Fwd: hello

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> "My dad always told me if you have 5 true friends in your lifetime,
> Then you had a great life"
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> Have faith! You are blessed, beautiful, happy and loved! Have a good day!
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finish the journey...don't look back

The Standby

John 14:16….the Comforter will teach you all things

As the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit has a personality. He can be offended and grieved and He must be treated with great respect. Once you have the understanding that He lives inside those who believe, you should do everything you can to make him feel welcome. The Holy Spirit is a Gentleman. He will not push His way into your daily affairs. If given an invitation, He is quick to respond, but He must be invited.

 

The Holy Spirit is always available. The Amplified Bible calls this The Standby. That is a wonderful description! Think of him ready and waiting at all times in case you need anything at all. Every single day, no matter what you may face the Holy Spirit is standing by you. Invite him to get involved in everything you do.

 

Finish the Journey

Genesis 11:31

God gave Abram's father an opportunity to go to the place of His blessing – Canaan. But, instead of going all the way with the Lord, he chose to stop and settle in Haran. Many believers do what Terah did. They start out for one place and settle somewhere else along the way.

 

It is easy to get excited when God first directs you to do something. But many times you never finish what you start because the road gets difficult. It would be nice to reap the benefits of the journey without actually having to leave your comfort zone, but it does not work that way. To receive your blessing, you must be willing to push on through to the finish.

 

Don't Look Back

Psalm 30:5…weeping my endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

There is a time for everything – a time to weep and a time to mourn; a time to laugh and a time to play. You would be coldhearted and lacking compassion if you experienced loss and felt nothing. But after a while, you must let go of what lies behind and press forward. If you do not, the past will destroy your future.

 

God said, "Moses My servant is dead. So now arise [take his place], go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, the Israelites. Every place upon which the sole of your foot shall tread, that have I given to you, as I promised Moses" (Joshua 1:2-3).  Like the children of Israel, God wants you to let go of the past and take new ground. Do not spend the rest of your life mourning something, you have lost. Go forward and do not look back.

 

Avoid Selective Hearing

John 2:5………..Whatever He says to you, do it

An interesting truth about your ability to hear God's voice is that when you are unwilling to hear in one area of your life, it may render you unable to hear in other areas. Sometimes you turn a deaf ear to what you know the Lord is clearly saying to you – it's called "selective hearing". After a while people think they can not hear from God anymore, but in reality there are lots of things they already know He wants them to respond to and they haven't done so.

 

If you really want to hear from God, you can't approach Him with selective hearing, hoping to narrow the topics down to only what you want to hear. Don't just go to God and talk to Him when you want or need something; also spend time just listening. He will speak to you about many issues if you will be still before Him and simply listen. Then, be sure to obey His direction.

 

Not Too Hard

Deuteronomy 30:11…for this commandment which I command you this day is not too difficult for you, nor is it far off.

 

Have you ever caught yourself telling God, "I know You want me to do this, but it's just too hard". The enemy tries to inject this phrase into your mind so you will give up. But this Scripture assures you that even when things seem impossible, nothing God expects from you is too difficult to accomplish.

The reason the Lord's commands are not too hard is because He gives you His spirit to work in you powerfully and to help you in all He has asked. Things get hard when you are trying to do them on your own without leaning and relying on God's grace. If you know God has asked you to do something, do not back down just because it seems hard. When things get difficult, spend more time with Him, lean more on Him, and receive more grace from Him (Hebrews 4:16).

 

 

Beautiful Poem

 Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38,

 When 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.,
 Their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air,
 They could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.
 They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.
 They remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
 "Where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.
  This is heaven." declared a small boy.
  "We're spending Christmas at God's house."
  When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
  But Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
  He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.
  Then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
  And in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring,
  Those children all flew into the arms of their King,
  And as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
  One small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
  And as if He could read all the questions she had,
  He gently whispered to her,
  "I'll take care of mom and dad."
  Then He looked down on earth, the world far below,
  He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe. 
  Then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
  Let My power and presence re-enter this land!
  May this country be delivered from the hands of fools,
  I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!
  Then He and the children stood up without a sound.
  Come now my children, let me show you around.
  Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.,
  All displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
  And i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
  In the midst of this darkness,
   I AM STILL THE LIGHT.

 Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

 

 

 

 

 

Exercise Self-Control...But for the Grace….don't play The Blame Game

Exercise Self-Control

2 Peter 1:6

Jesus not only commanded you to not allow your heart to be troubled and afraid, He also said, "[Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled]" (John 14:27).

 

You can choose not to get upset. If you are around someone whose good opinion you value, it's amazing how much easier it can be to control yourself. It is much harder to stay calm when you are around people that have a need to impress.

When you start to get upset, remember only one thing will put an end to it. You have to stop it, you must exercise self-control. You have to get hold of yourself and say, "No, I'm not getting upset." You need to remember that everywhere you go; you are a witness for the One you serve and love.

 

But for the Grace….

1 Timothy 1:13

In this Scripture Paul speaks of his past when he aggressively and vehemently persecuted Christians and had them stoned, beaten, and jailed. His ignorance was so great he actually believed God was pleased.  But when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus road, the scales fell from his eyes and he saw Truth (see Acts 9). Paul realized at that moment that he was a sinner and God's grace became a living reality in his life.

 

On the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). Stephen, while being stoned, said, "Lord, fix not this sin upon them!" (Acts 7:60). What did Jesus, Paul, and Stephen have in common? They proclaimed God's grace to people who were deceived and ignorant. Recall how much mercy and grace God has given you; surely, you can extend His grace to others.

 

The Blame Game

Genesis 3:12-13

This problem has been manifesting since the beginning of time. When confronted with their sin in the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve blamed each other, God, and the devil. This unwillingness to take personal responsibility by trying to blame anyone and anything that might be convenient is a major cause for not living triumphantly. While in the wilderness, the Israelites complained that all of their problems were the fault of God and Moses. This was one of the major factors that kept them wandering in the wilderness for forty years, when they could have been living in the promised land.

There is nothing more emotionally painful than facing the truth about yourself and your actions. Because it is painful, most people run from it. Admitting your own mistakes and failures is difficult, but it is the only way to freedom.

 

Colossians 3:22

This Scripture tells you to be a good, faithful, loyal, profitable, and hardworking employee. You are to do your job well and with a good attitude. You are not to be two-faced, showing your employer what you think he wants to see and then doing differently when he is not around. You need to be real, sincere, honest, and trustworthy.

Do you know what happens when you do your work with all your heart and soul, and do it not unto men but unto God? You receive your reward from Him, not your boss. You can look to the Lord for the reward you truly deserve. Tomorrow, decide to please God and His blessings will follow.

 

Workaholic or Fool

Workaholic or Fool

Read:  Ecclesiastes 4:4-16
It is a good thing to... enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - this is indeed a gift from God (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

Audio:  Ecclesiastes 4

Bible in One Year: Hosea 1-4; Revelation 1

There was a man who worked 70 hours a week. Fortunately, he loved his job. He brought home a nice paycheck and provided good things for his family. He thought, One of these days I'll slow down-but not today. One evening, he came home and his family wasn't there.  The kids had grown up and moved out, his wife had found a career, and the house was empty. He had been newly appointed as CEO. But he had made it to the top-alone.

When Solomon was "people watching," he observed a man who lamented at the end of the day, "Who am I working for? Why am I giving up so much pleasure now?" (Ecclesiastes 4:8).  To avoid following in the wrong footsteps, we need to make three specific choices:

1. Choose contentment over achievement(Ecclesiastes 4:4-6). Solomon painted two extremes here-the workaholic and the fool. Then, in verse 6, he helps us strike the correct balance. Bible teacher Keith Krell paraphrased it this way: "Rather than grasping for so much it is better to have less and enjoy it more."

2. Choose relationships over riches (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12). If we're sacrificing relationships at the altar of success, we've got our priorities mixed up. Relationships make our work meaningful, rewarding, and enjoyable.

3. Choose wisdom over popularity (Ecclesiastes 4:13-16). Power and popularity are transient. No one will remain at the top forever. So we should hold wisdom tightly and power lightly.

Let's learn to experience our work as a gift from God, by enjoying it and accepting our lot. 
 

By His Spirit

By His Spirit

Zechariah 4:6…...Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit

It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit living inside you that you can have true success in life. In your own strength, you simply become tired and frustrated. But allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you brings contentment and deep joy to your life. You need to give your problems to God and spend your time doing something for those around you who are hurting. Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, you can do anything.

