Prayer Power (Mon, Jan 16, 2012)

REST: I went to bed at 9:00 pm very tired after reading Judges 1-6 in bed using my Kindle. I fell asleep quickly and slept like a baby until ~ 1:45 am. I lay still resting and reflecting in bed before Maui, my God alarm clock, got me up at 2:10 am.

After feeding Maui and letting her outside briefly, I went to my home office, knelt down and prayed, and then began journaling on my computer. I set my Cool Timer to go off every 15 minutes to keep the 60-60 Experiment going.

Jesus, thank You for another precious night of sleep in a warm comfortable bed next to Julia in our beautiful and safe home. Thank you for waking me up early full of inspiration and clarity with what I am to do. Thank You for keeping me from accessing my email yesterday. I do want to stop the habit of checking emails on Saturday and Sunday.

Thank You Jesus for yesterday. Thank You for the great start to my morning with rich abiding time with you, including my two-way prayer with clear direction. Thank You for guiding me to complete my Sunday Inspiration early before leaving for SPCC and for time to walk Maui. Thank You that Julia chose to come with me to SPCC and that I was flexible enough to drop her off at the Warrenton Aquatics Center. Thank You for afternoon nap and for the quality time I spent reflecting on my past week and planning my upcoming week. Thank You for the opportunity to watch the Green Bay Packers play the New York Giants. Thank You for the dinner Julia made for both of us. Thank You for prompting me to read Judges 1-6 in bed on my Kindle before going to bed.

I so desire to live a life of intimacy with You and abundance through You. It’s my heart’s desire to be wealthy so I can be an extravagant giver. I also desire to please Julia and honor my parents. I desire to please Julia being able to take nice vacations around the world while at the same time evangelizing the wealthy. I desire to honor my parents by being debt free, treating them to nice things, having health insurance. I desire to be able to pay for nice weddings for Caren and Robbie and to be able to send them on nice honeymoons. Help me to breakthrough LORD. Help me to breakthrough. It’s time. I’ve waited long enough.

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

It is written, “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you. The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.” (Deuteronomy 28:1-10)

It is written, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life.” (Proverbs 22:4) and “The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.” (Proverbs 15:33)

Joseph, I love it when you quote my Word. Thank you for setting aside this precious time to commune with Me. Thank You for seeking Me with all your heart. Thank You for honoring Me with your first fruits, including your time and finances. Thank You for quieting your mind, fixing your eyes on Me, tuning to spontaneity, and journaling. When you do that, you will hear from Me as Dr. Mark Virkler promises. And hearing clearly from Me is the most important thing you can do because more than anything else I desire your obedience. Thank You for modeling a life of faith. Thank You for sticking with the dream I placed within you. Thank You for the many ways you honor Julia, especially being patient and kind. You are the apple of my eye. Keep doing the right things. Keep honoring people. Keep your commitments.

Joseph, close your eyes and tell Me what You see.

VISION: Jesus, I just see a completely black slate.

Yes, Joseph, today you begin a new life. Old things have passed away and all things are new. Today I will begin drawing on that blank slate to create a life of abundance for you, Julia, and your family. You are humble and fear Me. My promise to you which I will keep are riches, honor, and life. Relish these blessings and share them freely. Keep Me first and I will keep you first. Honor Me and I will honor you. It sounds simple and it is.

Add to your signature, “To be spiritually healthy, you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life!“

 
Inspired by TV interview of Aiko Hormann by Patricia King called Three Brains. Aiko has written a booklet called “Living in the Miraculous.” The Three Brains are the the head brain, the gut brain, and the heart brain. Emotional memories are stored in the heart and gut.

REST: I went to bed at 10:15 pm tired, fell asleep within 5-10 minutes, and slept like a baby until about 5 am. I lay still in bed resting and reflecting before Maui got me up at 5:35 am.

ABIDE: After feeding Maui and letting her outside briefly, I came to my new Sacred Place (basement family room). After praying on my knees for a few minutes, I sat down on the comfortable sofa. First I prayed through Psalm 91 several times, personalizing it for me, Julia and me, Caren and Robbie, Will Green, and Nancy Slocum. Then using my Kindle, I read Genesis 29-30 and Psalm 8.

I discovered that Laban gave his daughter Rachel to Jacob after he he had spent 7 days sleeping with Leah as his new wife. This was before he served Laban another 7 years. I also realized that Jacob deceived several people before the LORD changed his name, including his brother Esau, his father Isaac, and Laban. Later, after wrestling with God, God gave him a new name (Israel) and new identity.

