​Jesus said in John 14:25, we would be reminded of His promises because He would send the Holy Spirit to remind us.   Then He says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

He has left his peace with his believers.  We must respond.  We must bring ourselves into His presence for peace.

I woke this morning very troubled.  I confess many of the things going on in this nation have me carrying burdens that cause me concern.  It's stealing my peace.  I instinctively know that when I am restless in this way, I need Jesus to calm me.  This morning I read Psalm 94 verse 18 and it expressed what I was feeling.  I felt as though I was slipping.  The psalmist captured what I couldn't put words to.  My emotions were feeling like they were in a continual state of slipping.  Typically slipping only lasts a split second and then you are either on the ground or you've stabilized.  But to have a lingering feeling of being in the state of slipping is very uncomfortable.  I needed to bring myself into His presence for him to make that uncomfortable feeling go away.  I needed His peace.

Jesus is always concerned about any state of heart trouble we are in.  He cares about your anxieties and wants to allay our fears.  He has always known and still knows that the message of the world will steal our peace, creating anxiety and trouble within.  So He has sent His helper, the Advocate, to calm, soothe, and still us, to remind us of the supernatural peace that Christ gives. 

Today let’s work with the Holy Spirit and pray into the peace Christ has left us. 

Let's pray...   GO THROUGH EACH BULLET POINT SLOWLY.  DON'T RUSH YOURSELF.  (note- if you want to be led in an audio version of this, please go to the Podcast tab above and listen to episode 135- Agreeing with Jesus' promise for peace)

• Read God's word- Psalm 94:18- If I say, “My foot is slipping,”  Your loving devotion, O LORD, supports me.
• Stop and consider.  Do you feel this way?  Tell God if you feel like you are slipping.
• Read out loud- Psalm 94:19- When anxiety overwhelms me, your consolations delight my soul.  (Consolations are his comforts, his countenance, his life shared with you through the Holy Spirit in you.)
• Respond by asking-  "Calm me LORD.  Soothe and still me within Jesus."  Close your eyes and ask for His comfort.
• Stop and consider- What are you troubled about today?  Close your eyes, and take some deep breaths, think about what is bothering you.
• Now to tell Him what is troubling you within.  (examples - "I'm not sure what is bothering me, but I'm feeling anxious."  Or "I'm worried about ____ [fill in the blank])
• Hear Jesus’ words to you- , “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
• Repeat His words OUT LOUD.   “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
• Be reminded of Jesus’ words in John 15:7-9  Remain in me and let my words remain in you.  If I remain in you, ask whatever you desire and it shall be done for you.  Remain in my love.
• See Jesus present with you.  Imagine Him saying this to you- My word to remain in you is that I will never leave you or forsake you.  My word to you is that I am with you wherever you go.  My word to you is that I am a Good Shepherd, therefore as you follow Me, you lack nothing.  Remain in me.  My word to you is that no weapon formed against you shall prosper.  My word to you is that I am greater in you than any other force in the world.  No one will snatch you out of my hand.  I forgive you.  I remove your sin.  I make you new.  I count your tears.  I see your sorrow.  I give you a crown of beauty in exchange for your ashes.  I will complete the good work I have begun in you.  Look to me because I am the author of your faith.  I am the finisher of your faith. 
• Now see yourself looking to Jesus, at Jesus.  Reach out your hand for His life to fill you.  (close your eyes and see yourself looking at Jesus.  Bow your head.  Open your hands as an act of humbly receiving.  See him laying His hand on your head and praying for you.  Wait quietly as He prays for you.)
• By faith hear Christ speaking over you, “Peace be still.”
• Agree with the Holy Spirit, repeat Christ’s words to your soul, “Peace be still.”  “Peace be still.”  "Peace be still."  Just keep repeating those words in His presence for as long as you want… 

After you are done, share this exercise with a friend!

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My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.—Psa. 63:8

I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate. The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain.   - AW Tozer, “The Pursuit of God”

We need to wake up.  All is not yet over in this uncomfortable season that we are in.  As AW Tozer wrote over 50 years ago, God is waiting to be wanted.   In this season, is He waiting for us in vain?  