 

Real joy comes from being an empty vessel for God's use and glory. At the close of this day, let Him choose where He's going to take you, what He's going to do with you, and when He's going to do it – without arguing about it. It's one thing to be willing to do everything for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31); it's another thing entirely to be willing to do anything for Him.

 

Pecking Orders Day 1 thru 52

 

Bishop Jakes shared the Position, Exposure, Courage and Knowledge (PECK) order during the 2012 Woman Thou Art Loose Conference in Atlanta. For a better understanding of the P.E.C.K. Order, please watch this short video.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcnwl4X_XCc

 

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Woman Thou Are Loosed ~ Pecking Orders

 

P- Position

E- Exposure

C- Courage

k- Knowledge

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 1

 

Lord, we start this journey and consecrate ourselves over the next 52 days. Lord, I’m asking you to break curses, remove restrictions, tear down barriers, heal discrepancies, work out credit reports, and open up unbelievable favor. Send the kind of FAVOR that will remind them of this defining moment. In the spirit Lord, I see doors flying open like at a grocery store…

doors opening before they can even touch them. Let doors fly wide open.

 

Make ways for your people as we align ourselves with your word. Meet us in the spirit, Lord. Change lives, give increase and create new positions. I speak promotion. I speak entrepreneurs. I speak a new generation of evangelists, prophets and bible scholars. Let your gifts flourish right now, in Jesus name...Amen.

 

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 2

 

The restoration of your credit is the redemption of your name. No matter how long it takes, don't let the enemy steal your name. The Bible says a good name is better than precious ointment and more desirable than great riches (Eccl 7:1; Prov 22:1).

 

Most people, once a credit score is diminished, accept it as if it were a terminal disease. This isn't a sickness unto death!!!

The truth is actually simple. Bad choices are often the reason we got in trouble. So, good choices will get you out! Take control of your destiny by plotting your way to repairing the damage. Step 1...

 

1. Asses the Damage

Go online and get your credit report. Stop running from reality. You can't ignore the facts. Dispute any known discrepancies listed on the report! The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the credit bureaus to provide you a free copy of your credit report annually. Get yours at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/

 

I'll post step 2 tomorrow...Alright chicks lets get to pecking!!

 

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 3

 

Yesterday we assessed the damage of exactly where our credit really is. Now, let's work on a plan to improve your credit and eliminate outstanding debt...Step 2

 

2. Set Up A Plan

The old adage says: "How do you eat an elephant? ...One bite at a time." No matter how small the bites...lets get started! To clean up your credit, keep a log for each credit bureau

to track your disputes, letters written to creditors and any items you pay off or settle. When it comes to eliminating debt, setup a budget to know exactly "where art thou" and track your income and monthly expenses. Attack the highest interest rates first to reduce your outstanding credit balances.

 

Keep pecking!

 

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 4

 

So now that you know where you stand and you're working on your plan...Step 3

 

3. Celebrate your small successes

I don't mean go on a shopping spree either!! But do congratulate yourself. You are pecking your way out!

You need the rewarded feeling of regaining control of your name. Don't wait till you're out to celebrate your progress.

 

Are you still pecking away?

 

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 5

 

BEFORE you take any great step, or make ANY decision, your focus must not be on just your immediate plans to build or establish. Take time to focus on the far more difficult processes that will follow and the long-term consequences of your decision. In Luke 14:28, Jesus says no man builds a tower without, first, counting up the costs! God wants you to have KNOWLEDGE! Following this wisdom ensures you are not one of the people who learn this lesson by experiencing pain and regret that could have easily been avoided by simply having the information.

 

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 6

 

In making important decisions, you must realize that bad choices can cause you to face a setback! You can’t afford this, so make every move count because they affect your POSITION. This requires several things…

• Research—gathering information and collecting data

• Roadwork—removing obstacles and clearing the path

...

• Rewards—listing choices and imagining their consequences or benefits

• Revelation—narrowing my options and making my selection

• Rearview—looking back and adjusting as necessary to stay on course.

