“Nothing is as important in your Christian walk than learning to hear Jesus’ voice!”

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

What impact will it have on your life when you learn to hear Jesus’ voice consistently?

The topic for this week and my focus this year is “God’s Voice Worldwide.” That was the title of Mark Virkler’s January 2009 e-newsletter sent on December 31 to his 15,000 subscribers. Mark is author of “How to Hear God’s Voice” and President of Christian Leadership University (CLU). He is also President and Founder of Communion With God Ministries. What a great name.

2008 was a profound year for me in terms of relationships. Not only did I grow wider (i.e. many more relationships), but much deeper with relationships I already had. As I reflect back on 2008, it seems Mark Virkler had a greater impact on my intimacy (relationship) with Jesus than anyone, even though I only spoke to Mark once in 2008. Amazing! And who connected me with Mark? Dr. Jerry Graham.
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In my one hour conversation with Mark on June 9, 2008, he taught me 4 keys to hearing God’s voice. One of those was two-way journaling (me and Jesus). I began applying those 4 keys the next morning and my life has not been the same since. Mark is a world-renown leader at teaching people to hear God’s voice through journaling. What Mark teaches is simple, not rocket science.

On Saturday Jan 3 while journaling 2-way, Jesus told me,

“Randy, you’ve been trying to do way too much in the natural. I work in the supernatural. One connection from me can completely change your life. Mark Virkler is that connection. I created you to be an UNCOMMON Journaler. I have taught you how to use Web 2.0 to help people like Mark Virkler and those in his network share their messages with the world. Today, as you read Mark’s Dec 31 email, I had this jump out at you:

‘Every January, I journal and ask the Lord what He wants me to focus on during the coming 12 months. I encourage you to do the same. He has always directed me into the areas where He wants me to grow in and master.

Over the years it has included topics such as abiding in Christ, operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, improving the quality of my marriage, learning to market and finance CLU, along with many others. Generally I write a book on what I have learned, as the passion of a Spirit-anointed teacher is to pass on revelation knowledge so others who desire can follow in their footsteps.’

Randy, Mark has been waiting for someone to come alongside him to show him how to market CLU. I have trained you and Jerry to use Web 2.0, the number one marketing tool on the planet bar none. On his Welcome page for CLU, Mark says his top priority is “Raising up Spirit-anointed leaders who disciple nations.” I have led you to change your slogan for all your main websites (blogs) to “Changing Lives to Disciple Nations!” Get it – Disciple Nations. That’s what Mark wants to do. That’s what you and Jerry want to do. That what I want to do. And learning to hear God’s voice is the key.”

To read my complete prayer for January 3, 2009, visit today’s Link of the Day.

Prayer Power
Jesus, I thank You for Mark Virkler and his anointing to teach others to hear Your Voice. Thank you for connecting the two of us through Jerry Graham. Thank you that Mark has agreed to a 3-way meeting with Jerry and me in mid January. May you bless that meeting and the outcome to allow 2009 to be the year of “God’s Voice Worldwide.” Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Amen and hallelujah!

Blessing of the Day
Dr. Randy Peck’s complete 2-way prayer entry for January 3, 2009 (see below)

Blessings to learn to hear Jesus’ voice and then teach others!

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

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Dr. Randy Peck’s complete 2-way prayer entry for January 3, 2009

To hear God’s voice, tune your radio to “S.V.S.J” – Stillness, Vision, Spontaneity, Journaling

Lord Jesus, thank You for leading me this morning to Mark Virkler’s Dec 31 email titled “God’s Voice Worldwide (January 2009).” Thank You for leading me to cut and paste that into my journal and then reflect upon it. Thank You for Your reminder to order Mark’s Virkler’s materials today (now).

I want to say I’m sorry for not following through sooner with the instruction You gave to me on June 22 to “Schedule a 3 way meeting with Jerry and Mark Virkler.” Please forgive me.

Randy, you’ve had a lot going on and have allowed a lot of distractions in your life. This time you spend with me each morning settles your mind and let’s you focus on what’s most important in your life. As Mark Virkler said in his Dec 31 email, “When you use ‘Laser Light Focus,’ things change in your life.”

