On the night of Sunday June 8, 2008 I went to bed around midnight and chose not to set my PDA alarm. I woke up around 6:25 AM the next morning (June 9) to use the bathroom and then lay in bed for about 10 minutes resting and reflecting before finally getting up. When I got up, I immediately came to my office, knelt down, and prayed. After that, I began journaling on my computer.

The first thing I was prompted to do was write a message titled “Are you seeking BREAKTHROUGHS in your life?” to send to my Your Daily Blessing followers in two days (on March 11). The key scripture I had chosen was Habakkuk 2:2 – Then the LORD answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it.”

Next, Holy Spirit prompted me to help Dr. Jerry Graham prepare a Daily Gram (e-blast) for him to send to his 800 or so followers on Wed June 11 about the introductory journaling webinars (“UNCOMMON Journaling for Breakthroughs”) we were promoting together. The purpose of those was to spark interest in the 5-week UNCOMMON Journaling For DESTINY online coaching program we were launching live on June 17 and 18.

When I accessed Jerry’s Constant Contact (email marketing) account to post the message I had prepared, I discovered to my surprise that Jerry had already prepared an outstanding message titled “Journaling as Communion with God” using the exact same scripture verse I had chosen – Habakkuk 2:2.

In his message (upcoming email), Jerry mentioned that the two of us were teaming up to do a 5-week, 35-day on-line course in journaling (UNCOMMON Journaling For Destiny) with a special emphasis on understanding your life purpose or destiny. He went on to say this was an exciting combination of two of the most significant learning experiences he had been blessed with in his life, namely journaling as a means of engaging in a two-way dialog with God, and coaching with a specific emphasis on the “discovery” of one’s life purpose and destiny.

Jerry went on to write, “Over 25 years ago, I was taught to journal as a means of hearing God’s voice by Dr. Mark Virkler, who has since become a good friend and ministry colleague. Mark developed a seminar that he continues to teach to this day around the world, called ‘Communion With God’.” I recommend you CLICK HERE to read Jerry’s entire email message. Jerry is one of the most experienced DESTINY coaches in the world.

Jerry’s email (that he hadn’t even sent out yet) prompted me to call Dr. Mark Virkler later that afternoon (June 9). This was the very first time I had ever spoken to or met Mark Virkler and what he shared was so inspiring. I discovered that Mark is one of the top teachers in the world about spiritual journaling. As I was showing Mark how I journal online and shared the amazing story about Habakkuk 2:2 from that morning, Mark told me Habakkuk 2:1-2 is the foundational scripture for his Communion With God Ministries.

Now that grabbed my attention. 3 times in one day the LORD brought the same scripture (Habakkuk 2:2) to my attention and from 3 different sources. So I was all ears as Mark shared his profound wisdom and insights with me. And Mark promptly followed up our conversation by sending two emails, including one titled “You Can Hear God’s Voice!”

Early the next morning (Tuesday June 10), I woke up with Holy Spirit’s instruction to immediately apply Mark’s “4 keys to hear God” and also design a new computer desktop image with those 4 keys. After typing my prayer with a 2-way dialog with God, I was astonished with the result – a deeper intimacy with the LORD.

It’s interesting to note that Holy Spirit had actually prompted Jerry to refer me to Mark two weeks earlier knowing we were soon launching our journaling course because he knew Mark well and that he was one of more experienced journalers in the world. However, as most of us frequently do, I failed to seize the opportunity at that time.

How many times have you missed GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES because of failure to act in a timely fashion?

Prayer Power
LORD, you want each of us to learn to hear Your voice because You love us and have specific instructions to give us each day – not vague thoughts, but specific things You want us to know and to do. You know what works and what doesn’t. You want to take each of us to an entirely new level of abiding in You. You want us to experience Your love like never before. You want us to know that You’re not just here beside us, but You’re here to answer questions that we have. You have been waiting. Teach each of us to hear Your voice by applying Mark Virkler’s 4 simple keys. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Blessings to learn to hear God’s voice by applying Mark’s 4 simple keys!

Joseph

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

P.S. On February 27, 2010 I officially began using my middle name (Joseph) instead of my nickname (Randy) per the LORD’s instruction.

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The following is my email correspondence with Dr. Mark Virkler

 
From: Randy Peck
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 7:00 AM
To: Mark Virkler
Subject: Prayer and desktop image from this morning [sent to Mark Virkler in obedience to Jesus]

Hi Mark,

Last night I went to bed at 11:05 PM and chose not to set my PDA alarm. The Holy Spirit woke me up around 4:10 AM. I lay in bed wide awake for about 15 minutes and then got up at 4:20 AM, knowing I was to immediately apply your 4 keys. I have attached my new desktop background image (with your 4 keys) and my prayer from this morning. These will be an UNCOMMON blessing to you. Thank you for speaking LIFE into my life.

Blessings for divine provision!

Dr. Randy Peck
“Blessed to be a blessing”

10313 Walker Road, Culpeper, VA 22701

www.randypeck.com: Blessed to be a blessing
www.yourdailyblesing.com: Blessing millions of families
www.empower2000.com: Empowering leaders, businesses, and communities
www.coaching777.com: UNCOMMON Leadership Coaching
www.peckwebs.com: UNCOMMON Internet Marketing Coaching
www.webinars777.com: Life-changing Webinars

“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 (Microsoft)

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)

What is your need?
What is your dream?
What is your DESTINY?

Randy (Joseph) Peck’s two-way prayer from June 10, 2008 sent to Mark Virkler

Heavenly Father, here I go, writing out my spontaneous prayer early in the morning. I’m so excited to get back to what I’ve known for quite a while You want me to do. Forgive me for allowing all sorts of distractions to get in the way of this magnificent habit. Thank You for Your attention grabber yesterday with Habukkuk 2 and the UNCOMMON connection to Mark Virkler and his UNCOMMON message.