Following these guidelines helps me move confidently into the future with no regrets. What’s your next move? Keep pecking…

 

WTAL 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 7

As God POSITIONS you for His plans and exposes you to new things, have the COURAGE to listen to your heart and not just your mind. God gave you an inner voice for a reason, and He is not insulted when ...

you listen to it. Your decisions will require Godly discernment! Much of the anxiety and regret that come from the weight of your decisions can be alleviated or avoided if you assemble all of your information and have the right KNOWLEDGE. P-E-C-K!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 8

 

KNOWLEDGE insists and affirms that no question is too stupid to ask. The step you must always remember as you go forward is “Research.” Your choices are no stronger than the facts you have. This requires information! “My people are destroyed from lack of KNOWLEDGE” (Hosea 4:6 NIV). Chicks, get the information! Never attempt to silence the voice within you that continues to question!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 9

 

Always have the COURAGE to force the hard questions! It’s the issues you never thought to ask about that can wreak havoc on your life! Throughout the Bible, you see people like Abraham, Moses, David, Jesus and Paul not shying away from the difficult questions their situations posed to them. Each of them did one key thing: they sought God! In James 1:5, God promises wisdom to all who ask Him for it! Take COURAGE in God’s wisdom! Never be afraid of the hard questions.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 10

 

During single hood, before you make a rash and irrational

decision, see your loneliness as a gift and solitude as your time of preparation for a good relationship. It’s all about POSITIONING! During her time of preparation, Esther did everything she was taught to do in order to win the eye, admiration and affection of a man she had NEVER met! God positioned her right where she needed to be to win Xerxes’ heart and save her people! Single hood is not a death sentence. It’s a time of preparation and POSITIONING!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 11

 

Blame is a learned behavior that you can unlearn, but it takes COURAGE to move on from the familiarity of past mistakes and methods! Develop a strategy that focuses on where you’re going and what God is saying will happen. Philippians 3:13-14 describes the outlook we should have: “I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Instead of spending energy on blame, move into the future and begin visualizing what success and victory look like. Keep pecking…

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 12

 

Anger is rarely the first emotion. Fear usually strikes first, preying on what we don’t know. Therefore, the solution requires KNOWLEDGE! As you continue forward, decide to work for a solution instead of being angry. You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond to situations and issues. “Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:20 NIV). You have a choice to make. You can stand with angry fists raised, or you can assume responsibility for your response and refuse to be a victim of your own anger.

 

Keep Pecking ~

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 13

 

Don’t stop PECKING! Instead of feeling battered, choose to have

the faith that you can rebuild your life! Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) gives us a reminder that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. Do not yield power over your life to others in the process of releasing the trauma of your past. “Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old” (Isaiah 43:18 KJV). Tenaciously gather what power is within your reach and rebuild your life, no matter how battered you might feel by circumstances. Get ready for POSITIONING, EXPOSURE, COURAGE and KNOWLEDGE!

Keep Pecking!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 14

 

You’ve got to get involved! Make the decision! Before anything will change, you must decide YOU want to change! You must decide to yield to God’s will and allow Him to POSITION you where you need to be before the next shifting occurs! But, change is not easy. It requires COURAGE! In the terrifying, soul-tingling feelings of the vertigo of change, we learn the value of faith and the fuel of prayer.

 

Keep Pecking!!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 15

 

In this new season, God will EXPOSE you to brand new things and people. However, do not get caught up in looking at the outside of a person, relationship or situation! These things do not always reflect what is on the inside. Jesus said about the Pharisees that “outside” they were clean, but “inside” they were full of dead men bones (Matthew 23:27). Ask God for His wisdom and KNOWLEDGE as you navigate new territory and people!

 

KEEP PECKING !

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 16

 

When faced with significant opportunities, you might become fearful of bringing your past into your present. Take COURAGE in God POSITIONING you; God EXPOSING you; and God granting you His KNOWLEDGE! He would not have prepared you and brought you this far if He planned on destroying you or allowing new opportunities to overwhelm you. He’s given you your PECKING ORDERS because He knows you can handle them and carry them out! Continue pecking your way out!!!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 17

 

BEFORE you can see the beauty of the surroundings in which God has POSITIONED you, you must remove the clutter! God is a God of order! “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace” (1 Cor. 14:33). Though confusion does not stop God from working, it does stop YOU! The removal of unneeded items can reveal the beauty, functionality and lovely features of God’s creation, your possessions, and even your spirit. It’s time to clean house…physically, spiritually and mentally!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 18

 

As God POSITIONS you for the future, you will begin noticing the importance of breaking old cycles. Breaking the cycle of repeated mistakes requires making a decision to move on with your life, but it won’t happen overnight and neither will it be easy. Find a way to move out of the past, move ahead, free from all encumbrances that threaten to leave you attached to your yesterday. Do not let the dead weight of old cycles impede your progress! PECK….

