the poorest contintent in the world. Since then, the Global Day of Prayer has been celebrated each year on Pentecost Sunday.

Today, you can tune in to live video Global Day of Prayer broadcasts from around the world at www.god.tv. Don’t miss this opportunity to somehow, somewhat get connected.

Culpeper, Virigina had community celebrations for the Global Day of Prayer in 2005 and 2007. Today, Culpeper is having its very first outdoor Global Day of Prayer celebration at Yowell Meadow Park from 3:30 PM until dusk.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful Father, we thank You for this most uncommon day of convergence. We thank You for the mothers in this world and ask You to bless them with an uncommon day, week, and month. We thank You for pouring out Your Holy Spirit 2000 years ago and celebrate what You are doing on this Pentecost Sunday. We repent of our sins and ask You to renew our spirits. In Yeshua’s name, we pray. Amen and hallelujuah!

Link of the Day
Invitation to Global Day of Prayer celebration in Culpeper

Blessings for an uncommon Mother’s Day, Pentecost Sunday, and Global Day of Prayer!

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“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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from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. (Ephesians 4:16)

How are you going to share your UNCOMMON message with the world?

I’ve said over and over again that the Internet is God’s supernatural highway of communication. Today’s story is a testimony of how God is using the web to open doors to new nations for me.

In January 2008, Jerry Graham referred me to Robert Hartzell, founder of Fountains of Life. While Robert already had a website, he recognized it needed a major upgrade. Robert also wanted to integrate email marketing into his website and to begin a web store. Robert said the main thing that attracted him to me is my gifting to POWER network God’s army.

Robert has done an amazing job growing in his use of the web. It’s incredible how quickly he grasped the concepts and ran with them. After I set Robert up with a blog, he began posting entries using his monthly newsletters from the past 10 years. That moved Fountains of Life into the top 10 with Google for several keyword searches that were important for people to find Robert and his ministry.

While Robert lives in Florida and I have never met him in person, he has turned out to be a tremendous blessing to me, helping me grow in several areas of my life. In addition, he is now connecting me to other prominent Christian leaders. Over time, we have developed a covenant relationship.

On March 4, 2008, I hosted my very first “Uncommon Internet Marketing Seminar.” That was followed up with two more, March 19 and April 1. I have seen fruit almost immediately from each of those.

Before my webinar on April 1, I did minimal  advertising. One thing I did do was ask Robert to use his new email marketing system to invite his contacts. One of the people who responded to Robert’s bulk email was Steve Cobb.

Near the end of my webinar, I asked the question, “Who is my target audience?” My answer:
Visionaries – People with God-sized visions
Christian leaders who want to change the world
People with large established networks
Teachable leaders willing to be coached
Leaders seeking covenant relationships

I then presented an UNCOMMON opportunity and shared Bill Gates (Microsoft) quote - “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.”

Well Steve Cobb didn’t let the opportunity pass by. Within one hour, he sent me a long, well-written email. Here is an excerpt from that:

“I want to thank you for your helpful webinar and Robert Hartzell for inviting me.
 
I’m the President and National Director of the Institute of Theology by Extension in Guatemala (www.inste.org). At the end of your seminar you described 4 characteristics of people you like to relate with and I identified with all four (depending on how much of a financial investment it would mean). I liked very much the point about life-time clients and I have a few of them, and would like very much to get closer and more personal with them, as well as add new ones.
 
Helen and I have been missionaries in Latin America for 32 years (Costa Rica 1, Honduras 9, Ecuador 10 and Guatemala 12 years). We’ve given ourselves mainly to leadership training in a formal educational environment. INSTE is professional theological education with an informal modality. We’ve raised up 4 Bible School in 3 nations and trained a lot of wonderful men and women. So we have two sides to out internet communications — the Spanish side and the English side. We probably have close to a 1000 friends in Latin America and under 100 in the States.”
 