Thank You for waking me up early this morning knowing You wanted me to change my desktop background to include an image of Jesus, Mark Virkler’s 4 keys to hear from God, and Habukkuk 2:1-3. Thank You for each image of Jesus You led me to. Thank you Holy Spirit for using me as Your instrument to design the new image using Photoshop. I love it.

Jesus, I see You and hear You saying “You want to dine with me this morning and each day. You’re certainly welcome here in my home and wherever I go. I hear You saying “You want to start having two way conversations instead of one way ones. I hear You saying You’ve been waiting for this moment for so long.” I hear You saying “You’ve been knocking on the door of my heart – that You have the answers to the problems I’ve been facing and that the solutions are very simple. You have solutions to my financial difficulties.”

I hear you saying “Mark Virkler’s web page for Outstanding Links” is full of prospects and new contacts for you – people who have been waiting years to have God connect you to them.” I hear You saying, “Bless Mark – to open new vistas for him through social marketing.”

VISION: I see NEW HORIZONS OF OPPORTUNITIES opening for Mark as He steps into the Internet space age. I see Mark standing at the beach looking out at the ocean while a magnificent sunrise takes place. I see Mark fall to his knees and start to cry. This is what he has been waiting for. This is his MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH. I see people – lots of people starting to run up and surround Mark on the beach. So many people coming. They’ve been waiting to meet Mark. They want to just be near him. They want to learn from him. O God, I’m overwhelmed with what You are showing me. I’m overwhelmed by the joy on so may people’s faces.

Now I see the people around Mark beginning to sit down. Mark is starting to speak to them like You did, Jesus, for Your sermon on the mount. Now the people are eating while they listen. This is one of the most beautiful picnic scenes I have ever seen. So many people. Now more are coming. People are hungry for Your Word. They want to hear from You Jesus. This is what they’ve been waiting for. Overwhelming. Joy. Delight. Free thought. Freedom.

Now I hear You saying Jesus that “You want me to take everyone who signs up for Jerry and my 5 week online journaling course to go through something similar – to learn to hear God by following Mark’s 4 keys.”

I’m so excited. Thank You Jesus for showing this to me.

I hear You saying “You are going to open Mark’s eyes to the new horizons that WEBINARS will open for him. Not just doors, not just gates, but horizons of opportunities. I hear You saying “COVENANT with Mark!!!” You have knit our hearts together. You have been patiently waiting for this moment – for this opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God through the combination of journaling, coaching, and the web.

Praise be to God. Hallelujah. I receive. I will send this prayer to Mark this morning as You are telling me.

Now I see myself lying down to rest. You’re telling me go back to bed. Lay down. You’ve been obedient. My glory is upon You. People will be attracted to You because You will have the “AROMA OF CHRIST.” What you offer will be irresistible to so many people. Rest now. Rest. Peace be with you. My peace. Thank You for dining with me. I’ve really enjoyed this. Now you get it. It’s so easy. I’ve been waiting to have Mark teach you. You will never be the same. Thank You for your obedience – your UNCOMMON obedience. Thank You for acknowledging Me everywhere You go.

Jesus, I hear You say, “Cut and paste a specific verse from Proverbs 3 here now.”

Proverbs 3:6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Thank You for directing my paths. You’ve gotten me here. I’m Yours – all Yours. Dead to myself. Alive in You – only in You.

Jesus, I’m going to email this prayer to Mark now along with the background image for my desktop You helped me design this morning. Then I’ll go to bed. Thank You for being my good Shepherd – my friend. I love You. I bless You.

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From: Mark Virkler
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 11:32 AM
To: ‘Randy Peck’
Subject: RE: Prayer and desktop image from this morning

Randy,

Wow! You really go for it!

Your new logo is great!

Your journaling is great!

You can take one more step with your journaling…

Journaling is two lovers sharing love… speaking back and forth.

So you can write in the first person, as Jesus speaking directly to you and calling you by name. He will say, “my son, I want to you know…” so He is speaking in the first person to you… rather than the way you have it written… “I hear you saying that…”

It is just one more step of faith for you to take… not a hard thing… it will come naturally.

You really should read our books “how to hear God’s Voice” and Dialogue With God.” And perhaps order the CD’s also on How to Hear God’s voice.”

You can listen to free downloads of me teaching on these four keys… free downloads at
http://www.cwgministries.org/Four-Keys-to-Hearing-Gods-Voice.htm

And your desktop creation.

Is that something we can upload to our website as a free download. Is that a screen saver image people could download and use on their desktops??? Excuse my ignorance.

And if we can do that, could you unsmoosh some of the works that got smooshed together and send me a finalized version we could put on our web and I could put on my computer.

And if there are ways you can help us spread this message faster to the world, I am all ears. My commission is to saturate the earth with the ability to hear God’s Voice.

Blessings,
Mark Virkler
President of Christian Leadership University

Web: www.cluonline.com

Phone: 1-800-466-6961 or 716-681-4896 Fax: 716-685-3908
7 Reasons to subscribe to “God’s Voice Worldwide”

CWG Fulfillment Center, 3792 Broadway St.,Cheektowaga, NY 14227

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From: Randy (Joseph) Peck
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:26 PM
To: Mark Virkler
Cc: Jerry Graham
Subject: RE: Prayer and desktop image from this morning [Mark Virkler]

Hi Mark,

Thank you for the encouragement and further coaching to improve my prayer time.

I will order the books and CD’s you recommend.

You are welcome to use the desktop image that the Holy Spirit helped me create this morning as a free download on your website. That is an amazing gift from above to bless not only me, but many people in your network. I recommend your son schedule an appointment with my graphics artist (JJ) to work out the details for modifying the image and get things just the way you want. To do so, email my Admin Assistant. Currently we have a few spots available on Mon June 16.

Regarding helping you spread your message to the world, I recommend we schedule a meeting with you, your son, Jerry Graham, and me for the week of June 23-27. Please let me know 2 dates and times you are available that week.

