On Wednesday night, I took someone to emergency and saw much more than I wanted to see.  Was there for a total of 7 hours.  ER was very busy upon check in, so we were brought to "overflow".  This ended up being the triage area right in the ER.  We were positioned in the main hallway outside of triage rooms.  While there, I witnessed and overheard many things that distressed me.  I saw a group of medical staff rush in with a man having seizures due to alcohol poisoning.  He fought them as they attempted to treat him.  They saved him.  Three different police escorts came with people strapped down to gurneys.  Apparently the severe restraint was because these were a danger to themselves and others.  Overdoses and withdrawal issues were being treated.  A man in a severe schizophrenic episode battled hospital staff as he followed the "voices" warning him he was in danger. A very sweet, but clearly anxious elderly man accompanied his wife who came in experiencing chest pains.  He was protective of her, making sure the drapes stayed closed for her privacy.  He was also fearful; leaving the room in tears at one point, tears I believe he did not want her or me to see.  A frail elderly woman laid on a hospital bed in the hallway next to us.  She was there when we came at 5:30pm, she was there when we left at 12:30am.  The nursing staff had repeatedly tried to contact her family to pick her up with no luck.  Towards the end of our visit, a large blue tent the size of a hospital bed was brought into a dark triage room and then rolled out.  I am assuming a body of a deceased person was under the covering. 

To stand there and wait that long, not being able to "do" anything was a challenge for me.  I kept thinking, "LORD, if you were here, you would heal and set free."   Then I thought, "But He is here.  He is in me and anyone other believer in this space."  It was uncomfortable.  I definitely had intense urges to lay hands on people.  I only received a faint whisper, "Sing."  I obeyed; putting one ear piece in and playing a set of songs.  I have no idea what God did or will do as a result.  One day I will find out. 

Also this week within the contract position I've taken (referenced in last week's blog), I've listened to a wide variety of different states of medical needs.  More than anything what I hear underlying each situation is emotional and mental distress.  Peoples' anxiety levels are high with a clear sense of urgency to find relief. 

Within this contract position, God continued to turn conversations in a spiritual direction.  Today as someone shared something with me, I gave a response that, "often times the chaos in our physical life is a direct reflection of the chaotic state of our spiritual life".  It stopped her.  She said, "You're right!  I really like that. I have to write that down."  She thanked me for being direct and using scripture with her.  She asked about any meditations I might be doing in Rochester soon.  Another person repeatedly asked when another session would be and told her co-worker about it.  They plan on coming! 

Regarding physical chaos often paralleling spiritual chaos, I speak from personal experience and through the wisdom I have cried out for.  I had a severe amount of chaos in my life, in my mind and in my emotions when my spiritual life did not line up with God's Word.  In the beginning of my relationship with Christ, I was not surrendered.  I wanted things with God my way.  He refused that offer.  He does not allow us to write our own prescriptions on how to get well.  We must surrender.

Thankfully, we have a good Father who will wrestle against our willful flesh.  He will resist us.  He will allow spiritual hunger and spiritual thirst to develop to a point where our souls "pant".  He allows a state of desperation and anxiety that, too often, we ourselves create.  He is always there.  He doesn't leave; we resist.  We disconnect. 

Psalm 42:1-2 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.  My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  When can I go and meet with God?

Christians are privileged not to have to "go" anywhere and meet with the Great Physician.  Jesus has come to us, His Spirit within us, just a soul cry away.  He came to heal the sick, Matthew 9:12-13.

A Christian woman told me this week that she has been holding my blog emails in a folder, intent on reading them at some point.  She finally got to some last week and said she took significant time reading through many posts.  Tears came immediately after she began to tell me that she tried the exercise of letting the Holy Spirit pray for her.  That week's blog can be found here.  She was deeply moved in that prayer time with God.  "His presence was immediate!" 

That Christian woman has been the biggest blessing all week of the spiritual conversations I've had.  She stands out from them all.  Why?  Her intent for more of God were not mere words, she acted.  And she gave Him glory.  The joy and relief that welled up in her eyes was a testament to the Good Father who sweetly kissed and gave satisfying spiritual drink to his daughter.  As a result, she signed up to fast and participate in an upcoming session.  Satisfying time with God makes us long for more of Him!

