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Sunday Inspiration: STOP STRIVING

Dr. Joseph Peck — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:38:20 +0000

STOP STRIVING

Power for Life: Heidi Baker – The Power of Love

Dear friend,

Over the past few weeks, the LORD has been speaking to me in a variety of ways to STOP STRIVING. I even had a vivid dream on April 15 that woke me up about this. I sense strongly this message is intended for many other people too, perhaps you.

During our last Master’s Mind Marketing group meeting for the Founding Father’s Tribe on April 19, Jeff Clark had us reflect on Proverbs 10:22 – “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow (labor) with it!”

Jeff went on to explain that the Hebrew word translated sorrow here actually means hard labor, hard toil, striving. He said another way to translate Proverbs 10:22 is “The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, and our labor adds nothing to it!”

According to Adam Clarke’s Commentary, “Whatever we receive in the way of providence, has God’s blessing in it, and will do us good. Cares, troubles, and difficulties come with all property not acquired in this way; but God’s blessing gives simple enjoyment, and levies no tax upon the comfort.”

According to Family Bible Notes, “True prosperity flows from God’s presence and blessing. Without this all apparent success will but multiply our troubles.”

The world says “Follow these steps to success,” but God says “Rest in Me, abide in Me, and I will take care of your needs.”

Psalm 127:1 admonishes us, “Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it;”

And in Deuteronomy 8:18, Moses warns “And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth.”

Through Jesus Christ, we become adopted sons of Abba Father, being set free from the bondage of sin and death. After our spiritual rebirth, God wants us to live our lives as sons of His, not as slaves.

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the father reminds his oldest son after he complains about the favorable treatment of his younger brother, “Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours.” (Luke 15:31)

Are you striving to make things happen? Are you complaining about the lot dealt in your life?

If so, then stop right now. And start flowing in the Spirit by following God’s game plan

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)

P.S. Yesterday evening I received an email from Breaking Christian News announcing Chuck Colson’s death at age 80. That broke my heart because Chuck Colson was a spiritual giant and a champion for religious freedom. While I was deeply saddened by this news, I rejoice knowing he left a plan of succession. This morning I was led to writing this inspiring tribute to Chuck Colson

Chuck Colson Remembered

Blesings to stop striving!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
Dr. Breakthrough, THE KINGDOM CONNECTOR, and The Journal Guy
Founder and Executive Director of Webinars777
Breakthrough Life Coach helping your DREAMS come true
Creative Marketing and Communication Specialist

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

Connect – BE Blessed To Be A Blessing
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P.S. Sign up TODAY for my free E-course “30 Days To Breakthrough!” God wants to transform your life NOW!

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

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

Join the conversation. Share your thoughts below to “STOP STRIVING.”

The Third day of Christmas – How To Hear God Speak

Dr. Joseph Peck — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:05:53 +0000

The Third day of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas, my true love (the Holy Spirit) gave to me, How To Hear God Speak.

Do you want to hear God speak to you but don’t know how to hear Him clearly?

Discover how you can easily hear god speak to you!

God wants to give you wisdom, understanding, and revelation for every area of your life.

Can you really hear God speak?

Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

How do you know it’s God speaking and not just your imagination?

For the answer to this and many other questions, Lynne Lee and I invite you to join us on a journey of discovering how to hear God’s voice.

http://howtoheargodspeak.com/freewebinar/

Imagine what life would be like if you could hear god every day…

No more trying to do anything apart from God! Jesus speaking to you and teaching you everything you need to know in a way that will totally transform your life.

Nothing matters more than your relationship with God

People have made hearing God sound complicated when it’s really very simple. Hearing God speak isn’t just for the super spiritual. You can connect with God and you can learn how to hear Him speaking to you. You can hear God’s voice every day, that is how it’s meant to be.

By the way, if you’re interested, here is an archive with hyperlinks for The 12 Days of Christmas

Blessings to listen, trust, and obey!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

Sunday Inspiration: How does one relate to an invisible God?