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 19

 

Some things need to be put back where they belong. Translated: some relationships simply need to be severed! Others may require some closure for you to move on. Still, others need to be put back in their proper place. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed” (Amos 3:3)? Pray this prayer with me: Holy Spirit, please clean out my heart, make over my soul, and allow me to get rid of the accumulated things and people that diminish me as an individual, as an employee, or as a visionary. In Jesus

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 20

 

BEFORE you can fully lead, you must withstand controversy and conflict.

a. Leaders tend to be controversial.

b. Leaders’ decisions create conflict.

c. Leaders are persons of commitment.

d. Leaders are guided by their character.

Be COURAGEOUS and accept the leadership responsibility of being controversial. You are not POSITIONED to make everyone like you! That’s God’s job. It’s called FAVOR…and…It ain’t fair!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 21

 

As you continue to go forth with your Pecking Orders, I encourage you to broaden your interests, people and hobbies.... they broaden your perspective and outlook. Don’t just build spiritually, but build on the foundation of your spiritual life. It could be as simple as reading different magazines or newspapers, or going to places that are different from where you normally go. Get outside of your political belief system, gender or race. Broader views are a great repellant to ignorance. A complete world-view leads to a richer, fuller life.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 22

 

The favor that God has placed on your life will cause you to be liked by people you can’t even imagine. They will be intelligent, influential and have wisdom to share with you on your journey. This requires that you EXPOSE yourself to more than just your familiar surroundings. These new “things” and new people God is sending your way may operate on a higher level than what you are accustomed to. Get comfortable trying new things and going new places. You’ll be glad you did! Keep pecking…

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 23

 

So many of us remain trapped in the shell of the familiar, never venturing out to see different locations, eat new foods or even hear music we’re not accustomed to. Then, we wonder why we never progress further in life. EXPOSURE is a choice! Do you choose to hold on to the familiarity of what you’ve always experienced, or will you take a chance on something new and vibrant? This may cause you to be nervous, but it greatly enriches your life experience. God has more for you than your current surroundings! Take COURAGE and step out on faith to see and experience more!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 24

 

With the estimated 7 billion people on the planet and the ability to be on the other side of the world in less than a day, it would be incorrect in saying there’s nothing new to discover. Sadly, many of us think just that! God’s EXPOSURE requires us to leave behind what’s comfortable to embark upon the uncertainty of the unfamiliar. As you move toward your goal, you will encounter the unknown. God uses EXPOSURE as the practice arena for the newness and uncertainty you will experience in your future. It’s best to learn the lesson of being comfortable in uncertainty now, than having to learn it later.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 25

 

One difference between Successful people and unsuccessful people is EXPOSURE! Successful people read and study new things, go new places... always preparing for the next move by accumulating new knowledge and experiences. These very experiences uniquely equip them to handle the vagueness of the future while they move toward their goals. Make a list of the different things you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t yet availed yourself of the opportunity. You’ll often find it’s your lack of COURAGE that’s prevented you from doing them. Take action on the easiest one and accomplish it. As you’re EXPOSED to more, you will desire more!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 26

 

Like inmates in a prison yard, so many of us stay within the limits of the cities or neighborhoods we’ve grown up in, never venturing outside of them for the slightest amount of time. God has given you freedom--freedom to be EXPOSED to all of His creation and not just your particular street in your particular part of town. Take steps now toward EXPOSING yourself to more. Go to museums, theaters, orchestral performances, cultural festivals or anything you’ve never experienced in your own city as this will ignite a desire in you to see what lies beyond the “prison” walls of where you’ve always been. A whole new world of discoveries awaits…

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 27

 

Fullness of life requires a dedication to experiencing and being EXPOSED to new things. Imagine remaining where you are and doing the same thing you’ve always done for the rest of your life! If not for the sake of your future, go to new places and try new things just for the sake of getting out of your own comfort zone and living the full life God has ordained for you!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 28

 