The other thing I realized is that Rachel’s first son was Joseph and after he was born, Jacob departed from Laban to begin a new life.

Genesis 30:22-25 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The LORD shall add to me another son.” And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country.

Here is the prayer I wrote in my “Sacred Time – Sacred Place” journal:

My key word for 2011 is COMMITMENT.

My key scripture is “Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’!” (James 5:12)

And the key question is “What will be your legacy?”

Jesus, thank You for guiding Julia and me not to go out for New Years, but rather to go to bed early and get up early to start the new year off well. Thank You for the past year, for guiding me through that, for all the valuable life lessons I learned, and for all the people I was able to bless and serve.

My prayer for this new year is simple. Help me to honor (pray to) you morning, noon, and night each day like Daniel did. Help me to abide in You in a deep and rich way daily that I might bear much fruit for the Kingdom and Your glory.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days. (Daniel 6:10)

Joseph, that is a wonderful prayer. That’s a great way to start off a new year. Be faithful (committed) to this new habit for the first 30 days (January) and that habit will become your routine. I have prepared you for an outstanding year in 2011. Do you part and I will do Mine. I AM your good Shepherd. I will protect you. During your quiet time 3x/day in January, I want you to read Psalm 91 3x/day. By the end of the month, you will have that memorized. Embrace and believe My promises of protection and deliverance. Your deliverance from the curses of Freemasonry was no small matter. Rejoice and BE exceedingly glad in Me and with Me. Bear much fruit.

He who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit… (John 15:5, NASV)

Psalm 91 (NASV)

• 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty
• 2 I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!”
• 3 For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.
• 4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
• 5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor for the arrow that flies by day;
• 6 Or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that lays waste at noon.
• 7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not approach you.
• 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
• 9 For you have made the LORD, your refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.
• 10 No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent.
• 11 For He will give his angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.
• 12 They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone.
• 13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down.
• 14 Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.
• 15 He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will rescue him and honor him.
• 16 With a long life I will satisfy him, and let him see My salvation.

More Blessings

• #WFJ: I have been guiding you each and every day of 2009
• Twelve Great Reasons To Journal

Blessings to be faithful to one new habit in 2011 to ABIDE in Yeshua deeply!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
Dr. Breakthrough, THE 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 THOUGHT LEADERS
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations

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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!

On October 27, 2010 I began weekly Breakthrough Life Coaching sessions with Lynne Lee, who lives in Derby, U.K. She and Renato Amato from Italy are strategic players for “The Spiritual Triangle Between Virginia, the U.K. And Italy.”

After just two weeks of Breakthrough Life Coaching, Lynne has begun experiencing extraordinary breakthroughs in several areas of her life. For example, Lynne now plans to offer “How To Hear God’s Voice” as a coaching program and she’s writing a book this weekend that will be published and become a whole series of books.

The following is the November 9, 2010 post by Lynne Lee titled “This is a powerful way to hear God” for Members of her Christian Life Coaching Cafe.

If you haven’t subscribed to Lynne’s Cafe, I recommend you prayerfully consider doing so. It’s highly inspirational and quite affordable.

Life works much better when you operate out of spending time with the Father and hearing His heart for you. When I want to know what God has to say to me I make time to sit undisturbed and write in my journal.

Today I sense the Father asking me to share one of last week’s journal entries with you.

On November 3rd (2010) I wrote:

What do you want me to know today Father? I’m here to listen, I love hearing what you have to say to me.

This is what I sensed the Lord say in reply:

I really am your Daddy. Believe it. You are precious to Me and what matters to you matters to Me.

I love the way you are drawing aside to have special times of communion with Me. Think of how you are with your children and how it gladdens your heart when they choose to spend time with you and ask for your wisdom.

Know that I love you. I will provide all you need and direct your paths. Remember what I said about focus. Focus on one thing and complete it before moving onto the next.

I AM giving you tools and support to help you do what I have called you to do. Be reassured that you are on the path that I have mapped out for you.

It is My idea that you offer How To Hear God’s Voice as a coaching program. People are hungry and they are looking for Me, desperate to know how to hear Me. Run with it, have fun with it and listen for My voice in it. I will direct your steps and show you what it looks like.

You have wisdom because you take time to listen. You will be more in demand. Before you say yes to invitations check to see that it is where I AM working, and have the courage to say no even to good things that will simply keep you busy.

You know more than you know you know. You hear more than you know you do. Many times when you have spontaneously thought to do something it has been My prompting. Have the courage to follow those promptings even when they seem silly to you.