Today, I led you to “A Welcome from the President” at Christian Leadership University. I wanted you to read Mark’s introductory message to students and potential students.

Our Top Priority: “Raising up Spirit-anointed leaders who disciple nations.”

“Thank you for choosing to examine what you will find to be an exciting and innovative educational opportunity. Our program is designed to meet your needs, and stretch and equip you to become a world-changing, Spirit-anointed leader.

In the midst of international travail, God is seeking a people who will become disciplers of nations, lead and not follow, lend and not borrow, be above and not underneath (Deut. 28:1-14). This will not be done out of human wisdom or strength but by the anointing and wisdom of God Himself flowing through His children. That is why God begins Deuteronomy 28 by twice saying, “If you will obey My voice…then….” So we will train you to hear the voice of God and then to apply it to the various disciplines of life in which God is calling you to demonstrate anointed leadership.

Since we have removed the sacred/secular split and believe that the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, we will train you to take applied biblical understanding as well as the voice and anointing of God into all areas of life and to demonstrate godly leadership there. I sense that God is raising up sons and daughters of Abraham who will minister in multi-gifted fashion as Abraham did. Abraham was a spiritual leader, a business leader, and a political leader, all wrapped up in one. May we learn to live in like manner. We provide for our graduates to be ordained and certified in many different vocational/ministry settings.”

Randy, you’ve been trying to do way too much in the natural. I work in the supernatural. One connection from me can completely change your life. Mark Virkler is that connection. I created you to be an UNCOMMON Journaler. I have taught you how to use Web 2.0 to help people like Mark Virkler and those in his network share their messages with the world. Today, as you read Mark’s Dec 31 email, I had this jump out at you:

Every January, I journal and ask the Lord what He wants me to focus on during the coming 12 months. I encourage you to do the same. He has always directed me into the areas where He wants me to grow in and master.

Over the years it has included topics such as abiding in Christ, operating in the gifts of the Holy Spirit, improving the quality of my marriage, learning to market and finance CLU, along with many others. Generally I write a book on what I have learned, as the passion of a Spirit-anointed teacher is to pass on revelation knowledge so others who desire can follow in their footsteps.

Randy, Mark has been waiting for someone to come alongside him to show him how to market CLU. I have trained you and Jerry to use Web 2.0, the number one marketing tool on the planet bar none. On his Welcome page for CLU, Mark says his top priority is “Raising up Spirit-anointed leaders who disciple nations.” I have led you to change your slogan for all your main websites (blogs) to “Changing Lives to Disciple Nations!” Get it – Disciple Nations. That’s what Mark wants to do. That’s what you and Jerry want to do. That what I want to do. And learning to hear God’s voice is the key.

Randy, Mark is waiting for you to show him and his network how to use The Journal, the greatest journaling tool on the planet. And I have taught you how to use it in UNCOMMON ways. Also, the DESTINY course that you and and Jerry put together is a major missing piece of the puzzle for Mark that will have a profound impact on Mark’s network. When God’s children get in alignment with their assignments, My provision will follow. Watch and see. My glory is upon you. Behold I do a new work.

Randy, here is what you are to do this morning:
1) Order Mark Virkler’s materials that he told you about when you first spoke to him on June 9, 2008. – Done
2) Email Mark Virkler requesting a 3-way meeting with him, Jerry Graham, and you. – Done
3) Add the audio testimonies to the Destiny course landing page. Also add other people’s testimonies about your journaling. Add “When you get in alignment with your assignment, God’s provision will follow.” and “Prosperity is having enough of God’s provision to accomplish His assignment for your life.”
4) Write your 2008 family Christmas letter. You are finally ready.
5) Record and transcribe the audio from Sid Roth’s interview of Mark Virkler
And finally, Randy, here’s the goal – “God’s Voice Worldwide” – and you will accomplish that through a Joint Venture between you, Jerry, and Mark.

“The thief (Satan) does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

How do we overcome the spiritual famine?
What is fear of the LORD?

There is a great famine in the land (America) for the Word of God, prayer, and faith. Many people who profess to be followers of Jesus are starving spiritually. For some, their flames have stopped burning entirely. The following content from Chapter 9 of the Power of a Praying Parent is an outstanding description of fear of the LORD.