EXPOSURE to more opportunities and people will quickly teach you not to get wrapped up in how things appear. Some details simply cannot be ascertained until you experience the fullness of the entire situation. A particular opportunity may look perfect on paper while your previous experiences instruct you to use caution and not take something at face value. As you head toward the fulfillment of your goals, heed the caution your previous experiences and EXPOSURE suggest. Your new found knowledge and wisdom will prevent you from making mistakes based on impulsive and emotional decisions.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 29

 

**In following Naomi, Ruth was EXPOSED to a myriad of new things, including gleaning remnants from the side of a field. While she was experiencing something less than desirable, but altogether new, she was completely unaware of the other method in which God EXPOSED her. Little did she know Boaz, her future husband, was watching her. She was POSITIONED for the redemption of her family line. God will EXPOSE you and POSITION you for His purpose.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 30

 

**In this new season, God will EXPOSE you to brand new things and people. However, don’t get caught up in looking at the outside of a person, relationship or situation! These things do not always reflect what is on the inside. Jesus said about the Pharisees that outside they were clean, but inside they were full of dead men bones (Matthew 23:27). Ask God for His wisdom and KNOWLEDGE as you navigate new territory and people!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 31

 

As you become EXPOSED to more, you will need to shut the doors on those things that negatively influence you. But, before you shut a door you will not be able to reopen, stop and think. You need the KNOWLEDGE to be able to tell the difference between a bad door and one that’s simply not ready. Do not close a door on a relationship or opportunity out of frustration just because it squeaks a little. God may bring you back to it when you are fully prepared to handle it!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 32

 

Forgiving someone takes a considerable amount of COURAGE because it requires you to be a bigger person and let things go…something most of us don’t want to do. Grudges spread and invade our healthy emotions. Forgiveness conquers bitterness! Moving toward your goals will require you to be COURAGEOUS enough to release the bitterness you’ve held for so long. Remember to forgive as you want to be forgiven!

 

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 33

 

Don’t ever go into a business deal without the proper research and KNOWLEDGE! Doing so will quickly allow the stronger personality to arrange the relationship to suit them. KNOWLEDGE helps you ensure there is equity and fairness between all parties in the business relationship. Make sure you do what is fair, and be COURAGEOUS and willing enough to address and correct mistakes.

 

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 34

 

If you haven’t discovered it by now, PECKING will quickly introduce you to new things and people. But, as you risk doing or experiencing something new, you must accept that fear is normal! Nervousness and anxiety is a part of the nature of crossing a fresh threshold into the exhilaration of a new experience. You will always face new experiences with a degree of angst. But, take COURAGE. Feel the fear…but do the new thing anyway!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 35

 

When God POSITIONS you, He has a way of putting you in a place where you have no choice but to move from the safe center to the uncertain edge of a new experience! Admittedly, you would avoid making the necessary changes or facing the edge if you could. It’s here that you learn the value of faith and fuel of prayer. Activate both as God POSITIONS you to face uncertainty.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 36

 

DO NOT TURN BACK! You are doing so well! Before you give in to your anxieties, respect what is at stake! This whole idea of PECKING may seem scary. After all, you’re operating outside your comfort zone the entire time. But, the only way to avoid these nerve-racking feelings is to simply play it safe by sticking to what is easy and familiar. Expect to be uncomfortable because the stakes of your future are high! KEEP PECKING!!!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 37

 

Before you give up, affirm that the sky is the limit! You’ve been POSITIONED and EXPOSED. You’ve taken COURAGE and gathered KNOWLEDGE. You’ve set your goals high, knowing you could not achieve them on your own. Even if this is your second or umpteenth attempt, DON’T GIVE UP! You’re right on track. You were not created to play it safe. Take the risk and continue asking God, “Father, what’s next?”