Dr. Joseph Peck — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 09:55:54 +0000

It seems that almost weekly now I receive another out-of-the=blue phone call or email from a thought leader wanting to either connect with me or asking for my assistance in pushing their message out to the world. What makes this so unusual is that I don’t routinely answer non-scheduled phone calls from people I don’t know.

After listening to my audio testimony online, Tom Richter called me up from Minneapolis on August 31 out-of-the=blue to see if I was “real.” The Holy Spirit immediately established a heart-to-heart connection between us. During our very first conversation, Tom was prompted to tell me about several shakers-and-movers and large networks he thought I might be able to make a difference with. Within a week or two, I was prompted to begin referring various thought leaders to Tom.

Two weeks ago, Tom connected me with Larry Smith, a very experienced Christian life coach and “restoration counselor” in Florida. During my first conversation with Larry on October 6, what stood out the most for me was that while we live in an age with much technological connection, most people are suffering from “RELATIONSHIP STARVATION.” The topic of journaling came up and I was prompted to tell Larry about Dr. Mark Virkler and the “4 keys to hearing God’s voice.”

Yesterday as I was preparing my follow up email to Larry, I was serendipitously led to these two outstanding videos with Dr. Mark Virkler

1) Sid Roth’s TV interview of Mark Virkler

2) How does one relate to an invisible God? (Does God exist?)

So what? Now what?

God defines success in terms of faith, not just professed belief in Him, but active, daily, risk-taking trust like that of the great people of Hebrews 11. Trust and faithfulness form the foundation of every relationship.

“Without faith it is impossible to please God!” (Hebrews 11:6)

God hungers for you to hear His voice so desperately. This is what God created you for. This is what He called you for. This is God’s heart passion for you. He loves you and wants to give Himself to you.

As I reflect back on this past year (2011), a consistent theme emerges – “Intimacy with God”

On January 1, I was prompted to contact Lynne Lee to partner with her to complete the “How To Hear God Speak” coaching program.
On January 20, Lynne Lee and I cohosted Patricia King and Dr. Bruce Cook on a webinar titled “Sacred Time, Sacred Place.”
On January 26, I officially launched “I Was Busy – Now I’m Not,” my signature coaching program.
During the Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit in February, I spoke at two of the breakout sessions about “UNCOMMON Journaling For Divine Destiny.”
On March 17, I helped Pamela Young launch “Proceed to Advanced Teaching,” her 12-week, online coaching program. As a result of helping Pamela with this, I was led to read through most of the Bible in just 12 weeks.
In the Spring through a very serendipitous series of circumstances, I was led to get involved with St Luke’s School in Culpeper, Virginia. Just before the start of the school year, I was asked to teach the Religion class and facilitate the weekly chapel services for the entire school.
Yesterday evening I began reading Soul Revolution by John Burke to prepare for the 8-week life group series that starts today.

God is calling you and me to greater intimacy with Him. That is THE KEY to greater fruitfulness in your life, your family, your work, and the “dash” of your life

”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.” - John 15:5

Yesterday evening I began reading Soul Revolution by John Burke to prepare for the 8-week life group series that starts at Soul Surpose Church today. John has initiated The 60-60 Experiment to draw people closer to God.

60/60 Experiment

More Blessings

1) Communion With God Ministries

2) Is Jesus Really God? (watch outstanding video with Josh McDowell – Attributes of God = Part 1l) -

3) Overflow Today – where we look at ways that the gospel can overflow from you to others

Blessings to draw nearer to God so He will draw nearer to you!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

My Most Important Workout

Dr. Joseph Peck — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:47:26 +0000

Yesterday during the worship service at Soul Purpose Church, Pastor Matt Gregory preached what I considered one of his best sermons. His message was titled “My Most Important Workout.”

Matt compared taking care of your spirit consistently like you take care or your physical body. He emphasized the importance of journaling to REMEMBER and to record your journey with God. He talked about the value of 2-way journaling.

Here is an outline of Matt’s message:

1) Check my spiritual breathing
a) Exhale – Confess sin (1 John 1:9)
b) Inhale – Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18)
c) Permission Prayer – “Whatever You tell me to do, I’ll do.”