Subsequently, my web team helped Steve upload his marketing video and get a blog going. In the past month Steve has already made 27 posts to his blog. This past Tuesday (May 6), Steve got connected to Jerry Graham and Ben Stewart when he participated in our inaugural Web Mastermind Team meeting. Jerry and Ben both offered to help Steve further. Wow! It’s so beautiful when the Body of Christ functions the way God intends with each “joint supplying.”

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful Father, thank You for connecting me to awesome leaders like Jerry Graham, Ben Stewart, Robert Hartzell, and Steve Cobb in the past year. Bless each of them, their families, and their ministries. Thank You for Your promise in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” We bless and honor You Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen and Hallelujah!

Link of the Day
More about Steve and Helen Cobb including their 8 minute video

Your Daily Blessing News
I am hosting two more UNCOMMON Internet Market Seminars on May 14, 2008 from 2-3 pm and on May 15, 2008 from 8-9 pm. To register, CLICK HERE [visit https://www.webinars777.com/register.php?webinar_id=0000021].

Bless a few friends by inviting them! You’ll be paid a 10% referral fee for each one who becomes a web client of mine.

Blessing to learn to use the web effectively to share your UNCOMMON message with the world!

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“I was in prison and you came to Me” (Matthew 25:36b)

How important is it to the health of your community to minister effectively to inmates in your community?
What are the consequences of neglecting this responsibility?

In my devotional on May 5, I talked about feeding the hungry. Today, we’ll discuss another of Jesus’ core ministries - visiting those in prison.
 
As mentioned yesterday, I was in New York City for the awesome Provision Network Leadership Summit that took place on May1-3. While I heard several very accomplished speakers, I was particularly struck by the message of Mike Barber. Mike is the most effective speaker I have ever heard talk about prison ministry. Mike’s humility and authenticity as he shared stories and prison statistics profoundly impacted me.

I was surprised to learn that the prison industry is the fastest growing industry in the world. Mike pointed out that very few pastors encourage their congregations to visit prisoners. Mike emphasized that unless we effectively address the prisoner issue very soon, our society is going to experience drastic and dire consequences. He showed statistics to confirm that.

Mike is a former professional football player, having played tight end for the Houston Oilers (now Tennessee Titans) and Los Angeles Rams. One day while he was still playing pro football, Mike visited a prison with one of his friends. Mike had no intention of looking at or talking to any of the inmates, but God had other plans. After making eye contact with a few inmates, Mike’s heart began to change.

Now Mike has ministered to prisoners for 28 years, with the last 22 years being full-time after he retired from the NFL. Mike is extremely passionate about what he does. He has visited about 3,000 prisons around the world. Mike says that what makes his prison ministry unique and highly successful is “cell-to-cell” visits by large groups of counselors who go in two by two.

What has Culpeper been doing with its population of prisoners? Come find out on Tuesday May 13 from 10 AM - 3 PM at Culpeper Baptist Church when the Culpeper Re-Entry Program (CRP) is formally introduced to our community. The mission of CRP is to reduce the recidivism (inmates returning to jail and/or prison after being set free) rate in our area.

For over a year, a committee made up of Culpeper Human Services, Probation and Parole, Champion Learning Centers and other volunteers have been working together to assist inmates and their families, as they transition back into our community. The CRP is asking educators, business leaders, government leaders, court officials, probation officers, clergy, churches and families to join together in making Culpeper a brighter light to Virginia.

There is no fee for this forum, but registration is required by May 12. To register, send an email to mark@championlearningcenters.org or call Rev. Mark Jarvis at 540-229-1195.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Mike Barber and the huge impact he has had on prisons around the world. Bless that ministry to grow and multiply in Virginia and other states. Thank You for Rev. Mark Jarvis and the Culpeper Re-Entry Program. Bless their event on May 13. May our community embrace those people who minister to prisoners. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Short video of Dan Stratton interviewing Mike Barber this past weekend

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Blessing to have Jesus’ heart for prisoners!

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