Blessings,
Randy

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On June 18, 2008 the morning after the very first “UNCOMMON Journaling for Destiny” class, I began the “daily” habit of applying Mark’s 4 keys to hear from God. Here is what Jesus told me in response to the Day #1 destiny question:

Day 1 Question
Lord, why do You want me to learn to hear Your voice?

Because I love You and I have specific instructions to give You each day – not vague thoughts, but specific things I want you to know and to do. Randy, I know what works and what doesn’t. I want to take you to an entirely new level of abiding in Me. I want you to experience My love like never before. I want You to know that I’m not just here beside You, but I’m here to answer questions that You have. I’ve been waiting.

All the things you’ve been praying and waiting for, I want to make happen. It was Me who put those desires in your heart. But first you had to learn to hear My voice. I know what order You are to do things, when You are to do things, what to do, and what not to do. I’m not a vague God. Just as you want your children to know clearly what you want them to do, so I want You to know clearly what I want You to to. I love You Randy. I want You to be married to Me, not just engaged. I can use you because You have a heart after my own heart. I’ve been preparing You. The time in NOW. Behold I do a new thing. My glory is upon You. My favor is upon You.

Jesus, I’m overwhelmed. This morning as I reflected back on yesterday, I realized all the breakthroughs that happened in just that one day. Then this morning, I have one of the most awesome days of my life. When Amy told me the Holy Spirit kept nudging her to pay for Beth Spangler, I was so grateful. Beth has been looking for and waiting for a friend like Amy for years. Thank You Jesus. Thank You.

Randy, this journaling course is more for you than it is for the participants. When I had Matt Gregory and Ben Stewart sign up as the first two people in the “UNCOMMON Journaling for Destiny” course, that was huge. You see, I’ve brought them into your life to be in covenant relationship with you for life. The greatest habit I have blessed you with is journaling and now I want to have you bless them with that habit. I want to take them to a much deeper abiding in Me. I want them to learn to hear My voice. Thank You, Randy, for obeying my recent instruction to listen to Julia.

Randy, another reason I want You to hear my voice is because I want You and Mark Virkler to be in covenant relationship with one another. Mark will open doors for prominent church and ministry leaders. You will meet Dr. Yonghi Cho in 2008. I’ll let you know when. Prepare your devotional message now. Thank you for dining with me again. When you’re ready, come back. I’ll be here.

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

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Today was another historical day of taking a stand for the WFJ GLOBAL MOVEMENT. Team destiny hosted their final of three WFJ (Words From Jesus) webinars in December 2009 called “The Miracle of Christmas.”

Dr. Joseph Peck served as the global connector and host of this webinar. The guest panelists were: Deb Smith, Richard Mayhan, Bertha Hinson, and me, Abigail Slocum. Clearly the Holy Spirit took control of the webinar before it ever started and never let go!

He began by waking me up at 3:22 AM to give me this prophetic word – WFJ: THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST! It was His way of orchestrating the whole focus for the discussion. These are the questions we covered:

1. What is the Miracle of Christmas?
2. What is the significance of Isaiah 9:1-7?
3. How does someone come into the LIGHT of Jesus?
4. What can people do to experience their most special Christmas ever?
5. Prayer for an UNCOMMON Christmas blessing.

WFJ: THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS IS CHRIST!

Take the tour of the Word and be free in Christ. CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON FOR MIRACLES BUT EVERY DAY IS A MIRACLE IN CHRIST! TO BE IN CHRIST IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL.

SALVATION IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL. It is God’s free gift to all mankind. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall be saved (have eternal life).(John 3:16).

What is so miraculous is that SALVATION IS THE “GREAT EXCHANGE!” MAN GIVES GOD HIS IMPERFECT, BROKEN, SINFUL LIFE IN EXCHANGE FOR A PERFECT (COMPLETE) LIFE IN CHRIST. JESUS GIVES HIS ALL FOR OUR ALL!

When you receive Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, the LIGHT OF THE WORLD – THE CANDLE OF MAN, comes into your heart to show you the most excellent way of all to live. IT IS THE WAY OF LOVE BECAUSE GOD IS LOVE.

In this “GREAT EXCHANGE,” your old sinful man dies and the new man comes alive in Christ. CHRIST LIVES THROUGH YOU to live the perfect will of God which is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17).

Unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is your inheritance as a born again child of God. IT IS A LIFE OF VICTORY AND TOTAL PROVISION. To be one with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is to be free from every bondage of sin and to be free to experience the fullness and abundance of life in Christ Jesus. JESUS IS THE DOOR TO FREEDOM AND TOTAL FULFILLMENT.

Jesus’ arms are open wide and ALL THAT BELONGS TO THE FATHER OF LIGHTS IS YOURS WHEN YOU SAY “YES” TO JESUS who is the express image and likeness of God, and His Kingdom of Love becomes yours!

IT IS A SUPERNATURAL GIFT OF DIVINE INFUSION AND PROPORTION AND IS THE GREATEST MIRACLE OF ALL! Become one with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. ALLOW THE PRINCE OF PEACE TO RULE IN YOUR HEART FOREVERMORE, for God set eternity in the heart of man. He loves YOU so much and nothing will ever separate YOU from His love.

LET THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD LIGHT YOUR PATH AND BE A BEACON OF HOPE TO ALL MANKIND. THE KING OF GLORY HAS CHOSEN AND MADE A WAY TO TAKE UP RESIDENCE IN YOUR HEART AND BE YOUR KING AND PRINCE OF PEACE. SAY YES TO HIM AND THE KINGDOM IS YOURS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. The Redeemer wants to take all of you in your imperfection and transform you into the likeness of Christ. RECEIVE THE GREATEST GIFT KNOWN TO MANKIND AND LIVE “THE GREAT ADVENTURE” IN CHRIST. NOTHING CAN COMPARE TO THIS INDECSRIBABLE GIFT OF PURE AND PERFECT LOVE. It is greater than anything you ever wanted for Christmas for it is the desire of your heart. RECEIVE GOD’S GIFT AND SPEND THE REST OF YOUR NATURAL LIFE AND ETERNITY UNWRAPPING JESUS, GOD’S GIFT OF HIMSELF WHO IS PERFECT LOVE. THERE IS NO END TO LOVE. REJOICE AND BE AT PEACE. IMMANUEL HAS COME!