Continue to delight in me. IMMERSE yourself in the things that are dear to My heart and yours and be free to be you. I love you and so do your family and friends. You don’t need to try to be like anyone else, simply be you. Who you are in Me is delightful. You cause My heart to sing and I delight to bless you.

Know that you walk in My blessing and enjoy it. Enjoy what I give you and enjoy who you have become. Delight yourself in abundance and prepare to be surprised at what I will do.

You are being used to transform many lives. Your reach is further than you know.

It’s time to CELEBRATE. Celebrate what I have done and who you have become. Celebrate and know that My goodness and loving kindness last forever.

Pick up the threads I hand you and I will show you how to weave them into a beautiful tapestry. Don’t concern yourself with what it will look like, simply follow My directions and know that it will be beautiful. I will take care of everything just like good daddies do.

Journaling is a powerful way to tune into what the Lord is saying, I hope you are encouraged to try this for yourself.

If this way of hearing God is new to you I suggest you download the first chapter of Joseph Peck’s Journaling For Breakthroughs book for free. Just click on this link

http://lynnelee.com/freechapter

And for added measure, here is part of today’s (November 9, 2010) journal entry, I am blessed indeed :)

I began by chattering -

It’s a red letter day! No accident that I am writing in red today. Interesting to note that the Lord is already speaking through events and coincidences. Why is today so significant? Because I am writing a book that will be published. How exciting is that!! It will become a whole series of books….

It feels like you have brought me back to why I went online in the first place – to help people with the help that helped me. If my excitement is anything to go by then I have come home and am about to walk into my destiny. I need to know whether this is an idol that will get in the way and detract from my true purpose…But enough from me, I want to know what you have to say…

Still and quiet your soul and wait. there’s no rush, sit a while with Me and rest. Bask in My presence and let’s enjoy one another.

Just as your lounge echoes light and nourishes the soul, restoring peace, so will you. Your mission is to do people good. Your books will give people who can’t meet with you one on one an opportunity to benefit from the wisdom I have placed in you.

Your name is no accident – Lynne – by the pool or waterfall, refreshing one. You bring encouragement and refreshment wherever you go. Your books will bring hope and encouragement, they will provide keys. Run with this, it is My doing, it was My idea.

Think on how this began. It was born out of prophecy and vision. What is happening now is the fulfillment of a lifetime of desire and longing. I planted the desire to write. I have riches for you to share and now is the time to release them. These last few years have laid the foundation and infrastructure to make it possible.

Keep on dreaming, dream with Me and dare to do what you once thought to be impossible, nothing is impossible with me. I AM the God of infinite possibilities. Partner with Me and allow My Holy Spirit to lead you and show you the way.

Know that you CAN do what I have called you to do. When I call I also equip and you are well equipped.

Enjoy this time and know that the best is yet to come. Put aside any doubts you have and know that I AM the enabler…I will enable you to do this. I will give you what you need when you need it and I will show you how.

I have already connected you with the people who can help and support and cheer you on. You will see your dreams come into being, and hope fulfilled will be like a tree of life.

In the physical realm winter is fast approaching but for you spring is here. the long dormant seeds are bursting forth into life. Enjoy the garden I AM creating for you. Delight in my creation and know that I do all things well.

Be blessed to be a blessing,

Lynne

Journaling For Breakthroughs first chapter

Blessings to learn to hear God’s voice!

Joseph

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

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

STAY CONNECTED
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thejournalguy
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thejournalguy
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/thejournalguy

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!

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

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

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

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

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

BREAKTHROUGH RESOURCES

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

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

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

Blessings to CHOOSE a LIFE of abundance!

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR and The Journal Guy
Founder and Executive Director of Webinars777 and Seminars777
Community Transformation Specialist
Changing Lives to Disciple Nations
www.empower2000.com

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

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

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

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

Yesterday, I began a series about “Fruit of Journaling.” I wrote about “Covenant Relationship – Authenticity.” Today, I share a second example of fruit from journaling, namely a Vibrant Prayer Life.

I have a vibrant prayer life and a radical faith. When the Lord asks me to do something I’m willing to do that, whatever the cost.

As I have journaled more and more over time, I’ve developed such an intimacy and love for Jesus. Being thankful for the little things in life helps me maintain my joy.

Nehemiah 8:10b, “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Isaiah 29:19 The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, And the poor among men shall rejoice In the Holy One of Israel.

There is a protocol for entering the presence of the King – thanksgiving and praise.

Ne 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

Ps 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify Him with thanksgiving.

Ps 100:4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.