I hope you take time with Him, desperate for Him.  Jesus will not reject anyone.  He longs to reach in and stop the hemorrhaging, the emotional and mental chaos.  It will bring life to your mortal (physical) body, Romans 8:11, Psalm 51:8-12.  Please check out the calendar page HERE and make note of the sessions scheduled for September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, and December 7th.   Plan on attending one or more!

On a final note, thank you SO VERY MUCH to those of you who have donated or have become one of my first strategic partners.  What an expression of God's promise to provide you have been!  So thankful for you! 

As an fyi, online donations via Paypal are batched weekly by our 501c3 fiscal sponsor.  This means that I don't see the report detail until the following week.  I am a bit behind on sending out thank you cards.  God is providing!  Thank you to anyone who is connecting with God's mission through Into the Waters!  While I continue seeking out monthly strategic partners, I very much appreciate one time donations if you feel so led.  You can donate online HERE.

May you be richly blessed in claiming His promises and developing intimacy with the King of All!  Press in!  He is near! 

Acts 17:27-28a- God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being...







    

In order to supplement income as I establish strategic partners for the ministry, I started a part-time position this week. It requires 2 weeks full-time training, this week being the first. After I will work part-time Monday to Wednesday. It has been a long week of employee training overload, So I am posting later and it will be shorter, yet hopefully intelligible. :)

Have you seen the large billboard south of the 490 exchange, on 590N? It says, "Meditate. Now". It is an ad for a local Yoga type business. Meditation is increasingly permeating our culture and is catching my attention.  I hope it is catching yours also. 

Yoga language is becoming part of our culture's communication style. As a result of yoga becoming more popular, interest and receptivity to meditation is growing. 

Within my training experience today, a manager closed a department meeting with, "Namaste". Quite a few responded in kind.  Also within this week of training, I observed a Muslim woman using her break for prayer. I met a woman who showed her custom Hindu necklace that she made. A Catholic told me about her good luck saint beads and what prayer means to her. I met a Christian intercessor (who is leaving due to promotion elsewhere). I touched base with a good Christian friend who works in the department. A woman I don't know ( but who attends my church) recognized me in a meeting and came over, giving me a big hug in front of everyone. I met a Pentecostal local missionary. I ate lunch with a woman who opened up telling me about her recent child loss and betrayal of her family. I trained all week with a woman who took courage and asked me today, "What is the difference between a Christian church and a Christian community church?" I kept it simple telling her it was about relationship with God and connection with others, not religion and rules, inviting her to my church. What a week!

All of these conversations came as a result of telling people I just started a non-profit that offers biblical meditation and prayer resources! The word meditation piqued interest immediately. It was especially encouraging to see how spiritually curious they were! Several asked multiple questions about biblical meditation. They wanted business cards. They wanted more detail, were warm and kind and receptive to me. Quite unexpectedly, simply because I was willing to let go and trust God by taking this job, a world opened up to spiritually inquisitive people! People God loves and longs for!

God’s thoughts are not our thoughts; His ways are not our ways, Isaiah 55:8.

My phrase above "simply because I was willing to let go and take the job"... was not that simple at all. These last couple of weeks have been heavy with intense pressure and struggle about what to do and how to proceed.

The part-time job will cover only 1/3 of my monthly expenses and is only 12 hours per week. But I know He wants me there. And it leaves time for me to minister and continue with Into the Waters. I trust Him to pour out the rest of the provision I need. It was not a logical decision to take the job; it was based upon faith! (Stand with me! Donate to this new prayer ministry!)

Here is how I decided what to do, i.e. to take the job or not take the job...

I pressed in to get His thoughts. I shared my confusion on what to do with my closest (and biblically grounded) friends. My prayer partner stood with me in a day to fast and pray. I pressed in with more time in worship, praying through extended sets of songs. I kept agreeing in prayer with what He has been whispering… for divine provision and abundance, even though I can’t yet see with my human eyes. I was on my knees, face to the floor in a "birthing position". I confessed my weaknesses and insisted like a little child that my daddy rescue and be strong on my behalf. I meditated on His truths.

I was not alone in this decision. I reached out to my closest Christian family and God. His Word was a lamp to my feet and light to my path.

As Christians, we are not alone! You are not meant to be alone!  Experience this in a prayer and worship setting!  Come to one, several, or ALL of the FIRST WEDNESDAY Worship and Prayer sessions Into the Waters is holding. Please invite a friend to attend with you!