2) Read/Listen to the Bible

Hebrews 4:12a – For the word of God is LIVING and powerful

a) Realize God is speaking to you as you read.

The Bible is more like a love letter than a manual for life.

“The Bible is not something that leads to a connection with God. It is the connection with God.”

b) Read 1-4 chapters daily as you systematically read through the Bible.

3) Journal – Write out the completion of these statements:
a) The most meaningful statement or verse that I encountered today is …
b) Today, God I hear you saying to me: “[Your name], …”
c) In response to You, God, I want to …

4) Memorize scripture (Joshua 1:8)
a) Write out th most meaningful verse of the day on a 3×5 card
b) Read the verse out loud 10 times each day
c) Repeat; Repeat; Repeat
d) Share this verse with someone else today!

5) Pray to God – Writ out your prayers to God.

6) Praise God!
a) Tell God how great He is!
b) Thank Him for what He has done!

COMMITMENTS
1) When am I going to meet with God EACH day?
2) Where am I going to meet with God EACH day?
3) How long am I going to meet with God EACH day?
4) What resources do I need to meet with God EACH day?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I want to draw closer to You. I want to spend more time in Your holy temple, dwelling under the shadow of Your wings. Help me with my spiritual breathing, meditating on Your holy Word morning and night, and praying to and praising You more consistently. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Blessings to honor God in your most important workout!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

Day #2 of 30 Days to Breakthrough – Slowing down

Dr. Joseph Peck — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:55:08 +0000

Welcome to Day #2 of your “30 Days To Breakthrough” journey.

Yesterday, we began addressing the issue of Stewarding Your TIME. We learned the importance of Redeeming The Time, what that means, why it’s so important, and some simple ways to do that.

If you missed that lesson, please go back and catch up. Do it NOW!

Here is your daily quote, lesson, question, link, and prayer.

QUOTE
The unexamined life is not worth living! — Socrates

LESSON
In his book “The Life You’ve Always Wanted,” John Ortberg teaches spiritual disciplines for ordinary people.

In Chapter 5 titled “An Unhurried Life,” John explains “the practice of ’slowing’.” He states that not long after moving to Chicago, he called the wisest spiritual mentor he has ever known to ask for spiritual direction. John described the pace at which things tended to move in his current setting. He told about the rhythms of his family life and the present condition of his heart. Then John asked what he needed to do to be spiritually healthy. After a long pause, the wise mentor answered “You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” After writing down that lesson, John asked “Now what else is there?” Another long pause and then the answer came “There is nothing else.”

John states: “The lives of the hurry-sick lack simplicity. Hurried people cannot love. Today we have largely traded wisdom for information. Love and hurry are incompatible. Jesus never hurried. Solitude is the remedy for the busyness that charms.”

To be spiritually healthy, you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life!

And journaling is one of the best disciplines to slow down your RPM’s from 10,000 to 5,000 to 500.

QUESTION (write down your what comes to your heart)
Lord, what one simple action step can I take to slow down the pace of my life.

LINK of the Day
An Unhurried Life

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise as the great I AM, the God who wants me to be still to know You. I confess that the pace of my life is too fast. It seems the harder I work, the further behind I get. Will You help me to slow down to smell the roses. I need your help. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Blessings to use journaling to slow down and reflect!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

WFJ: I AM Smiling Down Upon You

Dr. Joseph Peck — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 09:55:49 +0000