My favorite method for journaling is “Yesterday … Prayer Power.” At the start of each morning, I make a list of things I did and recall happening the day before. At first yesterday is a blur, but as I start to write down what I remember, I begin to notice all kinds of blessings that I might have missed or forgotten about otherwise. I understand how things are related and recognize how God is using me to change lives. I notice what works and what doesn’t. At the end of each item, I write “Thank You Jesus!” Based on personal experience, writing those 3 words makes a tremendous difference in developing an attitude of gratitude and giving glory to God.

After thanking Jesus for the blessings of yesterday, I ask Him what He wants to share with me that morning. Then I write down what comes to my mind spontaneously without judging it. Very quickly, there is a FLOW of thoughts and love. I keep writing until the flow stops. By writing down my conversation with the LORD, I can go back and review it.

As Mark Virkler teaches, “Hearing God’s voice is as easy as quieting your mind (STILLNESS), fixing your eyes on Jesus (VISION), tuning to SPONTANEITY, and writing (JOURNALING).” Mark is the author of “How To Hear God’s Voice.”

Here is what Virginia Morton, author of Marching Through Culpeper, wrote in her blog post on July 8, 2009,

“Two-way journaling with Jesus is powerful!

So you’re probably wondering what is two-way journaling. It’s actually not complicated. Write in your prayer journal on a regular basis, daily if possible. Ask Jesus specific questions about your problems, decisions, direction, etc. Picture Him sitting beside you. Then be still and listen for His answers. According to Jerry, when we’re quiet and waiting, we should write whatever comes into our minds. This is how we hear His voice. Don’t think about what you’re writing and don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense. Just write everything that comes.

The power is when you go back and read what He has said. Believe that it is His voice and act. I’ve found I’m the most inspired and know I’m on the right track when I go back and reread Jesus’ answers in my prayer journal. I like to highlight them in red.”

I don’t profess to always be right in hearing from God, but being right 80% of the time and acting on what I hear is far better than never or rarely trusting in what I hear and acting on it.

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

My journal is full of incredible God stories and answered prayers. Answered prayers build faith as well as my prayer life.

Practicing the presence of God in my mornings has helped me develop the habit of practicing the presence of God throughout my days. I now stay in constant dialog with the LORD as I go about my days.

What is prayer? It’s communion with God. Prayer is the Christian’s lifeline to God, and with it lives are changed for eternity! E.M. Bounds knew the secrets of prayer and that God has established divine principles and promises for our every need. Since the time of the apostles, no man besides E.M. Bounds has left such a rich inheritance of biblical research into the life of prayer. Prayer was as natural to him as breathing the air. He made prayer first and foremost in his life because he knew it as the strongest link between man and God.

E.M. Bounds wrote, “The most important lesson we can learn is how to pray… God shapes the world by prayer.”

Mt 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Blessings to develop a vibrant prayer life!

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

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!

Prayer is the most powerful tool God has given to us!

“but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:4)

How’s your prayer life? Are you too busy not to pray?

If prayer truly is the most powerful tool God has given us, then why do most people pray so little. I think it comes down to habits and a fast pace of life. Most people are too busy too pray. Others have never learned how to pray.

Prayer is a habit like journaling. If you journal regularly and include prayer as a routine part of that, you will pray and get better at it. I guarantee it. When you learn to apply the 4 keys to hearing God’s voice discussed later, your prayer time will become much richer.

That’s because you will be having intimate conversations, rather than monologues, with the Creator of the universe. You will come to know what it really means to abide in Him.

A few years ago I heard a frightening statistic that pastors in America spend an average of only three minutes each day praying. Yet, leaders must lead by example. Teaching about prayer is not the same as praying. Prayer doesn’t happen on the run.

I’ve seen first hand how difficult it is to get pastors from different congregations to pray together on a regular basis. Most pastors are too busy doing the ministry themselves instead of equipping the saints to do it.

During the 40 days of Lent in 2006, Pastor Randy Orndorff invited his congregation at the Culpeper United Methodist Church to participate in a seven week small group study titled “Too Busy Not To Pray.” I think about 100 people chose to participate. Virginia Morton, one of our Pray Culpeper team leaders, was one of them. The resulting spiritual growth and big answers to prayers have been very encouraging.

My connection to Virginia Morton and Pastor Randy led me to order the book and audio CD’s by Bill Hybels titled “Too Busy Not To Pray” in September 2006. I found Pastor Hybels’ teaching about prayer in his book to be fantastic.