RECEIVE ALL OF THE GREATEST MIRACLE WHO EVER WAS OR IS TO COME! Let Christ have free reign in your heart and become His walking talking miracle and witness to all mankind. Your light has come. BE GLORIFIED IN HIS ETERNAL PRESENCE.

I LOVE YOU, MY CHILD. BE MADE WHOLE. ENTER THE JOY OF THE LORD. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE PERFECT LOVER OF YOUR SOUL! BE SATISFIED IN ME. I AM YOUR FULFILLMENT AND HEART’S DESIRE. SHALOM.

Love in Jesus,

Nancy Slocum
“A pen in God’s hand giving LOVE a voice”
The Bellows of God
www.Nancy777.com

Prayer Power

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, please say this prayer out loud from your heart and you shall be saved and come into God’s Kingdom of Love.

Father God, I believe in my heart that you sent your Son Jesus to die on the cross for me. I believe Jesus paid my sin debt in full. It was a debt I could not repay and it was a debt Jesus did not owe. Thank You, Jesus. I accept your perfect gift and sacrifice. Come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. Baptize me in the power of your Holy Spirit and I will serve you all the days of my life! I am saved! I am free! Thank you, in Jesus name. Amen.

May you allow the God of all hope and the Prince of Peace to rule in your heart this day and forevermore. May this truly be your most significant Christmas ever as the FULLNESS of the gift of God’s LOVE FOR YOU, becomes an everyday reality in your life!

I BLESS YOU with the joy, laughter, and peace of God! I BLESS YOU with God’s amazing grace! I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

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Come experience the excitement of our vibrant, online, world-wide community (TRIBE) that is changing lives to disciple nations.

Webinar Details

• Title: The Miracle of Christmas
• Series: Words From Jesus: How to hear God’s voice
• Date/Time: Saturday December 19, 2009, 8 am EST
• Facilitator: Holy Spirit
• Host: Dr. Joseph Peck
• Panelists:
  1) Abigail Slocum – founder of God Whispers
  2) Bertha Hinson – founder of Beauty From Ashes TV and His Gateway
  3) Deb Smith – founder of Connect 7 Coaching
  4) Lynne Lee – founder of Christian LIFE Coaching
  5) Richard Mayhan – founder of Prodigan Returns; leader with Worldprayr

Here is what we covered …

1. What is the Miracle of Christmas?
2. What is the significance of Isaiah 9:1-7 ?
3. How do YOU come into the LIGHT of Jesus?
4. What can YOU do to experience your most special Christmas ever?
5. Prayer for a UNCOMMON Christmas blessing

Watch Team Destiny’s complete webinar “The Miracle of Christmas!”
Click on the image below to watch this 116 minute Camtasia video

RIGHT CLICK HERE and choose “Save Target As” to download the 116 minute MP3 recording of this webinar.

BREAKTHROUGH RESOURCES

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

For those of you who can afford it, we encourage you to SOW A $144 SEED (= 12 x 12 = 1% of $14,400) to bless someone in need – the poor, the hungry, widows, orphans, prisoners, or the persecuted. Thank you!

Blessings to TAKE ACTION to make this your most special Christmas season ever!

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)

TEAM DESTINY

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;” (John 15:8a)

P.S. At the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders in the U.K. earlier this year, the primary word received was “no more business as usual.”

P.S.S. We want your feedback. We encouarge each of you to share your thoughts below.

P.S.S.S. Please help us share this wealth – “The Miracle of Christmas!” – with the world! THE TIME IS NOW! Here are Sample Tweets

• What is the Miracle of Christmas? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the significance of Isaiah 9:1-7? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• How do YOU come into the LIGHT of Jesus? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What can YOU do to experience your most special Christmas ever? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Prayer for a UNCOMMON Christmas blessing http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What do you want for Christmas more than anything else? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is your greatest heart’s desire? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the greatest miracle of all? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the GREAT EXCHANGE? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Where is the door to freedom and total fulfillment? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• What is the way of LOVE? http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Allow the Prince of Peace to rule in your heart forever http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Let the Light of the world light your path http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• BE a beacon of hope to all mankind http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Merry Christmas to all http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Receive the greatest gift know to mankind http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Live “THE GREAT ADVENTURE” in CHRIST http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer
• Enter the joy of the LORD this Christmas season http://bit.ly/65eCQk #worldprayer

God is on the move and doing amazing things in this earth! He continues to draw the body of Christ together in unity for His purposes. People may not be aware of all or see all that the Lord is doing but He truly is “CONNECTING THE DOTS”.

THE MOMENTUM OF THE WFJ GLOBAL MOVEMENT IS BUILDING UP SPEED. The dam is about to break free and there will be undeniable evidence of God’s hand moving on His People. THE YOUTH WILL PLAY A BIG PART IN THE AWAKENING THAT WILL COME FORTH!

Upon awakening this morning I received a WFJ (Word From Jesus). It was just in time and so appropriate for the second webinar of three taking place at 8AM today. Dr. Joseph Peck was hosting the Words From Jesus: How To Hear God’s Voice Webinar. Today’s topic was “The $14,400 Miracles!” The guest panelists were Doug Barclay, Bob Sims, and Bertha Hinson. During this life-changing, world changing webinar, they shared what Dr. Peck considered to be their BIGGEST GOD STORY FOR THE PAST SEVEN YEARS!