Lord Jesus, thank You for the tremendous joy in my heart. That You for job that I absolutely love. Thank You for the idea of the BIG TICKET blueprint. Thank You for Your creativity within me. Thank You for the opportunity to present to the Culpeper Chamber Young Professionals yesterday. Thank You for helping to guide me to prepare the PowerPoint and the PP handout. Thank You for my meeting with Anne and Matthew. Thank You for Jim Charapich’s help and new doors he is opening. Thank You for my phone call with Rod Stone and the idea for the BIG TICKET offer by Carrie. Thank You for the meeting with Jerry, Tim, and Amy. Thank You that Amy is interested in working for me again. Thank You for my bike ride. Thank You for the opportunity to watch the Xterra videos from the 2008 National Championship and the 2007 World Championship. Thank You for the privilege to read Galations last night before going to bed. Thank You for a good night’s sleep. Thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding. Thank You for my iTunes and everything I have loaded there. Thank You for John Paul Jackson’s I AM messages. Thank You for ears to hear and heart to obey. Thank You that You are restoring Me to bear much fruit. Thank You that You are guiding me to be strategic to bear much fruit. I love You Jesus.

Randy, good morning to you. Thank you for meeting with me first thing this morning. Thank you for your attitude of gratitude and heart to praise Me. I AM the God of peace. I AM He who weeps with those who weep. I AM My Spirit. I AM gracious. I AM the forgiver of all transgressions. I AM the manna that came down from heaven.

Randy, yes, that was Me who just spoke to you. I want You to do a teleseminar interview of John Paul Jackson. I want you to start doing weekly teleseminars or BlogTalkRadio shows with Christian celebrities. That will create tremendous attraction marketing. These leaders will be interested in what you do. I also want you to start weekly teleseminars with Pastor Baker Rigg. He wants to move forward with Web 2.0 technology. I want you to start going to his weekly worship and prayer gatherings on Monday evenings. I AM raising you up to raise up a new standard of prayer in your community.

Randy, it is Me who is making you smile. I AM smiling down upon you. My favor is upon you. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. I AM the God of your salvation.

Randy, right now, I want you to paste your notes from the Utah trip into your journal. Enjoy. Be blessed. Receive what I AM giving you. I AM your protector. My favor will protect you from your enemies. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. I AM smiling down on you. With you I AM well pleased.

Randy, what you have done with the 6 new people in the Prosper Now 777 course is huge. You and your team have helped them load their own space shuttles on the launching pads and now their rockets are firing to launch them forward into their destinies. That makes Me smile. I have blessed you to be a catalyst to release My UNCOMMON favor into My children’s lives. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad. I AM smiling upon you.

Wow Jesus. What great encouragement. Thank You. I love You so much. You are the reason I breathe, move, and have my being. You are my morning joy. You are the delight of my days.

I AM your God of promise. I AM returning. I AM He who places your tears in My bottle in My book. I AM God who shows you things to come. I AM the seven spirits and they are Me. Me secrets are with those who fear me.

Randy, it was Me who led you to listen to the I AM – 365 Names of God this morning. I wanted to remind you who I AM and who you are in Me. Victory is here.

Randy, I want you to follow up with the Chamber prospects today. I want you to go to the Culpeper lead share meeting this morning as Chris’ guest. Taste and see that I AM good. I AM the LORD; he who is joined with me is one spirit with Me. I AM the spirit of counsel. I AM your provider. I AM tenderness. I AM the true shepherd. I AM the dispeller of all fear and doubt. I AM interceding for you right now. I AM love.

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

BE Still And Know

Dr. Joseph Peck — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:48:24 +0000

“For those who wish to climb the mountain of spiritual awareness, the path is selfless work. For those who have attained the summit of union with the Lord, the path is stillness and peace.” — Bhagavad Gita

“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!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

Power Surge – Connecting With The Ulimate Source

Dr. Joseph Peck — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:03:11 +0000

“You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul.” – C.S. Lewis

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. (1 Corinthians 4:20)

What are the current barriers to spiritual health in your life?

Today is Day 4 in our 30 days series titled “One Month To Live,” based on Kerry and Chris Shook’s book by that same title. “One Month To Live empowers you to focus on being who God created you to be – passionate, fully alive, living without regrets.”

I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t settle for an ordinary life anymore. After experiencing the power of God in my life, how could I settle for anything less.

In Chapter 4 of their book, Kerry and Chris talk about the importance of relying on God’s power to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Here are some excerpts:

We need the power to change. The problem is, we often think we can make the necessary changes with a little willpower, and we don’t see how dependent we are on God’s power.