As a result of reading and listening to Bill Hybels’ book, I wrote a series of daily devotional messages in a series titled “Too Busy Not To Pray” during October 2-18, 2006. In my message on October 3, I shared the following excerpts from Bill’s book:

“Prayer is an unnatural activity. It is an assault on human autonomy – an indictment of independent living. To people in the fast lane determined to make it on their own, prayer is an embarrassing interruption. Prayer is alien to our proud human nature. And yet somewhere, some place probably all of us reach the point where we fall on our knees, fix our attention on God, and pray.

Why are we drawn to prayer? 1) We pray because we understand that the most intimate communion with God comes only through prayer. 2) Prayer also helps us feel surrounded by God’s presence. As we grow in prayer, God reveals more of Himself, breathing more of His life into our spirits. Through prayer, God gives His peace that passes all understanding.

People are drawn to prayer because they know that God’s power flows primarily to people who pray. God’s power can change circumstances and relationships. It can help us face life’s daily struggles. It can heal psychological and physical problems, remove marriage obstructions, meet financial needs. In fact it can handle any kind of difficulty, dilemma, or discouragement.

The greatest fulfillment (thrill) in praying is the qualitative difference in your relationship with God. Through prayer, you can carry on substantial soul-searching conversations with God every day.”

On the morning of February 5, 2008 while “doing the dew,” the Holy Spirit led me to
listen again to the audiobook “Too Busy Not To Pray.” While doing that, I posted former
devotionals related to this topic into my blog for Your Daily Blessing. Here are some of
my favorite life lessons from those:

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

Blessings to journal to build a strong prayer life!

Joseph

Joseph Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
Dr. Breakthrough, THE CONNECTOR, and The Journal Guy
Founder and Executive Director of Webinars777
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P.S.S. Spiritual Journaling will transform your life!

UNCOMMON Journaling is the key
to unlock YOUR dreams!

Thank You for yesterday. Thank You for holy communion. Thank You for my habit of saying prayers first thing most days. Thank You for this absolutely wonderful habit of journaling. Thank You for the opportunity to be still to share my inmost thoughts and to hear Yours. Thank You for guiding me to update the private member blog for the upcoming Journaling course. Thank You for my 3-hour Gotomeeting with Ben and Renato. Thank You for the new ideas Your Holy Spirit birthed during that, including the idea of adding Team Destiny under JIREH on all our blogs. Thank You for nap I had in the afternoon and the opportunity to read your Bible to fix my eyes on things above. Thank You for the meeting with Jerry, Amy, and Tim. Thank You for all Jerry does to bless me. Thank You for prompting me to call DJ Moberly, for the good conversation we had, and for the opportunity to pray with him for Chrisy’s health and his family. Thank You for the soup lunch and dinner I had. Thank You that I chose to read my Bible for 25 minutes before going to bed rather than watching TV.

Thank You for leading me to read the book of Ephesians this morning after I got up at 5 am. Thank You for the opportunity to go back to bed for a while to rest afterwards. Thank You for speaking to my heart. Thank You for Your peace that passes all understanding. Thank You for Pastor Matt and the New Testament challenge to read through all of that in 63 days.

Open my eyes LORD, help me to see. Open my ears LORD, help me to hear Your voice. Open my ears LORD, help me to hear. Open my heart LORD, help me to love like You. And the first shall be last.

Randy, I love You with an everlasting love. I live within you, deep within your heart of love. I live within you, rest now in Me.

Jesus, I’m overwhelmed by Your presence, overwhelmed by Your love, by Your grace. What a privilege it is to be able to meet with the King of kings and the LORD of lords.

Randy, your primary focus today is to complete the landing pages and shopping cart for the journaling course. Don’t spend time reading or replying to emails today. You can do that tomorrow if time permits. Be sure to answer the 4 best interview questions that Alex Mandossian wrote about. Also refer to the handout from Bernadette Doyle.

Jesus, will You remind me again of the significance of the dream I had this morning that Carrie Wilkinson stopped over to visit with her little boy and I was playing with him.

Randy, when You met with Carrie on Sept 19-20, I established a heart to heart connection between the two of you. She represents the internet marketing inner circle, the most successful internet marketers in the world. She also represents working mothers who want to have ample time and money to spend with their own families. You playing with the little boy represents the dramatic change in your schedule where you now have plenty of time to enjoy people and play as the opportunities present themselves. I am giving you favor with the most influential internet marketers in the world. I am giving you favor with the most influential pastors in the world.

Your desire to reclaim the 7 mountains for Jesus in Richmond and Culpeper is my desire. What you model there is what I want to happen in communities all over the world. You can write devotional messages while in Hawaii to invite people to participate in Pray Culpeper.