Without knowing what was going to be said today, this is what Jesus spoke to my heart. It’s so amazing how He is always right on time and right on target!

WFJ: SEEDTIME AND HARVEST

Now is the time of seedtime and harvest. I AM MOVING IN THIS EARTH IN UNUSUAL WAYS. I am the Lord of the Harvest. As long as the earth remains there is seedtime and harvest. I am planting My Word in the hearts of My people worldwide and they are speaking it out and it will bear much fruit. I DO NOT COMPROMISE MY WORD. It does not return void and it is accomplished.

MY WORD WILL BRING BILLIONS OF SOULS INTO MY KINGDOM. The Great Commission is going forth. I am also calling My people to sow financial seeds to bring in this end time harvest. SEEDS SOWN IN MY NAME FOR MY PURPOSES WILL REAP A GOD SIZED HARVEST. SPREAD MY WORD. SPREAD YOUR GIVING AND PARTAKE OF MY GLORY.

I bless you and invite you to enter My joy in the name of Jesus!

Your soon coming King!

Love in Jesus,

Nancy Slocum
“A pen in God’s hand giving LOVE a voice”
The Bellows of God
www.abigail777.com

Prayer Power
Lord God Almighty, thank you for what you are doing in this earth through your people. Help us to catch the vision of what you are doing so we can become a part of it. We leave the results in your hands, for you are the Lord of the Harvest. Help us to be sensitive to your Holy Spirit so we can hear and obey You, in Jesus name. Amen

I BLESS YOU with the joy, laughter, and peace of God! I BLESS YOU with God’s amazing grace! I pray this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

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Come experience the excitement of our vibrant, online, world-wide community (TRIBE) that is changing lives to disciple nations.

Webinar Details

• Title: The $14,400 Miracles
• Series: Words From Jesus: How to hear God’s voice
• Date/Time: Saturday December 12, 2009, 8 am EST
• Facilitator: Holy Spirit
• Host: Dr. Joseph Peck
• Panelists:
  - Doug Barclay: Regional Director in Partner Relations for Operation Mobilization (OM USA)
  - Bob Sims: Visionary of visionaries; Estensive business and ministry experience
  - Bertha Hinson: founder of Beauty From Ashes TV and His Gateway
  - Abigail Slocum: founder of God Whispers

In October 2002, I first met Doug Barclay at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes retreat at The Cove in Asheville, NC. As a result of our discussion, Doug left his full-time job in sales to pursue full-time ministry work with Operation Mobilization.

Through a most peculiar series of circumstances, I was eventually prompted by the Holy Spirit to sow an UNCOMMON $14,4000 (12 x $1,200) seed into Doug’s life in February 2003, which was my largest financial gift up to that time. It so happened this was the exact amount (to the dollar) Doug needed to begin work with Operation Mobilization and he began his new job on 03-03-03. Coincidence? I don’t think so. Numbers are significant to God.

An UNCOMMON seed always yields an UNCOMMON harvest. An UNCOMMON seed is one inspired by Holy Spirit for a God-sized result.

Here is what we covered …

The BIG PICTURE – God’s VISION

1) Doug Barclay

• How God connected Doug and Dr. Peck
• Why Doug left his full-time sales job to go into full-time ministry work
• Fruit of obedience in sowing an UNCOMMON seed into Doug’s life
• Why Dr. Peck sowed the $14,400 seed into Doug’s life

Click on the image below to watch this 73 minute Camtasia video with Doug

RIGHT CLICK HERE and choose “Save Target As” to download the 73 minute (13 Mb) MP3 recording of this interview with Doug Barclay.

2) Bob Sims

• How God connected Bob and Dr. Peck
• Why Bob sowed a $14,400 seed into Dr. Peck’s company (Empower 2000) and God’s billion soul vision
• The Angel Breakthrough story (12 angels)
• Fruit of obedience in sowing an UNCOMMON seed into Joseph’s company (Empower 2000) and God’s billion soul vision

Click on the image below to watch this 52 minute Camtasia video with Bob

RIGHT CLICK HERE and choose “Save Target As” to download the 52 minute (9 Mb) MP3 recording of this interview with Bob Sims.

3) Bertha Hinson

• How God connected Bertha and Dr. Peck
• Why Bertha sowed a $14,400 seed into Dr. Peck’s company (Empower 2000) and God’s billion soul vision
• Fruit of sowing into God’s billion soul vision

4) Abigail Slocum

• How God connected Abigail and Dr. Peck
• Abigail’s feedback on what Doug, Bob, and Bertha shared
• Fruit Abigail has noticed as a result of people sowing the $14,400 seeds into God’s billion soul vision
• How God launched the “Words From Jesus” global movement through the $14,400 seeds to teach people how to hear God’s voice

5) How God launched the “Words From Jesus” global movement through the $14,400 seeds to teach people how to hear God’s voice

6) “You Were Born For This” by Bruce Wilkinson
We expect this video and/or audio to be published in January 2010

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)

Blessings to TAKE ACTION to make this your most special Christmas season ever!

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

TEAM DESTINY

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit;” (John 15:8a)

P.S. At the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders in the U.K. earlier this year, the primary word received was “no more business as usual.”

P.S.S. Do you sense a nudge to sow a $14,400 seed into God’s billion soul vision? If so, please call Dr. Joseph Peck (540-547-4240).

Today (December 5, 2009) is a historical day because the “WFJ GLOBAL MOVEMENT” WAS LAUNCHED!!! Dr. Randy Peck hosted the Webinar (WFJ) WORDS FROM JESUS: HOW TO HEAR GOD’S VOICE. The topic was “The Spiritual Triangle Between Virginia, the U.K. and Italy. His guest panelists were Renato and Patrizia Amato from Italy and Lynne Lee from the U.K.