“When we read in the newspaper about young people stealing, killing, destroying property, or being sexually promiscuous, we can be sure that those individuals do not have a healthy fear of the Lord, nor a good understanding of His ways, nor a hunger for the things of God. Some of these young people may even be from Christian families and have received Jesus, but because they haven’t been taught to fear God and desire His presence they are controlled by their flesh.

Fearing God means having a deeply committed respect, love, and reverence for God’s authority and power. It means being afraid of what life would be like without Him and being grateful that because of His love we’ll never have to experience such despair. It means hungering for all that God is and all that He has for us.

There is so much in the world to divert our children’s attention away from the things of God, and the devil will come to each child with his agenda and plan to see if they will buy into it. But when we do our part to teach, instruct, discipline, and train our children in the ways of God…

… when we read them stories from God’s Word,

… when we teach them how to pray and have faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He’ll do,

… when we help them get plugged in with godly friends,

… when we show them that walking with God brings joy and fulfillment, not boredom and restrictions,

… when we pray with and for them about everything,”

Have your children developed a hunger for the things of God?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we can only give away what we already have. Thank You for instilling in me a hunger for the things of God. Thank You for Pastor Mark Jarvis and Pastor Matt Gregory, who have coached me spiritually on a weekly basis for more than five years. Bless them and their families with Your uncommon favor. Thank You that both of my children are born-again. I pray that they will develop a deeper hunger for the things of God. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The Spiritual Famine in America – YouTube video

Blessings to you and your family to develop a hunger for the things of God!

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. (Romans 8:34)

What difference does it make in your life to know that Jesus is interceding for you?

On December 1, I received an email from Tim Smith, one of my good friends at Soul Purpose Church. Tim wrote: “I pray that each of you had a Thanksgiving weekend that was rich and full. If we can truly get hold of what the scriptures say about the position we hold as redeemed followers of Christ, I believe it will transform our day-to-day outlook. Check out this link: http://www.baptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=13744”

Yesterday evening as I was sorting old emails, I finally had the chance to visit Tim’s link, which is a message from Henry Blackaby. Henry writes:

There is no truth that can give you any more courage and boldness as you live out your Christian life, especially in the workplace, than that found in Romans 8:34, “… Christ died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us…”

Christ, the Lord of the universe, is now 1) at the right hand of God and 2) making intercession to the Father on our behalf.

He intercedes; he pleads our case to the Father. He always does this according to the will of God and is always heard. When Jesus intercedes for us, the Father always hears him; the Father always responds immediately to bring to pass what the Son has requested. He is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). The apostle John assures us that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous….”

He intercedes before the Father when we sin. He asks the Father to release into our life all that the Father has provided, especially the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).

When you come to the Father, in Jesus’ name, and ask for boldness, or courage, or wisdom, or patience, or anything else that is appropriate to ask in his name, Jesus is there before the Father to confirm that you are his disciple, that you are indeed a child of God, and that your request is right and good and the Father can grant it. The Father always hears the Son (John 11:41-42).

To read the remainder of Henry’s message, visit today’s Link of the Day.

Prayer Power
Jesus, thank You for your moment by moment intercession for me and other children of God. What incredible encouragement this brings to the Christian who walks by faith. Pour out Your Spirit on many, many people around the world as churches are flooded with people on this Eve of Christmas hungry to find love, truth, and light. We praise You as our King Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
FIRST-PERSON: Jesus intercedes for you (see below)

Blessings to grasp what the scriptures say about the position we hold as redeemed followers of Christ!

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Source: http://www.baptistpress.org/bpnews.asp?id=13744
FIRST-PERSON: Jesus intercedes for you
Posted on Jul 1, 2002 | by Henry T. Blackaby

ATLANTA (BP)–There is no truth that can give you any more courage and boldness as you live out your Christian life, especially in the workplace, than that found in Romans 8:34, “… Christ died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us…”

Christ, the Lord of the universe, is now 1) at the right hand of God and 2) making intercession to the Father on our behalf.

He intercedes; he pleads our case to the Father. He always does this according to the will of God and is always heard. When Jesus intercedes for us, the Father always hears him; the Father always responds immediately to bring to pass what the Son has requested. He is our advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). The apostle John assures us that “we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous….”