Randy, I want you to call Anita today or tomorrow to ask her the best time to visit Honolulu. Ask if you can stay with her. Your meeting with her and her friends will be a major breakthrough financially. The people of Hawaii want and need your help. I am sending you as a missionary to share what I have depositing in you over the past 8 years. Expect the extraordinary. Look for the extraordinary. Receive the extraordinary.

Thank You, Randy, for being so faithful at seeking My Kingdom and righteousness. Thank you for being a vessel to allow Me to bring unity to your community. Thank your for your patience.

Tomorrow, I want you to reply to John Maxwell’s tweet about stories about connecting. John will want to talk to you. So will Bruce Wilkinson, Rick Warren, and Kirk Cameron. Remember your target audience and focus on them.

Before you leave for Hawaii, prepare your 15000 landing page and assessment and revise the JIREH 1dollar landing page. They don’t have to be fancy.

 
Lord Jesus, thank You for the precious gift of another day of life. Thank You my rich abiding in You each day. Thank You for the freedom and joy I experience flowing in Your Spirit. Thank You for my fun job, empowering others to share their God stories, products, and services with the world. Thank You for my flexible schedule. Thank You the opportunity to join others in prayer last night. Thank You for the opportunity to talk to GW Dameron and the owner of Praise the Lord bookstore yesterday. Thank you for my passion and purpose. Thank You for guiding my steps daily.

Thank You for leading me this morning to read and comment on these blog posts by Nancy Slocum, Bertha Hinson, and Renato Amato. Thank You that they are now feeding Your sheep.

WFJ: True Worship – True Faith
Wow Nancy! What a powerful message the LORD shared with you. So encouraging. So uplifting. That’s the way it is in His presence. I’ve been thinking several times this past week how God is seeking after true worshippers. You are one of those near and dear to His heart. I am so glad you now have an outlet to share God’s rivers of living water as they flow in you and through you. God has unleashed one of His faithful bondservants. Blessings of abundance and much fruit! Joseph

TWO WAY JOURNALING – HIS SUPERNATURAL ‘HIGH’-WAY TO GOD’S HEART
Joseph Peck said:
Thank you Nancy for sharing this beautiful message about the wonder of 2-way journaling. The LORD is speaking through you in such powerful and inspiring ways as you serve as a channel for His love. Cleary, the title of your message “TWO WAY JOURNALING – HIS SUPERNATURAL ‘HIGH’-WAY TO GOD’S HEART” was inspired by the LORD. Wow! Wow! Wow! You truly are “giving LOVE a voice.” To God be all the glory, honor, and praise!

Testimony about the value of my upcoming Journaling course

As you have already stated, the most significant thing and value to them is time spent in My presence. My word says that I am a rewarder of those who diligently seek ME (not for what’s in My hand for them, but for ME MYSELF, the One who lovingly created them and desires to be in intimate relationship with them.

Oh the rewards are great because out of My heart I will freely give them everything I have, but I DESIRE TO GIVE THEM MY PRESENCE ABOVE ALL THINGS!

In My presence is fullness of joy. In My presence is ultimate peace and lavish provision for all needs and God-given desires. There is healing in My wings for one’s spirit, soul, and body. COME TO ME AND LET ME WRAP MYSELF AROUND YOU AND OVERTAKE YOU WITH MY SUPERNATURAL GOODNESS AND GLORY.

Identity
“There is an identity crisis in this nation today” and for that matter world wide because man refuses to acknowledge God and so does not know what God created him to be.”

Joseph Peck said:
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Hi Bertha, Thank you for sharing this powerful message. I love your very first line – “There is an identity crisis in this nation today” and for that matter world wide because man refuses to acknowledge God and so does not know what God created him to be.” God intends for His children to live on purpose, with passion, clarity, and focus. I am glad you now have an effective outlet to share what God is laying on your heart. Many blessings, Joseph

A Call Waiting
Hi Renato, Thanks for this great message and analogy. It reminded me of a devotional message I wrote on Oct 10 at yourdailyblessing.com titled “Let the Spirit flow.” I believe God calls each one of us daily and if we are flowing in the Spirit we will hear the ring, pick up the call, and do what He says. That’s when the Kingdom of God manifests in extraordinary ways. I am so thankful that God crossed our paths and has kept us connected. Blessings to hear and answer God’s daily call! Joseph

Joseph, I appreciate this time of STILLNESS with you. I appreciate how you listen to Me, write what you hear, and then share with others. My words of life will inspire others. I give people both My written Word (Logos) and spoken Word (Rhema). Learning to recognize and understand My voice is like a baby learning to recognize the voice of His mother and father. Over time that young child begins to utter sounds, then words, then phrases, and finally sentences and paragraphs. That is the way it is with my children. First they must learn to recognize my voice. As first as they try to copy what I am saying, it’s mere sounds, but eventually they are able to share powerful words of life to transform others. You have found the secret – coming to My well to drink of My living waters. There is no greater joy than that. In My presence, you find joy. In My presence, you find peace. In My presence, you find rest.