What are we waiting for?  For things to go back to normal?  For routine?  Eating out?  Socializing?  Entertaining?  Attending events?  Traveling?  Shopping?   All life activities that are normal, but in no means necessary.  Have you replaced some of that time with a fresh pursuit of God?

What if our pursuit of God played critical part of transforming brokenness into God's glory?

2 Chronicles 7:14- if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land

Humbling ourselves.  Taking initiative.  Our soul following HARD after him...

He's waiting...

Yesterday I started the day uploading a podcast I had recorded the day before.  Then after, I went for a walk using it to spur me on for the day.  I spent 45 minutes listening to God’s word, proclaiming God’s word, praying God’s word for myself and others.  Before you think I am patting myself on the back, wait for what happened next.

I went home and ate breakfast.  I changed clothes, and headed out for a simple task to get my vehicle inspected because it was due.  Yes, I waited to the last day of the month.  However, my check engine light had been on for weeks and I was hoping it would go off.  When I had gotten into the Jeep that morning it was off!  So just in time!  Just in time for a spiritual test...

What I thought was going to be an easy task, ate up my whole day.  For the first place I went, 3 bays were opened with cars in line.  I was one of them.  After about 15 minutes, I noticed a bay on the end, the only one that had a BIGGGGG banner across it that said "NY state inspections".  Since it was an oil change place, I figured that they had that special bay just for inspections... so as to not interrupt efficient flow of getting cars in and out for oil changes.  So I moved from my position; and went partially into that bay to ask.  No sooner do I do this, and a man with a stern look comes into the bay and starts waving his arms in upset for me to leave the bay.  I open my window and attempt to tell him I just needed an inspection and he barks out, “Get in line with everyone else.”  I told him that I was in line before; but since there was a sign on this bay for inspections…  He talks over me, cuts me off and says “unless I own the building, I should not be driving into the bay without first being ushered in”.   I was shocked.  Clearly he took great offense at what I had done, and refused to listen to my reasoning.  He stayed intense, and began motioning with his arms, using airplane controller type movements to silence me and get me to back out of the partial entry I made into the bay.

Well.  I could not believe how rude he was!  So I thought, “Forget you.  I’m leaving.”  I didn’t want to be serviced there.  I took offense at him taking offense.  So off I went to find another place and the next places required appointments.  So much for trying to stay close to home.  I decided to go to my normal place 20 minutes away.  Upon arriving, same backlog of cars for bays.  I was told it would be a wait of a couple of hours.  Okay. 

Long story short, 3 hours pass, during which time I leave and walk across to Wegmans.  I come back when its finished, only to check out to be wrongly charged for something they were to do (tire rotation), but didn’t do, but said they did.  I see my paperwork on the seat, read that they didn’t do it, bring back my receipt for a refund and the confusion ensues for an additional 10 minutes.  In the confusion I find myself short-tempered with them for arguing with me when they themselves typed the note into the system of not completing the work, which is also clearly on my paperwork. 

The manager admits he forgot it, which I do believe was sincere.  But then they couldn’t figure out how to refund the money.  At this point of the day, I have lost my patience and let them know I cannot continue to stay, to please figure it out and call me when it is done.  

Why am I detailing all of this?  Because this was a wake-up call to me.  I spent a good portion of the previous night in a 1 hour prayer walking session, then an hour interceding for the nation later on, then waking up to another prayer walk for an hour.  I was very disturbed with lack of Spirit led response. 

I knew that I did not extend grace to the manager who was being kind to me, but he was just overwhelmed with how busy they were.  He was clearly the one trying to help, apologizing for the mistake, and even though he couldn’t figure out how to refund me, was indeed trying to resolve it.  Plus, I knew that at the time I was leaving they had about 10-12 cars lined up in 3 bays all waiting for hours.  He was under tremendous pressure, and I knew it was like this for them all day.

So I dealt with myself.  I had a good talking to myself and with God.  I was not a jerk to them, but I was impatient and had let the earlier situation get me stewing and upset.  I had opportunity to speak and act in a way to reveal Jesus; but didn’t.

Just as soon as I was finishing up talking to God about this and evaluating myself, the manager calls and says he worked it out reversing the incorrect charge.  I had a much different frame of mind after repentance and was kinder, and expressed empathy.  He ended the call by adding he would not charge me for the inspection either because he felt badly about the inconvenience and time.  And invited me to come back another time, so he could look at my tires for free, and figure out how to get the stuck lug nuts off and complete the work.    