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 38

 

As you keep PECKING, you’ll be faced with the temptation to end a relationship of any kind. Before you do, consider the consequences. Ending a relationship carries with it unseen ripples of regret and second thoughts. Before you “sign the dotted line” to terminate a relationship, look at all the facets of the relationship along with your motives. Do everything you can possibly do to preserve a relationship before ending it. Your experiences here will help you as God EXPOSES you to more relationships.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 39

 

Before you quit anything, gain some KNOWLEDGE and do a self-examination! Though you might want to quit your life, leave everything behind and start over some place new, understand that you will leave the circumstances…but, you’ll never escape yourself. During PECKING, we sometimes quit the wrong things at the wrong time. Take COURAGE and face the situation head on so that, if you must leave, you can clearly think about where you want to go and what you want to do next!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 40

 

PECKING will call forth dreams you’ve buried prematurely that God wants to resurrect in your life. He will resurrect these dreams because they are a part of His purpose for your life. Grieve the past wrong choices you’ve made, but forgive yourself. Take COURAGE and celebrate hope for brand new opportunities. Face the facts about your dreams and how you’ve changed over the years. Are you COURAGEOUS enough to step into resurrected dreams? PECK!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 41

 

Before you break through to the next level of success, understand that you will nearly fail. But, don’t stop PECKING! Allow me to explain. People who’ve achieved great things are no more talented than you. They’ve simply learned to lean into their mistakes and persevere through them to the next level of challenge and expectation. Don’t quit! I’ve never seen a quitter win, but I see winners because they didn’t quit! God has you right where He wants you. Keep PECKING!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 42

 

Before you obtain dreams worth having, you will have to take risks! You must take COURAGE, overcome your fear of new heights and be willing to risk failing at the next level! If you see no way humanly possible for your dream to succeed, that is a great asset because it keeps you humble and willing to accept KNOWLEDGE from others. As you keep PECKING, ask for new strength and press on in the face of risk!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 43

 

PECKING toward your future will introduce you to conflict. Remain calm! Before you “fight”, you must select where and when to direct aggression. To heal any conflict, you have to give up the need for revenge, retaliation and being right and “fight” for the greater good. This requires you to exercise patience, wisdom and faith in God’s goodness. As you PECK, choose your battles wisely!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 44

 

Before you credit extenuating circumstances beyond your control to your achievement or failure, you must admit that you are a victim or victor of your own making because of a key decision. This level of self-honesty takes COURAGE! Your decisions set the course for your life. Past decisions and their consequences can be offset by decisions you make now. Hold yourself accountable for your decisions and exercise the process of reflection, discernment and decision.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 45

 

Being overwhelmed by your feelings as you start PECKING and acting upon God’s will for your life is normal. You will face emotions like fearing you will fail and have only yourself to blame. Maybe you’ll feel sad and ashamed of past mistakes. Don’t judge yourself. All of this is normal, and God is right there with you, promising to never leave you nor forsake you (Deut. 31:6). Don’t quit! Get out of your feelings and KEEP PECKING!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 46

 

No matter what stage you find yourself in while PECKING, you will encounter instances that tempt you to “fight”. But, before you fight, you must determine if it’s winning or your love of fighting that is driving you. There are things in your life that have conditioned a fight-prone personality. We have to fight to love, live and survive. However, think deeply to understand whether the spoils justify the fight. Don’t allow an old, fight-loving mentality destroy all that you’ve built during the PECKING process.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 47

 

God will equip you with KNOWLEDGE that will prompt you when it’s time to disengage from a relationship or process. Before you back away, accept that conflict can be an opportunity for true love and grace to flow! Don’t make the mistake of believing people must agree on every issue to be agreeable. Welcome the opportunity to talk to those with whom you might disagree. Be COURAGEOUS enough to look for peace in the midst of conflict.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 48

 

POSITIONING is a matter of strategy, and this strategy requires you to listen to God’s voice! Going off on your own will put you completely out of place and in a prime location for destruction. Heed God’s voice. Without His KNOWLEDGE and wisdom, there’s no way you will ever know where you are supposed to be. Get alone. Get quiet. Now, listen as God reveals to you the POSITION He has for you.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 49

 

God wants to update your files with new KNOWLEDGE and information! Being equipped with old information prevents you from accurately distinguishing friend from foe, causing you to fight off the very people to whom God has EXPOSED you in order for them to help you! God often sends help in unlikely places from unexpected sources. As God directs you, learn to put away your sword and open up your heart!

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 50

 

Before you run, realize that it is usually the easy way out! Your new journey takes COURAGE! If you’re always running away from your problems, you will never mature into the person God designed you to be. Maturity requires that you know how to discern and decide when to run and when to figure out how to make something work. Be COURAGEOUS enough to stand firm and no longer make flight your customary response.