Joseph, you have a full day today. Don’t be concerned about getting everything done you have written down. Instead, be present fully in each conversation, in each task as you do it. Stay tuned to My voice and my calls. I will bless You today with a very special gift. Be ready for it. Expect it. It’s coming. Enjoy.

Good morning, Randy. Thank You for willingly laying down Your life to serve me this day. Thank You for the way you continually press in to be still. STILLNESS is a key to pressing in to me, for resting in Me, for achieving your dreams in Me. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I AM He who created the heavens and the earth.

Be still and know that I AM God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! (Psalm 46:10)

You are a champion for me. You have endured an onslaught of trials while maintaining your joy. The joy of the LORD has been your strength. I needed to change your mindset. What Bernadette said in her recent newsletter you received in the mail is so true. Don’t be a man pleaser. Rather, be a God pleaser. People, even My children, will speak evil of you. Don’t be surprised. Did they not do that for my prophets?

Mt 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Randy, review the book of James right now using your Power Bible on CD. Cut and paste the verses that jump out at you. Highlight the phrases that stand out the most. Meditate on those today. Don’t let this opportunity slip by. After doing that, please write a letter to your INTERCESSORS. Prayer is key. It always has been. I will then guide you to prepare the content for the Journaling course landing page. Trust and obey. Trust and obey. One step at a time. Step by step, we will defeat the enemy. We will overcome. Enjoy. Delight in My presence.

Jas 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.

Jas 1:12-15 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Jas 1:16-17 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Jas 1:19-21 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Jas 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Jas 1:26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Jas 2:1, 5, 8-9, 13 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality… Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? … If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors… For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Jas 2:14-21, 24, 26 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe–and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?… You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only… For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Jas 3:1-10 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Jas 4:1-4 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

Jas 4:6-11 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

Jas 4:13-17 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

Jas 5:1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!

Jas 5:7-8 Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

Jas 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes,” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.

Jas 5:13-17 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Jas 5:19-20 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23)

What is flowing in the Spirit?

This morning I was woken up suddenly knowing the LORD wanted to use me as His scribe to share several messages with the world. I heard Him say clearly, “Let the Spirit flow.” I started singing a song with those lyrics, not certain where it was coming from. After praying on my knees a few minutes and taking communion, I began journaling.

Very quickly, I was led to do a Google search using “Let the Spirit flow.” That led me to visit the #1 entry – “Let the Spirit Flow Concert Tours.”

I also came across a good article titled “Flowing in the Spirit.” You can read that below. [http://www.worshipworld.com/lite/flowing.htm]

From there I was led to go to Youtube and do a search using “Let the Spirit Flow,” which led me to this video:

This in turn led me to do another search using “Let the river flow” which led me to this video

Enjoy. Soak it in. Let the Spirit flow. Let the river flow.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful heavenly Father, I thank You for the river of God that flows through me into other people’s lives. May those who read this message let your Spirit flow to be washed anew by You. May Your cleansing waters bring them life, hope, and happiness. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Blessings to let the Spirit flow!

Randy Peck, M.D.
“Blessed to be a blessing”
THE CONNECTOR & The Journal Guy

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“Let the River Flow” lyrics by Darrell Evans

Let the poor man say I am rich again
Let the lost man say I am found again
Whoa, let the river flow
Let the blind man say I can see again
Let the dead man say I am born again
Whoa, let the river flow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, let the river flow.

Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy spirit come
Move in power
Let the river flow.

Let the poor man say I am rich again
Let the lost man said I am found again
Whoa, let the river flow
Let the blind man say I can see again
Let the dead man say I am born again
Whoa, let the river flow
Yeah, yeah, yeah, let the river flow.

Let the river flow
Let the river flow
Holy spirit come
Move in power
Let the river flow.

——————————————————————-

Source: Flowing in the Spirit

Flowing in the Spirit
Although I believe I still don’t know enough about this to write a comprehensive article, I will gladly offer what I do know on a preliminary basis, and keep improving this article as I gain more experience. I thank Rev. James Cheong for valuable advice in the preparation of this article.
You might want to read about an experience of “flowing in the spirit” that I had before.