Again, why do I tell you all of this?  Because folks we are in different times.  And people are easily set off; and as a Christian we must have a spirit of self-control and a grace and mercy that stands out.  If I am in prayer all that time, yet letting the fact that things happened that ate up my whole day, and then snuffing out my light, how great of a witness am I?  This is not a time to be stewing within.  It's not a time to be demanding.  We may have to take some hits.  We may have to be like Jesus right now.  Yes.  It's time.  Let's be like Jesus, no offense.  I am saying that to myself and praying for the Spirit's work in me. 

He answers.  More time in prayer, more time with God makes us much more self-aware.  Why?  The Spirit is answering our prayers to make us more like Jesus.  If you want a "less of me, more of you" exercise, try episode #84 podcast from last week.  Found at this link, just scroll down to the episode.

Anybody who would have observed me yesterday might say, “What’s the big deal?  Anyone would have been annoyed.”  That’s not the point.  The point is revival within.  I'm not to be anybody.  I am to be a reflection of Christ.  And it is so desperately needed in me, it is so desperately needed in you.  It is a time to walk with the peace of Christ and reveal Him.

As we approach the elections, you can be sure more chaos is around the corner.  Chaos and anarchy have not yet subsided really.  It is still abounding in some cities.  Murder rates are rising at alarming rates in New York, Chicago and other areas.  Lawlessness is breaking out.  30 million people just had their unemployment benefits end.  People are on edge and easily perturbed like I experienced at my first stop yesterday.

We need a wake up call to the times still.  Would you say Christians are awake?  Are we in revival mode?  Or are we just in a mode of frustration or complacency wanting for things to go back to normal?  It’s not going back to normal.  And in it all, God is waiting to be wanted.  He is waiting for a fire in our belly to burn for Him. 

He can intervene.  He can heal.  He can turn things around.  He can revive us.  But it begins with you.  It begins with me.  Non-essential activity vs essential activity.  Strip down to essentials…

“If we would find God amid all the religious externals we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity. Now as always God discovers Himself to "babes" and hides Himself in thick darkness from the wise and the prudent. We must simplify our approach to Him. We must strip down to essentials (and they will be found to be blessedly few). We must put away all effort to impress, and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond.” AW Tozer- The Pursuit of God

Give yourself a wake up call.  Assess if you are in a mode of revival or not.  Is the Spirit thriving in you?  Are you in hot pursuit?  Is God enough? 

If you want to go further in reading AW Tozer and the spiritual challenges he brings to bear, it might help in your wake-up call.  You can find it offered FREE from the Gutenburg project at this link- https://www.gutenberg.org/files/25141/25141-h/25141-h.htm

I highly recommend it.  I am re-reading it myself.

Otherwise, I have continued to release podcasts Monday-Friday.  I will highlight yesterday’s.  It is a 10 minute proclamation of blessing that you agree and proclaim.  Try using it while walking!  Listen to it more than once.  Let the truth of God’s blessings penetrate, take ownership of them!  Wake the sleeping giant within!  He’s waiting to be wanted!

Yesterday was part 1 of a podcast series on Hannah, a Hebrew hero of the faith who lived in 11th century BC. She endured years of persecution and shame, yet never lost faith in God. Her prayers were earnest and her vows holy. Next week, the series will end looking at her warrior song which foretold of the coming Messiah!

Hannah was a woman after God’s own heart. She is distinguished as one of the great women God chose to bear a son to lead his people as a prophet of renown. Her heart is one I marvel at, one who returned her miracle back to God! Her account is found in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.

She was not a woman of offense. She respected authority, even when they were wrong about her.

What would your response be if you went to church, were in the midst of passionately praying to the LORD when a pastor approaches you and accuses you of being drunk. This is how Eli the priest treated Hannah. Scripture says she was praying in her heart and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli had been watching her lips move; but no words coming out. He approaches and says “How long are you going to stay drunk? Put away your wine.”

In our day of offense, how quickly might we rise up with attitude and tell everyone about it after? "He thought I was drunk!" Yet Hannah is respectful in reply, “Not so, my lord I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.”