We will:
- Confess weaknesses, approach Him in childlike faith.
- We will call on His Name.
- Press in to get His thoughts.
- Share any confusion and get prayer from biblically grounded intercessor(s).
- I will stand with you to fast and pray each Wednesday of the sessions. As an option, take an extended step of faith, make a sacrifice that denies flesh, and fast in advance of the session. (Sign up and I'll send you page that gives some beginners some instruction and scriptural explanation.)
- We will press in with sweet worship, learning how to pray through an extended set of songs.
- We will meditate upon and proclaim His promises for ourselves and loved ones.
- You will learn and practice how to agree in prayer for the life, provision, abundance He offers!!!

Don’t miss the blessing of lingering longer with God! Don’t miss out on receiving prayer! Don’t stand alone in the battles you or your loved ones are facing!

There is supernatural community and life accessible from the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the original designer of meditation! His light illuminates temples made of flesh.  His light gives eternal life and shines within those who in childlike faith believe and receive! 

2 Corinthians 4:6-7- For God, who said “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.…

(This blog details a bit about intercession, its blessing and power as a divine weapon of warfare to advance God’s will in the world, for ourselves, our loved ones, and the Body of Christ.  Also at the end of this week’s blog are 2 ways to receive blessing from intercession through Into the Waters.)

Intercession opens up the door to meeting with the God who never changes.  Yet with intercession, our God is willing to and will change his mind.  He will destroy works of darkness through your intercession.  He will be merciful to those who do not deserve mercy because you cry out.  
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To intercede is to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, fall upon with force, strike, attack.  There is EARNEST persistence in intercession; there is proper application of God’s power and authority in the requests.  See Ephesians 1:19-23 as just one example referencing the greatness of power available to Christians because Christ is seated above all other authority. 

Christian, you are seated next to Christ, Ephesians 2:6. How do you put to use the authority you’ve been given, 1 Peter 2:9?  Are you confident in your prayers?  Do you speak in Christ’s authority?  Many people sound unsure of themselves and unsure of God when they pray, not truly understanding the authority they’ve been given, unsure of God’s heart in a matter, or how to put their authority into divine play for victory.

Intercession is very powerful.  Prayer is a divine weapon of warfare that destroys strongholds and abolishes thoughts contrary to Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. 

Yet few, very few, seem willing to press in at length, fall upon God with force, calling Heaven down.  It is a shame really because a world of adventure and intimate fellowship with God awaits!

Off topic slightly, regarding a world of adventure, I would either want to be a spy given special access to overhear wicked plots so I could help expose and defeat their dastardly plans; or, I would want to be an NFL referee.  Both are fanciful and ridiculous requests because as a human spy, I would most certainly be found out immediately.  And as a referee, its inevitable I would run the wrong way and be flattened like a pancake, knocked unconscious probably on the first play.  

Now back on topic… In the sweetness of God knowing my heart for this type of adventure, He “sort of” makes a way…  without all the danger for capture, torture, and possible concussions and girlie screams.  How?  Intercession!  Might sound ridiculous; but to the childlike willing to believe, it is true!  Intercession can be a world of adventure!

When the LORD first started teaching me about the power of intercession, He revealed some things to myself and a few others like we were spies on assignment.  It was 2003; and the Iraqi war was beginning.  A man from my church felt like God was asking him to gather people to intercede once a week at 6am for God’s intervention in the war.  God wanted sacrificial commitment, hence meeting at 6am.  There were 5 of us who joined him.  Within the first month of the war, a deck of cards was released by US armed forces that had names and faces of terrorists assigned to each suit and card rank.  Saddam Hussein was the “Ace of Spades”.  God highlighted Saddam’s card to me; and I remember telling our group God wanted to capture the “Ace of Spades”.  So we prayed for it.  I remember specifically praying that he be found in a hole.  Just 9 months later, he was found cowering in a hole!  It was with this announcement that the rush of intercession as adventure became reality for me!  God was allowing me to be a spiritual spy! 

Since then, the assignments have continued; but focused within the Body of Christ.  In similar fashion, He’s made me aware of threats and dangers and has had me praying protection and blessing and sanctification over certain leaders.
 
Did you know that Billy Graham had an intercessor named Pearle Goode who followed him to as many of his locations as possible and interceded while he preached?  Why do you think Anna is mentioned at the birth of Christ?  Why was she allowed to hold him, proclaim him, and recognize him immediately?  She was a prophetic intercessor in place for his coming, Luke 2:36-38.