We have to move from willpower to the real power that comes from a connection to our Creator. If you have come to the end of yourself and are exhausted from trying to control your life, Jesus offers you the invitation of a lifetime. In Matthew 11:28, He says “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Spiritual Energy: While our lives include many facets, our spiritual energy is more important than the others, because everything else hinges on it. We usually put a great deal of emphasis on our physical health, and that’s important, but many people completely neglect their spiritual health because they can’t see it… The key to spiritual health is maintaining a strong relationship with your Creator.

Fruitful Living: If you want to reduce your stress, for this month and beyond, then realize your role in life is to stay connected to the vine. Sometimes, I forget my role and try to be the vine. I come up with a plan and a schedule, goals, and an agenda. Then I try to work my plan and make everything happen according to the timetable I’ve set. Finally I get so stressed that I lose all my energy.

Perennial Pruning: Any gardener or vintner knows that pruning is the key to producing the best fruit… Our heavenly Father, the Master Gardener, is an expert pruner. He knows when to cut, where to cut, and how much to cut to produce the best in our lives. The pruning process is always painful, but it’s always productive.

Constant Connection: How do we maintain our connection to the ultimate power source? We need two connections to remain healthy, grow, and produce the best fruit. Constant communication is first. We maintain this connection through conversational prayer. When you wake up in the morning, it’s vital to start your day right by just talking to God. Begin the day with God!

The next element for a healthy spiritual connection is constant confession. When you become aware of something you shouldn’t have said or done, or something you didn’t do but believe you should have, just confess it and move on. We’re all works in progress. Confession simply means you take responsibility for failing and admit it to God rather than making excuses or comparing yourselves to others you think are doing worse.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for this important reminder to stay connected to the Source. Forgive me for times when I try to be the vine. Guide me to let go and let God each day. Jesus, thank You for being my Vine, the Source of everything good within me. Amen and Hallelujah!

Blessings of the Day
1) Make It Last For Life – 3 simple action steps to apply today’s message [see below]

2) Affiliate Marketing free webinar at 11 am EDT today – Learn to leverage other people’s time, money, talents, ideas, and relationships

3) Experiencing God Through Journaling free webinar at 8 pm EDT today. Virginia Morton will be sharing the amazing story behind the Marching Through Culpeper movie project.

“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.” – Bill Gates

Blessings to stay connected with the ultimate Source!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

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.”

Zec 4:6 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.

——————————————————————————————–

Make It Last For Life – 3 simple action steps to apply today’s message

1) What are the current barriers to spiritual health in your life? In other words, what keeps you from connecting to God as your primary source of spiritual life?

2) Write a letter or prayer to God, being as honest as you can about your present disappointments and frustrations. Consider how those problems or issues might be preparing you for a more fruitful season.

3) How are you doing in the areas of communication and confession? How would you practice them differently if you knew you only had one month to live?

55 Maxims For Christian Living

Dr. Joseph Peck — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:18:26 +0000

Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) IS the Passover! – Jeff Bernstein, founder of Gates of Zion

Ex 12:13 ‘Now the blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you; and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

What friends do you want to bring to Jesus?

Today many Christians around the world celebrate Holy Thursday in remembrance of Jesus’ “last supper” (Pesach/Passover eve). It’s interesting that this year the Jewish and Christian celebrations of Passover nearly coincide.

Yesterday morning I received an email from Jeff Bernstein sent to his Gates of Zion followers stating:

“Tonight is Pesach/Passover eve. Today on the 14th day of what is the 1st month of the year at twilight each household of Israel killed the Passover lamb and put its blood on the doors of their homes. Passover as far as I know has been celebrated longer than any event in history. Jewish people have observed Passover for over three thousand years! How do we know it is Passover? Look outside this evening. The moon is full. When Israel departed from Egypt they did not have flashlights. God timed it perfectly. A full moon gave light so the entire nation could pack up quickly and leave 400 years of bondage in Egypt. Passover is a powerfully significant feast for both Jews and Gentiles who are grafted onto Israel’s olive tree. It is not that Passover points to the Messiah nor that the Messiah is found within the elements of the Passover Seder Meal. It is more powerful than that. Messiah Yeshua is the Passover!”