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 51

 

Making assumptions prevents you from respecting differences and learning from others. POSITIONING and EXPOSURE necessitate that you spend time with people who are different from you. It takes COURAGE, but the resulting KNOWLEDGE is priceless. When you only interact with people who look like you and think like you, you have no checks and balances to avoid extremes and to provide wisdom. Be patient in the new relationships God has given you, and look for the deep things that can unite you with others.

 

 

WTAL - 52 Days of Pecking Orders - Day 52

 

We’ve reached the final day of The 52 Days of Pecking Orders, but don’t stop! Don’t turn back! Your POSITION has changed! You’ve been EXPOSED to things you’ve never seen! You’re more COURAGEOUS than you’ve ever been! You have new KNOWLEDGE to help in the days ahead! Now that you have all this, this is not the time to kick up your feet and relax. Go forth

and possess all that God has for you. Fulfill His purpose for your life and watch Him take you to an even greater level!

And, I want to hear from you! Post your experiences below, and let me know how your life has changed during these 52 days!

 

Now, let’s end these 52 days in prayer…

 

Lord, we thank you for what you’ve done during these 52 days, and we ask you to continue guiding us to greater heights in you. Use us to accomplish your will in the earth. We ask that you continue speaking to our hearts as we go further, knowing we can do nothing apart from you. With you as our support and our Leader, we will keep carrying out our PECKING ORDERS!

 

In Your Name we pray,

Amen!

You Reap What You Sow...Develop the Mind of the Spirit...Get Away with God

You Reap What You Sow

Galatians 6:7…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap

As God’s representative here on earth, your purpose is to do right and glorify God. When you do right, you bring God glory by manifesting His excellence in a tangible way.

 

One way you can bring Him glory is in the way you treat people. There are many practical ways you can be a blessing to others. You can build others up by giving them a compliment. You can express your appreciation and acknowledge people by giving them a pat on the back or writing them a note of encouragement.

 

You can also take advantage of opportunities to listen to people and lend a helping hand when they need it. You can believe the best of others and offer forgiveness to those who have offended you.

 

I encourage you to treat everybody with love and respect. You will not only glorify God, you will also receive blessings by reaping what you sow.

 

Develop the Mind of the Spirit

Romans 8:6

As a young Christian, I was always trying to figure out the “why behind everything and planning excessively for what was ahead. But one day God required me to give it up. He showed me that reasoning is the opposite of trust.

 

The Bible tells us that the mind of the flesh is sense and reason without the Holy Spirit. It is being hostile to God and refusing to submit to His ways. But the mind of the Spirit is life and soul peace.

 

If you want to be free of trying to figure everything out, you can develop the mind of the Spirit by constantly renewing your mind with the Word. Little by little, the Word will wash away the wrong thinking and replace it with truth….follow that truth instead of your own ability to reason things out and you will have new life and peace.

 

Get Away with God

Matthew 11:28-30

That sounds good, doesn’t it? I have had enough “heavy stuff” in my life, and I want to enjoy freedom. When you are overloaded with the cares of life, you need some help. Your mind needs rest from worrying, your emotions need rest from being upset, and your will needs a rest from stubbornness and rebellion. So you need to be humble enough to call out to God and say, “I need help!”

 

Your beginning does not have to dictate your ending. Get God involved in every area of your life and allow Him to lead you into “real rest”.

 

 

Victory is Always on The Way

Victory is Always on the Way

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ...”

(2 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV)

TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria

Isn’t it wonderful to know that God promises to always lead us into victory? That means no matter what is going on in your life today, no matter what’s happening in the world around you, no matter what anybody says, you should always be thanking God because victory is always on the way! You don’t have to wait for everything to be perfect before you decide to celebrate what God is going to do in your life. Praise is putting action behind your faith. In the middle of adversity or a tough time, start making a list of who you’re going to invite to your victory celebration. That means if you’re in the hospital, start planning what you’re going to do when you get out. If you lost some money when the stock market went down, start planning your coming-out-of-debt party. When things don’t look good in the natural, remember, we serve a supernatural God. With God leading you into victory, you can always plan for increase. You can plan for restoration. You can plan for a comeback, and you can plan for victory because He is leading and guiding you in Jesus’ name!

A PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I give You thanks and praise today for the promise of victory. Give me Your vision for the future so that I can move confidently into the abundant life You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.

— Joel & Victoria Osteen