When you pursue God given call, you will face spiritual opposition.  Read Exodus 17:8-16.  It details spiritual war with the divine weapons of worship and intercession in play.  Notice verse 16.  The LORD will be at war with the Amalekites from generation to generation.  It’s continual. God is at war against evil, until all Christ’s enemies become a footstool underneath his feet, Hebrews 1:13. 

In Exodus 17 Moses, Aaron, and Hur lifted up hands to God so Joshua and the Israelite army could win.  So too we are to hold up hands for those on the battle field.  Divine weapons must be in play for victory.  Challenge yourself to offer up a prayer when you are listening to Sunday sermons, insist that dead bones would come alive, that in the name of Jesus sleepy Christians would wake up! 

Earnest intercession is effective and powerful.  I’ve been able to stand back and observe in many instances what God has done in response to praying according to His will for certain leaders.  He has revealed plots against them.  He has removed threats.  He has brought discipline.  He has brought messages of encouragement and hope.  He has strengthened and sustained them in seasons of trial and weariness.   If you are an intercessor, you have these tales to tell (but will keep the details to yourself).

God’s Word says that YOU (Christian) can be just like Elijah, James 5:17-18.  If you want it, it is yours to pursue and claim.  You must be earnest as Elijah was.  Revisit the spiritual exploits and victories of Elijah in 1 Kings 17 to 1 Kings 21 and 2 Kings 1 and 2.   God wants more intercessors!  Your family needs intercession!  Your neighbor needs intercession!  Your church leaders need intercession!  Your city needs intercession!  The upcoming presidential elections need intercession!

Not only is intercession a divine weapon against evil, it is often a cry for God to be merciful.  Our God will change his mind and relent on a decision.  God changed his mind with King Hezekiah, extending his life by 15 years and upending His own laws of nature (sending the sun backwards in time) as a sign to Hezekiah that he would be healed (2 Kings 20:1-11).  Our heartfelt cries for mercy are simple acts bringing divine intervention and healing, 2 Kings 20:5.  God even had mercy on King Ahab, notable as the most evil king of Israel.  Ahab cried out for mercy, 1 Kings 21:25-29.

What other nation (God’s people) is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him, Deuteronomy 4:7?  Intercede for your nation, 2 Chronicles 7:13-16, Psalm 85. 

Finally, regarding intercession, do you want to experience the blessing?  Here are 2 ways to be blessed by God’s gift, for greater intimacy and Spirit-empowered life:

1.  Receive blessing… Become a strategic partner of the ministry- 
   1. I’ve begun to meet with people seeking out strategic partners.  For those who will strategically partner in the work of this new prayer ministry, I will gift back to you weekly intercession coverage of you, your family, your business, your kingdom call.  I am very encouraged in the few meetings I’ve already had!  God is connecting me to people who are passionate for God, leaders in their spheres of influence, and who believe in the effectual power of intercession as a weapon for victory.  We do not wage war the way the world does, our weapons are mighty in God for the destruction of strongholds, 2 Corinthians 10:3-4.  If you would like to meet with me and find out more about becoming a strategic partner that receives regular intercession, please email me at [email protected].     I will send you a couple of pages to review and then we can meet or talk via phone to discover areas for intercession.  This number will be limited to 10 right now so I can dedicate the proper time for coverage and continue ministering via prayer sessions and creating prayer content.
2. Stir up your gift of intercession-
   1. Attend 4 “Worship-prayer” sessions, using music for intercession.  Every 1st Wednesday of the month from September to December 2016 in room 303 at Webster Recreation Center starting at 7pm.  Visit the calendar page for more information.  The Wednesday dates are September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, and December 7th.  Each session will start at 7 pm and wrap up by 8:45 pm.  Worship music will be used as inspiration for our intercessory prayers.  “Worship-prayer” is often how I pray for longer periods of time.  If you want to read more about this form of prayer, please read this article from International House of Prayer- http://www.ihopkc.org/resources/blog/music-enhances-prayer/

Caterpillars have 6 sets of “simple” eyes, only able to distinguish between variations of light, unable to see detail or color.  When transformed into a butterfly, they are given an extra set of eyes, called Compound eyes.  With this new set of eyes, butterflies see a much larger spectrum of light and color than the human eye.  They can see ultra violet light, which is a frequency of colors beyond violet.  Humans only see color from 3 sets of cones: blue, green, and red and are unable to detect ultra-violet light.  