On Sunday April 5, Pastor Matt Gregory preached a powerful message titled “Contagious Christian Commissioning.” During that, he laid our four basic objectives that make up the “Job Description of a Contagious Christian.” Those included 1) Deeply understand the substitutionary atonement by Jesus, 2) Always remember what Jesus did, 3) Passionately share about Jesus, and 4) Expectantly live.

At the end of the worship service, Matt commissioned everyone to come forward and nail a card to a large wooden cross with the name of at least one friend they want to bring to Jesus. As part of this commissioning service, Matt challenged each of us to commit to:

1) Pray daily for my friend(s) by name
2) Invest in them as a good friend by caring and serving
3) Invite them to attend the worship service on Easter
4) Fast on Good Friday (April 10)
5) Share my story and God’s message with my friend

Prayer Power
LORD Jesus, thank You for the feast of Passover to celebrate the greatest gift ever given. Thank You that through your death and resurrection, all those who believe and willingly receive your grace have resurrection life in You. Help each of us fully grasp the signficance of this momentous day and Holy Week. Transform us into contagious Christians, not just with the words we share, but with the lives we lead. Amen and Halleluah to You, the Passover lamb.

Blessings of the Day
1) 55 Maxims for Christian Living [see below]

2) Watch “God Pursues A Loving Relationship” – recorded Camtasia video for Week 3 of Experiencing God Through Journaling

3) Receive FREE Chapter 1 of UNCOMMON Wellness Coaching e-book

Blessings for a joyful, meaningful and blessed Passover to all!

———————————————————————

Paideia
Fr. Thomas Hopko’s 55 Maxims for Christian Living
Source: http://dangreeson.tumblr.com/post/31558579/fr-thomas-hopkos-55-maxims-for-christian-living

55 Maxims for Christian Living
by Fr. Thomas Hopko
1. Be always with Christ.
2. Pray as you can, not as you want.
3. Have a keepable rule of prayer that you do by discipline.
4. Say the Lord’s Prayer several times a day.
5. Have a short prayer that you constantly repeat when your mind is not occupied with other things.
6. Make some prostrations when you pray.
7. Eat good foods in moderation.
8. Keep the Church’s fasting rules.
9. Spend some time in silence every day.
10. Do acts of mercy in secret.
11. Go to liturgical services regularly
12. Go to confession and communion regularly.
13. Do not engage intrusive thoughts and feelings. Cut them off at the start.
14. Reveal all your thoughts and feelings regularly to a trusted person.
15. Read the scriptures regularly.
16. Read good books a little at a time.
17. Cultivate communion with the saints.
18. Be an ordinary person.
19. Be polite with everyone.
20. Maintain cleanliness and order in your home.
21. Have a healthy, wholesome hobby.
22. Exercise regularly.
23. Live a day, and a part of a day, at a time.
24. Be totally honest, first of all, with yourself.
25. Be faithful in little things.
26. Do your work, and then forget it.
27. Do the most difficult and painful things first.
28. Face reality.
29. Be grateful in all things.
30. Be cheerful.
31. Be simple, hidden, quiet and small.
32. Never bring attention to yourself.
33. Listen when people talk to you.
34. Be awake and be attentive.
35. Think and talk about things no more than necessary.
36. When we speak, speak simply, clearly, firmly and directly.
37. Flee imagination, analysis, figuring things out.
38. Flee carnal, sexual things at their first appearance.
39. Don’t complain, mumble, murmur or whine.
40. Don’t compare yourself with anyone.
41. Don’t seek or expect praise or pity from anyone.
42. We don’t judge anyone for anything.
43. Don’t try to convince anyone of anything.
44. Don’t defend or justify yourself.
45. Be defined and bound by God alone.
46. Accept criticism gratefully but test it critically.
47. Give advice to others only when asked or obligated to do so.
48. Do nothing for anyone that they can and should do for themselves.
49. Have a daily schedule of activities, avoiding whim and caprice.
50. Be merciful with yourself and with others.
51. Have no expectations except to be fiercely tempted to your last breath.
52. Focus exclusively on God and light, not on sin and darkness.
53. Endure the trial of yourself and your own faults and sins peacefully, serenely, because you know that God’s mercy is greater than your wretchedness.
54. When we fall, get up immediately and start over.
55. Get help when you need it, without fear and without shame.