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What is flowing in the Spirit?
Generally defined, it means recognizing that God wants to use the worship to minister to the worshippers and being sensitive to the guidance of the Spirit to facilitate that. The broad definition implies that a worship leader, music team or congregation can be “flowing in the Spirit” throughout the entire worship – in fact, throughout the entire service. A narrower definition postulates that there is a specific time during the worship which the presence of the Spirit is especially strong and that is when God chooses to minister to his Body. Both are correct, though for the rest of this article I will use the narrower definition.

When does it occur?
It can occur anytime, though usually it may occur during the “intimate worship” (inner courts) portion of a worship. That’s the part of the worship when the worshippers are most sensitive to God. And it can occur in both small group or large group worship.

Can it be planned?
Yes and no. On one hand God cannot be made to do a “guest appearance” as one pleases. Planning the whole worship second by second will not be conducive to flowing in the Spirit. On the other hand, if during the planning for the worship, the leader remains sensitive to God’s will, it’s conceivable that he may have been guided to lead a worship conducive to flowing in the Spirit.

How important is the leader for “flowing in the spirit”?
Quite important. He is God’s chosen instrument to help lead the worshippers into God’s presence. God uses the worship leader to guide the worship during the flowing of the spirit. Whether in deciding to sing a chorus another time, to pause for prayer or ministry, to break into spontaneous song, to speak ministering words, or to have a silent moment of enjoying God’s presence, the worship leader plays the key role in discerning the timing.

Does one have to be an experienced worship leader?
No. God can use anyone; I speak from experience as a young worship leader. The only fallacy young worship leaders tend to believe is that they can “plan” for flowing in the Spirit to occur. It cannot be planned.

Does one need to have a mature congregation for flowing in the spirit to occur?
No; again, I speak from experience. No denomination is excluded per se either. But you do need worshippers who are sincere and who are expecting to meet God in the worship.

What is the good of flowing in the Spirit?
It is not a cool worship technique. It is a practical example of recognizing the Lordship of Christ in all of our worship and church activities. It is the discipline and stewardship of giving time to the Spirit to use it as He wants it to be used in the worship. It always gives adequate time for us as worshippers to feel the Father’s love and respond to it, worshipping “in spirit and in truth”.

How do I know if or when I should allow “flowing in the spirit”?
As a leader, you should be sensitive to God’s guidance throughout the worship. If you suddenly feel that something in your spirit is prompting you to say something or sing something or do something particular, and you get this sense that you know it is from God, then that is the exact time.

How do I know whether what I feel prompted to do is really from God?
The more mature you are as a child of God, the more sensitive you will be to God’s will. Generally anything that contradicts Biblical principles is not from God. As you practise doing God’s will, you will know more and more what is really from God and what is not.

What should I do when I feel prompted to let the Spirit flow?
Your human intellect may have a tendency to say all kinds of things and start waxing philosophical. Don’t. Say only what you feel is from your spirit and what is absolutely necessary. “Get out of the way” – it’s usually the time for the whole congregation to express their feelings freely. Continue as long as you feel God is directing you; end when you feel directed to end.

Does flowing in the Spirit imply a suspension of the intellect?
No. We worship God both in Spirit and in Truth. Truth means that we have to know and be directed by the word of God in our worship. Therefore it is Biblically incorrect to worship God without the use of our mental faculty. Suspension of the intellect often implies extremist views emphasizing the ecstatic and mystical nature of worship eg. trances, hysteria, rolling on the ground while shouting and screaming, etc. Flowing in the Spirit should involve both our spirit and intellect (the total inner man) responding to God’s guidance and leading in the worship.

Anything I should avoid, so that flowing in the Spirit will not be hindered?
As I mentioned above; talking too much out of our human intellect; planning a rigid worship schedule; expecting God to flow at such and such a time, singing such and such a song. Don’t think that chucking some “power songs” into your worship will make the Spirit flow either. There is one more thing, which, having heard of but never experienced, I find hard to explain. I will state it as “drifting into heaven and leaving your worshippers behind on earth”.

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I have included some illustrative examples of “spontaneous song”, one aspect of “flowing in the Spirit”. Neither imply each other, but they are often associated. You need a Realaudio® Player G2 to hear these clips. These are provided as samples only and not for redistribution. They are not indicative of the quality of the original CD releases.

Holy Spirit Rain Down by Russell Fragar*
Touching Heaven Changing Earth, © Hillsong Music Australia 1998

Jesus You Gave It All by Craig Gower*
Touching Heaven Changing Earth, © Hillsong Music Australia 1998

Spirit of God by Shannon Wexelberg
His Majesty Reigning in Me, © CFN Music 1993