In their new set of eyes, butterflies have photo receptors giving them increased range of sight, now able to see in 360 degrees.  As well they have increased range of color and pattern perception able to spot the ultra violet light patterns on particular leaves and flowers.   These light patterns lead them to the sweet nectar they need to thrive and fulfill their God-given purpose.

Look at the pictures above, going back and forth, comparing the simple eyes to the compound eyes. It is obvious how much more light enters the transformed eyes.   Metamorphosis!

Most are aware metamorphosis is a beautiful concept in the Bible.  It’s an exclusive promise to Christians, a promise to be made new, Ephesians 4:23, 2 Corinthians 5:17. 

He transforms the lowly; Psalm 138:6, Matthew 18:4, 1 Corinthians 1:28, Philippians 3:21.

Continually confessing our lowly place and state is a doorway of blessing in prayer.  Christ himself took this place, associating himself below the caterpillar, as a worm (Psalm 22:6-8).  He says he is slave of all (Mark 10:44-45).  He humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-11).

Christ didn’t go into a cocoon.  He went into the ground in death, resurrected by the power of the Father in Heaven, Ephesians 1:20.  We have the blessing of entering a perpetual cocoon for continual transformation, Romans 12:1-2.  He wants to give us supernatural eyes in INCREASING MEASURE that replace our simple eyes.  He gives us His nature, indwelling us with Himself.  It is surrendering to Holy Spirit in us that gives us supernatural vision leading us to the divine nectar, the holy beauty and life accessible in Christ.   But we must surrender.

• Prayer confession:          "In and of myself, I am simple."
  • Simple- from H6601; silly (that {is} seducible):- {foolish} simple
• Prayer confession:          "Apart from Christ, I sit in darkness."
  • Darkness- from the base of G4639; shadiness that is obscurity (literally or figuratively):- darkness.
• Prayer confession:          "In and of myself, I lack understanding."
  • Understanding- A primitive root; to separate mentally (or {distinguish}), generally to understand:- {attend} {consider} be {cunning} {direct} {discern} {inform} {instruct} have {intelligence}…

Anyone who holds these convictions on a continual basis, and confesses so to God, is safe within the perpetual catch and release cocoon of God.  Unlike a caterpillar, our cocoon is not one time, it is continual.  Because unlike caterpillars, we possess dual natures, one of flesh and one of Christ’s Spirit.  These 2 natures are at odds- Galatians 5:16-17.

Galatians 5:16-17- So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 

We are called to not indulge the flesh; rather serve one another humbly in love, Galatians 5:13.

I confess this is my biggest struggle.  My nature wants to exalt; God's nature says "serve".  I literally feel the wrestling of these 2 opposing natures within me.    I suppose because it is that much of a match against wills within me?!  I don’t know; but that is how it feels and taking it to God is my first place for relief.

It takes directed effort for me to take hard stops and surrender.  I must go to God for help in wrestling this flesh nature to the ground and let the Holy Spirit rise up in me.  I need His words to give me understanding and redirect my earth bound thought to the fruit of the Spirit.  I must come to Him repeatedly with the circumstances and relationships of life and ask for wisdom and understanding.  Often, VERY OFTEN, my small and simple thoughts are residing in the dark place under the leaf. 

He invites us to look up and see the spectrum of light hidden from our human eyes, the supernatural life and power that is found only in Christ’s light.

Here is a prayer exercise for the simple who want greater understanding.  It is based upon repeating Psalm 119:130. 

Psalm 119:130- The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

(As you begin, ask the Holy Spirit to give you supernatural eyes to see. 
Then repeat Psalm 119:130 to yourself 5-7 times.  As you say it each time, emphasize a different word or combination of words. Here is an example, add a couple more variations if you want.)

The UNFOLDING of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
The unfolding of YOUR WORDS gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
The unfolding of your words GIVES LIGHT; it gives understanding to the simple.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it GIVES UNDERSTANDING to the simple.
The unfolding of your words gives light; it GIVES UNDERSTANDING TO THE SIMPLE.

Ask God in what ways are you looking with simple eyes?  (For me as an example, his response was… “Fear of the unknown.” ……… “You are safe.”)

RESPOND WITH THANKS AND EXPRESS YOUR DEPENDENCE on any words He gives that give you light and spiritual understanding.  With eyes of faith proclaim and thank him from your heart for His nature which gives and saves.

Christian proclamation- “I was once darkness, but now I am light in the Lord.  Lead me to fruit of the light which is all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” 

BLESSINGS!