———————————-

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!

God’s Will And Your Life

Dr. Joseph Peck — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:55:41 +0000

“When God speaks, it is important to write down what He says.” – Henry Blackaby

then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. (Hebrews 10:9)

Who do you know that will benefit from participating in this new online community to experience God in fresh and exciting ways?

Will you invite them? If so, when?

I’m thrilled to report what the Holy Spirit birthed this morning. The outcome from this will be extraordinary.

Tomorrow (March 24) I’m launching a brand new, 12-week series of webinars on Tuesday evenings covering much of the material in Henry Blackaby’s book Experiencing God. You, your family, and your friends are invited to participate in this world-wide, online LIFE group. This is free and will be inspirational and transformational. To learn more and register, see today’s Blessings of the Day.

What makes this LIFE group different than most, if not all, previous Experiencing God life groups around the world is that this one is online and will integrate online journaling. Because it’s online, people from different countries will be able to interact live during each webinar. God will use this venue to build and unite a vibrant online community of disciples of Jesus. And through the life and leadership coaching by Jerry Graham and me, participants will be propelled forward into their destinies.

In his outstanding book “Experiencing God,” Henry Blackaby writes, “In the mind and teaching of Jesus, a church was a vital, living, dynamic fellowship of believers. The Greek word “koinonia,” most frequently translated “fellowship,” is the best way to describe what a church ought to be.”

Henry Blackaby writes, “When God speaks, it is important to write down what He says.” While Henry talks some about journaling in his book, he doesn’t go into nearly the depth we will. Bruce Wilkinson, in his book “Secrets of the Vine,” shares how journaling played a key role in him breaking through to a deeper abiding in Jesus and a life filled with fruitfulness. Yet, Bruce doesn’t explain how to journal strategically.

On several occasions during my 2-way journaling, Jesus has told me, “Coaching people to journal to hear My voice is your sweet spot.” The LORD has wired me to be an UNCOMMON Journaler, spending hours each day journaling strategically. Why? Mark Jarvis says if a leader must jump six feet if he wants his followers to jump six inches.

There’s a huge miracle story behind the Experiencing God Through Journaling series. I’ll share more about that later this week.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful heavenly Father, we praise You as the Master with the master plan. Thank You for birthing this UNCOMMON idea and opportunity today. May you bless the launch of this new online community. Thank You for the many, many people around the world who will be transformed as a result. Jesus, we humble ourselves before You acknowledging that You are the King of kings and the LORD of lords, the Holy One of Israel. Amen and hallelujah!

Blessings of the Day
1) “The Birth of Life Skills Coaching” [http://webinars777.com/the-birth-of-life-skills-coaching/] – free webinar at 11 am EST on Tues March 24, featuring Ben Stewart, my top business coach

2) “Experiencing God Through Journaling” [http://webinars777.com/gods-will-and-your-life/] LIFE Group – Tues March 24 (8 pm EST) is the launch of a vital, living, dynamic fellowship of believers, featuring a 12-week series of webinars

3) Download free Intro to UNCOMMON Journaling For Breakthroughs

4) Invest in my “UNCOMMON Journaling For Breakthroughs” ebook with audio

5) Begin 45 day free trial of The Journal software

Blessings to learn to discern God’s will as you live your everyday life!

Joseph

Empower 2000, Inc.
Empowering and Connecting a New Generation of Godly THOUGHT LEADERS
POWER NETWORKING God’s Army Around the World
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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!