You may be wondering what is this WFJ GLOBAL MOVEMENT? Simply put it is the worldwide sharing of the Words From Jesus one receives in their quiet time with the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the spiritual discipline of “Two Way Journaling,” namely written dialogue/prayer. This habit bears extraordinary fruit and creates major transformation. When shared it is wonderfully multiplied.

Renato and Patrizia have been missionaries for many years. They both have been journaling and recording the words they hear from Jesus for a long time. Renato began posting these “LIFE GIVING” words in his blog and called them WFJ (Words From Jesus). Other life time two way journalists: Lynne Lee , Dr. Randy Peck, Bertha Hinson and myself also began posting our own WFJ in our blogs.

We truly believe this is a God inspired idea led by the Holy Spirit to create a worldwide WFJ MOVEMENT. It will cause millions of people to desire to hear from God for themselves through two way journaling. Now more than any other time in history, people need to hear from God. People are so desperate and hungry to know that God loves them and has a purpose for their lives. He cares for them and wants to direct their lives step by step. God designed every human heart for relationship. God’s burning desire is to have an abiding intimate relationship with each one of us.

Long beore the Webinar began, the Lord woke me up at precisely 6:12 AM and prompted me to begin praying in the spirit and interceding with resurrection power for Dr. Randy Peck’s webinar today and for the WFJ GLOBAL MOVEMENT to begin with a bang!

The number 6:12 is significant.

6 is the # for man. I AM INTERCEDING FOR:

1. The eyes of man to be opened to this God-sized WFJ move of God.
2. The ears of man to be opened to this truth: UPON THIS WFJ ROCK OF REVELATION JESUS WILL BUILD HIS CHURCH”
3. The hearts of man to be drawn like magnets all over the world by the power of the Holy Spirit to this call of God to come to Jesus and His Word.
4. I pray for God to stir up a deep desire for men, women and children to want to learn how to two way journal so they can hear the voice of God for themselves and then publish His Word to the world.
5. I declare in Jesus name that the mouth of the enemy is being slammed shut and the Words of Jesus are exponentially exploding in the earth to overcome every lie.
6. Every knee of man will bow and every tongue of man will confess that JESUS IS LORD!

The number 12 is significant.

1. Twelve is the number for government and apostolic authority.
2. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
3. Twelve is the number of tribes of Israel. I CALL the tribes of the Lion of Judah to ARISE and take their rightful place in the plan of God and to spread the GOOD NEWS to the ends of the earth with the WORDS OF JESUS!

I want to invite and encourage everyone reading this to become a part of this vital worldwide move of God. Remember that “Two Way Journaling is God’s Supernatural HIGHway to His Heart!” Just start where you are!

Be blessed and go in the name of Jesus today knowing that WE ARE HISTORYMAKERS DECLARING THE WORDS FROM JESUS TO A DYING WORLD GROANING FOR THE SONS OF MAN TO BE MANIFEST IN THIS EARTH!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FOR THE BEST CHRISTMAS EVER IN JESUS NAME!

In Christ,

Nancy Slocum
“A pen in God’s hand, giving LOVE a voice”
The bellows of God
www.nancy777.com

Prayer Power

Lord God Almighty, Your will be done this day on earth as it is in heaven regarding Your “Words From Jesus Global Movement,” in the matchless name of Jesus! Amen.

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Come experience the excitement of our vibrant, online, world-wide community (TRIBE) that is changing lives to disciple nations.

Webinar Details

• Title: The Spiritual Triangle Between Virginia, the U.K., and Italy
• Series: Words From Jesus: How to hear God’s voice
• Date/Time: Saturday December 5, 2009, 8 am EST
• Facilitator: Holy Spirit
• Host: Dr. Joseph Peck
• Panelists:
  - Lynne Lee: Founder of Christian Life Coaching
  - Renato Amato: Cofounder of Healing Broken Hearts and the Words From Jesus global movement

You’re invited to watch Team Destiny’s INAUGURAL “Words From Jesus: How To Hear God’s Voice” webinar launch. Listen to what I consider to be my BIGGEST GOD STORY of 2009.

We are going to have this webinar transcribed, edited, and made into a book. And all (100%) of the proceeds from this will go to Renato and Patrizia Amato, Italian missionaries for more than 30 years, and the ones who started this Words From Jesus global movement.

Here is what we covered …

• How God connected Dr. Peck (Virginia), Lynne Lee (U.K.), and Renato Amato (Italy) in 2009
• Fruit of obedience in sowing UNCOMMON seeds into Renato’s life
• The significance of the spiritual triangle between Virginia, the U.K., and Italy

Watch Team Destiny’s complete webinar “The Spiritual Triangle!”
Click on the image below to watch this 145 minute Camtasia video

RIGHT CLICK HERE and choose “Save Target As” to download the 145 minute MP3 recording of this webinar.

BREAKTHROUGH RESOURCES

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

Blessings to TAKE ACTION to make this your most special Christmas season ever!

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!

The Great Commission is a TEACHING as well as PREACHING commission!

Mt 28:19-20 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (NAS) Teach them all I commanded you.

Did you know that Jesus gave us 50 commandments to take to the nations?

The 50 commandments of Christ will change a nation. Notice how Jesus commands us to both preach repentance and TEACH THEM TO “OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I COMMANDED YOU”. We tend to focus on getting people saved, or born again. That is certainly the start. This however is called the “Gospel of Salvation.”

The “Gospel of the Kingdom” on the other hand is the Gospel we are called to preach. It includes the call to repentance but goes much further. It 7 Mountains of Culture reaches into the world system and threatens Satan’s control over the nations. It is a teaching commission along side a preaching commission. It has been neglected too long.

To disciple a nation you need a philosophy that governs all aspects of behavior yet is flexible enough to apply to all sectors of society. What are the sectors of society the gospel must penetrate in order to disciple nations?