He intercedes before the Father when we sin. He asks the Father to release into our life all that the Father has provided, especially the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).

When you come to the Father, in Jesus’ name, and ask for boldness, or courage, or wisdom, or patience, or anything else that is appropriate to ask in his name, Jesus is there before the Father to confirm that you are his disciple, that you are indeed a child of God, and that your request is right and good and the Father can grant it. The Father always hears the Son (John 11:41-42).

What incredible encouragement this brings to the Christian who walks by faith (that is, believing what Jesus says, and acts on it).

Jesus’ intercession can dramatically affect your personal life and walk with God. He can and will keep you from sin. He can affect your marriage for good. He can return wayward children. And he can give power in witness on your job.

In the days of his flesh, Jesus clearly and dramatically interceded before the Father on behalf of his disciples at a very significant moment, and in a very dramatic way. Just before the cross, when his disciples were about to experience their greatest pressure from the enemy, Jesus assured them, “… And the Lord said, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren….” (Luke 22:31, 32).

Jesus does this directly for you also. Call on him, and he will intercede for you.

Blackaby is president of Henry Blackaby Ministries, on the Web at www.henryblackaby.com. His column appears monthly.

“Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.” (Psalm 2:8)

What can you do to most effectively grow your prayer life and faith in 2009?

Welcome to our series of message for Christmas week! What is Christmas about? For Christians, Jesus is the reason for the season. For me, the Christmas season is a time to give extravagantly – to pour myself into the lives of others – giving the best I have to those who are struggling and those less fortunate. After all, God gave His only begotten Son to us to pay a debt I could never pay.

I think it’s appropriate to start off my messages of Christmas week sharing about prayer and faith since Jesus’ purpose in coming was to “seek and save that which was lost” and faith in Jesus is crucial both for salvation and to live an abundant life. According to E.M. Bounds, “when faith ceases to pray, it ceases to live.”

On November 18 Virginia Morton posted a blog (and sent a bulk email) for her Marching Through Culpeper followers titled “The Legacy of E. M. Bounds.” In that highly inspirational message, Virginia relates how it took three times for her to finally hear God’s voice to purchase and read the book “E.M. Bounds on Prayer.”

Virginia wrote, “This book changed my life and grew my faith and prayer life exponentially. The book’s introduction says; ‘Since the time of the apostles, no man besides Edward McKendree Bounds has left such a rich inheritance of research into the life of prayer.’”

Now that’s a very, very powerful statement. So when Virginia later thanked God that “Randy is the E.M. Bounds of Culpeper” during two different intense group prayer times in a single week, that really caught my attention.

As I was journaling early in the morning on December 3, I began writing down highlights and low points for 2008. The very first highlight I wrote down was “I’m seeing people’s lives changes all around me.” I then proceeded to write down some of the phenomenal testimonies that people have shared with me this year of how I have impacted them.

One of the highlights I wrote down was Virginia’s recent statement that I am the E.M. Bounds of Culpeper. As I was reflecting on that statement coming from one of the pillars of our community, a very godly woman who prays faithfully and understands the power of prayer, and one of God’s generals of intercession, I felt extremely humbled.

The Holy Spirit then commanded me to send Virginia a very specific email, which turned out to be so inspirational that Virginia sent me three emails later that day. Two of those emails contained links to these web references

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_McKendree_Bounds
http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/E.M.Bounds.html

Those references so inspired me that I searched my basement bookshelf for the book “E.M. Bounds On Prayer” and spent hours that evening reading it. That book is the best one I have ever read about prayer.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God of prayer! Thank You for leading Virginia Morton to read “E.M. Bounds On Prayer” and then to write her blog post about that. Thank You for using Virginia’s blog post and subsequent prayers and personal emails to lead me to begin reading that book. Thank You for inspiring me to spend much more time interceding for others in the past 7 weeks. Thank You for the fruit of prayer I am seeing in many people I am praying for. May today’s message inspire several of my readers to buy and read the book “E.M. Bounds On Prayer.” Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
The Legacy of E. M. Bounds – complete blog post by Virginia Morton

Blessings to intentionally grow in your prayer life and faith in 2009!