There are in fact seven mountains or world kingdoms that make up the matrix in which the culture of every nation exists. These mountains are also called “mind molders”, because the person who controls the tops of these mountains has leverage over the minds and lives of those beneath in every other mountain. The church has a message for each of these mountains. We need to both demonstrate the power of God and recover our confidence in the practical, life changing dynamic that is unleashed when society is built on non optional universal life principles- the commandments of Christ! It is the absence of this moral foundation that explains why it is easier to liberate a country from dictatorship than it is to bring it into order and prosperity once the dictator is out of power.

“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.

———————————-

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”.

———————————-

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

Yesterday, I went to the monthly “Christ In Culpeper” (Prayer Culpeper) meeting at the Culpeper Train Depot. Eight prayer warriors were there initially and one more joined us before we finished. The presence of God was very strong.

While we were praying I saw a vision of a large waterwheel dipping down into the water (God’s living water) and bringing water up to people waiting in the window above. Many, many people are so thirsty for God’s living waters.

Also while we were praying, the Holy Spirit impressed upon my heart strongly to resume weekly prayer meetings. When I got home, I found a letter (article) in the mail from Burt Swardstrom titled “Prayer Revival In America.” Burt is Director of Communications (Prayer Coordinator) for Mastermedia International.

As I was reading that article (see below), I knew with absolutely certainly that I am to start a noon-time weekly prayer meeting in Culpeper in which business people can meet for prayer that will rapidly evolve into daily prayer meeting all over our community. Prayer and faith go hand-in-hand. Prayer and love for Jesus go hand-in-hand.

I feel so deeply the pain of broken hearts and broken families in our community. PRAYER IS THE ANSWER. There is no revival without prayer. The only way a city will be transformed is when pulpit and marketplace leaders come together regularly to pray. That is foundational to every great revival.

Jeremiah Lamphier held his first prayer meeting in a Reformation Church in New York City on Wednesday September 23, 1857. Within weeks, hundreds of people were gathering to pray. It’s interesting that in 2009, September 23 is also a Wednesday.

Late yesterday afternoon, I spoke with Brad Hales, pastor of Reformation Lutheran Church in downtown Culpeper. He has agreed to allow his sanctuary to be used for prayer time on Wednesdays at Noon. So we will start weekly prayer meetings from Noon – 1 pm on Wed, September 2.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God of prayer, the God of revival. Thank You for stirring my heart to begin weekly prayer meetings in downtown Culpeper starting Sept 2. I’m expecting an explosion in faith and God-centeredness. May Your Holy Spirit send the invitations to people’s hearts to come. Thank You Jesus!

Blessings to experience the power of prayer in your community!

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

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Prayer Revival In America
Source: http://www.truthkeepers.com/prayer1.htm

Wesley Duewal (Revival Fire: ZondervanPublishingHouse)

1857 Prayer Revival in America

A quiet, zealous forty-six-year-old businessman in New York was appointed on July 1,1857 , as a missionary in downtown New York at the Dutch Church. Jeremiah Lamphier had been converted in 1842 in Broadway Tabernacle, Finney’s church that was built in 1836.

Lamphier felt led by God to start a noon-time weekly prayer meeting in which business people could meet for prayer. Anyone could attend, for a few minutes or for the entire hour. Prayers were to be comparatively brief. Lamphier’s group met on the third floor of the old North Dutch Reformed Church on Fulton Street in New York. Lamphier printed some handbills announcing the prayer meetings with the title, “How Often Should I Pray?” He left these in some offices and warehouses. He also put one on the door of the church on the street side.

The first day, September 23, 1857, Lamphier prayed alone for half an hour. But by the end of the hour, six men from at least four denominational backgrounds joined him. The next Wednesday there were twenty. On October 7 there were nearly forty. The meeting was so blessed that they decided to meet daily. One week later there were over one hundred present, including many unsaved who were convicted by the Holy Spirit of their sin.

Within one month pastors who had attended the noon prayer meetings in Fulton Street started morning prayer meetings in their own churches. Soon the places where the meetings were held were overcrowded. Men and women, young and old of all denominations met and prayed together without distinctions. The meetings abounded with love for Christ, love for fellow Christians, love for prayer, and love of witnessing. Those in attendance felt an awesome sense of God’s presence. They prayed for specific people, expected answers, and obtained answers.

Newspapers began to report on the meetings and the unusual spirit of prayer that was evident. Within three months similar meetings had sprung up across America. Thousands began praying in these services and in their own homes. I n New York, gospel tracts were distributed to those in attendance, with instructions that they pray over the tracts and then give them to someone God brought to mind.

The three rooms at the Fulton Street Church were filled beyond capacity, and hundreds had to go to other places. By early February a nearby Methodist Church was opened, and it immediately overflowed. The balconies were filled with ladies. By March 19 a theater opened for prayer, and half an hour before it was time to begin, people were turned away. Hundreds stood outside in the streets because they could not get inside. By the end of March over six thou- sand people met daily in prayer gatherings in New York City. Many churches added evening services for prayer. Soon there were 150 united prayer meetings each day across Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Meetings began in February in Philadelphia. Soon Jayne’s Hall was overfilled, and meetings were held at noon each day in public halls, concert halls, fire stations, houses, and tents. The whole city exuded a spirit of prayer.

PRAYER MEETING FERVOR

Almost simultaneously noon prayer meetings sprang up all across America in Boston, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, New Orleans, Vicksburg, Memphis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago, and in a multitude of other cities, towns, and in rural areas. By the end of the fourth month, prayer fervor burned intensely across the nation. It was an awesome but glorious demonstration of the sovereign working of the Holy Spirit and the eager obedience of God’s people.

America had entered a new period of faith and prayer. Educated and uneducated, rich and poor, business leaders and common workmen-all prayed, believed, and received answers to prayer. Even the president of the United States, Franklin Pierce, attended many of the noon prayer meetings. This was not a revival of powerful preaching. This was a movement of earnest, powerful, prevailing prayer.

All people wanted was a place to pray. Sinners would come and ask for prayer. Someone would individually pray for them, and in minutes the newly saved person was rejoicing in Christ. Prayers would be asked by name for unconverted friends and loved ones from allover the country. In a day or two, testimonies would be given of how the prayers had already been answered. In some towns, nearly the entire population became saved.

Six months previous to Lamphier’s prayer meeting boom, few would have gathered for a prayer service. But now a spirit of prayer occupied the land, as though the church had suddenly discovered its real power. The majority of the churches in most denominations experienced a new dimension of prayer. The Presbyterian Magazine reported that as of May there had been fifty thousand converts of the revival. In February, a New York Methodist magazine reported a total of eight thousand conversions in Methodist meetings in one week. The Louisville daily paper reported seventeen thousand Baptist conversions in three weeks during the month of March. And according to a June statement, the conversion figures stood at 96,216–and still counting. all but two of the youth in one high school were saved. A similar event took place in Toledo, Ohio. These are just brief examples of what was happening constantly all across the nation.

The accounts of the prayer meetings during those revival years describe how the people would quietly gather at the place of prayer promptly at the appointed hour. Whoever was leader for the meeting—a layman or a minister— arose and announced a hymn. They sang one or two verses with great joy, the leader prayed briefly, and then turned the service over to the members. Any person was free to speak or pray for no longer than five minutes. If the person took more than that time, a small bell was rung and it was someone else’s turn.

Requests for prayer, often coming from distant places, were spoken or read. Often sinners arose and requested prayer for themselves. Members gave testimonies of answers to prayer, and the people praised the Lord. Brief exhortations on prayer or revival were allowed but limited to five minutes. Many testified of revival progress in various locations. Promptly at the closing of the hour the leader rose and pronounced the benediction, and the people quietly left the building. Occasionally someone might stay behind to pray with a spiritual seeker.

THE INVISIBLE CLOUD OF GOD’S PRESENCE

A canopy of holy and awesome revival influence—in reality the presence of the Holy Spirit—seemed to hang like an invisible cloud over many parts of the United States, especially over the eastern seaboard. At times this cloud of God’s presence even seemed to extend out to sea. Those on ships approaching the east coast at times felt a solemn, holy influence, even one hundred miles away, without even knowing what was happening in America.

Revival began aboard one ship before it reached the coast. People on board began to feel the presence of God and a sense of their own sinfulness. The Holy Spirit convicted them, and they began to pray. As the ship neared the harbor, the captain signaled, “Send a minister.” Another small commercial ship arrived in port with the captain, and every member of the crew converted in the last 150 miles. Ship after ship arrived with the same story: both passengers and crew were suddenly convicted of sin and turned to Christ before they reached the American coast.

The battleship North Carolina was anchored in New York harbor as a naval receiving ship. More than a thousand young men were on board. Four Christians agreed to meet together for prayer and knelt on the lower deck. The Spirit of God so filled their hearts with joy that they broke into song. Ungodly men on the top deck heard the singing, looked down, and saw the boys kneeling. They began running down the stairs, mocking and jeering. The convicting power of the Holy Spirit so gripped them that by the time they reached the bottom deck they fell on their knees and began crying for mercy.

Strong men who were deep in sin were broken down by the Spirit’s power and knelt humbly in penitence and faith. Night after night the sailors prayed, and hundreds were converted on the ship. Ministers were sent for, and they came out from shore to help in the gracious work of the Spirit. The battleship became a mighty center of revival. Converts of the movement, completing their periods of training, were sent out to other navy ships. Wherever they went revival fires were kindled in other naval vessels.

IN HOMES, SHOPS, FIELDS, AND CHURCHES

Reports came in of hundreds being converted in prayer meetings, private homes, workshops, and fields. Often the doors of businesses held signs reading, ” Closed, will reopen at the close of the prayer meeting.” Five prayer meetings took place daily in Washington, D.C. Five thousand or so attended daily services in the Academy of Music Hall.

In Philadelphia, Jayne’s Hall removed partitions and added space for six thousand people to attend daily meetings. At this time George Duffield wrote the hymn “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” For months multitudes of churches opened every evening for prayer, and some of them had from three to five services of prayer each day. All were filled. The services consisted of simple prayer, confession, exhortation, and singing. But it was ” so earnest, so solemn, the silence. ..so awful, the singing. ..so over-powering” that the meetings were unforgettable. A canvas tent was erected for outdoor meetings, and it immediately filled with people. In four months’ time, a total of 150,000 people attended the ministry in the tent, with many conversions. Philadelphia churches reported five thousand converts.

The Presbyterians in Northern Ireland heard of the awakening in Philadelphia and sent fraternal delegates. These delegates returned to their homeland and reported what they had seen, and the revival broke out in Ireland, spreading across the British Isles.

REVIVAL IN THE ARMY

Because of the bitter tensions of the Civil War and the slavery issue, for a time it seemed that the southern states would not be as powerfully influenced by the revival as the northern ones had been. Others dispute this assumption. An unusually powerful revival broke out among the southern troops stationed around Richmond, Virginia, in the autumn of 1861. It began in the hospitals among the wounded men and then spread into the camps as these men returned to active duty. Prayer meetings were organized and hundreds converted. The movement spread rapidly throughout the army, reaching the troops of Tennessee and Arkansas.

Revival was encouraged by Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson, who were well known as devout Christians. By the mid-summer of 1863 the revival had spread through all the Confederate armies, and thousands of men had been converted. Chaplains and lay missionaries went out among the troops, preaching and distributing tracts and dealing personally with hungry hearts. By the end of the war at least 150,000 soldiers had been converted, and more than a third of all of the southern troops had become praying men. The revival among the southern troops was primarily a revival of prayer, as the earlier revival in the North had been. While the best estimates are that 6.6 percent of the entire population of the United States was converted during the revival, the percentage among the southern troops was 21 percent. The North really did not win the war—prayer and a mighty revival did!