Eli backs down and answers , “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”

Hannah was humble and considered herself merely a maidservant.

In a world of #metoo, does Hannah offend you? Do you see her as weak or strong?

She humbly says goodbye to Eli without offense, “May your maidservant find favor in your eyes.”

Scripture then says, she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast. Early the next morning she and her husband arise and worship one more time before the Lord before going back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”

She prioritized worship and gave God everything, including her miracle!

Another season comes to go up and worship the LORD. Hannah remembers her vow and tells her husband that after she finishes weaning Samuel she will take him so that he may appear before the LORD and remain there forever.

Think about that. I have never given birth so cannot really know how selfless and painful that would have been to give your only child into the service of God. He was so little besides! Ancient Hebrew women would wean their children from the breast at around 3 years old. What can a 3 year old do in the temple? Well, it turns out that provision was made for males 3 years old and older, for those who served in the temple. This is referenced in 2 Chronicles 31:16. In our world though, it seems unthinkable to bring a 3 year old into God’s house for him to start serving. Not to be catered to; but to start serving God!

As you may be considering returning to your house of worship in this pandemic, is your heart in a position to serve or be served?

Hannah released her miracle... her promise into God’s hands for the service of God’s house!

​This is awesome.

Releasing a promise into God’s hands for service in God’s house.
Releasing a promise into God’s hands for service in his house.

I may not have a child to give. You may not have a child to give. But we have been given the Son of God and so have promises that God has given us through His miracle of life within us. We can return these things into God’s hands for service that brings glory to His name.

God calls us to be living sacrifices. We are the little Samuel’s. We are to give ourselves into His service. And to do so with joy and thankfulness! Hannah returned with her whole heart, bringing not just Samuel but bringing 3 bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought sin offerings, thank offerings, and a drink offering which was an aroma pleasing to the LORD. She returned not withholding anything; but giving God everything as gift!

Am I withholding anything? Are you withholding anything from God? Your children? Your time? Your plans? Your finances? Your will? Your spiritual gifts? Ask Him to help you release all things into His hands. God blessed Hannah. Scripture says He visited her after, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters after Samuel! He multiplied the miracle! We can't out-give God! Meanwhile the child Samuel grew before the LORD.

Consider what you might have. Even if merely broken pieces of bread, a few fish, even if just a widow’s mite. What it is doesn’t matter. The percentage of you of being all in for God does. Hannah gave 100%. The widow gave 100%. 100% for Him. 100% invested in His house and kingdom. 100% worship. Let Hannah’s heart inspire you into greater reliance and relationship with Jesus.

Let me pray for you. Agree with me as I pray-

"Lord you are 100% for us. Thank you Lord for visiting with this one. Let Hannah’s example rest in their mind and heart, may it cleanse and purify their desires. Renew them LORD, inspire them to return as living sacrifice, for your glory and kingdom. Help them realign any area of their life and prioritize you above all things. Bless and allow this one to miraculously conceive and supernaturally bear fruit for your glory! Returning to the house of the LORD with hands full of thankfulness, worship, service! May they return the miracle of life you have deposited within them to the praise and honor of your Name! Amen!"

Hello and Happy Friday, this is Gina from Into the Waters.  And today is a day to pray for you!  (Note: You can read the content below or you can listen to it in today's podcast found on our podcast tab above.  Or search for it on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Spreaker!)

Earlier today in the Peace Be Still's Private Group Facebook page, opened a prayer room through Facebook’s new “room” option.  Prayed for a few folks!  Prayed for some others in different settings as well, through church and also friends.  I’ve missed praying for people in person; but certainly, there is no poverty of options when it comes to connecting to pray for someone AND sharing it with them! 

After I pray for you, I hope you will take time to pray for another! Write it out, text it over, post it to their wall, send a recording of you praying from them.  Maybe surprise a Christian friend, a leader from your church, some faithful servant of God who would be greatly encouraged to receive a message from you of God’s love and mercy in the form of prayer!

Let’s pray…
I pray for a fresh expression of the light of Christ to be shed abroad in your heart, filling you with a new measure of love and eternal hope, given by the Holy Spirit who is in you from God.  (Romans 5:5)
I pray that you would abound in comfort from Christ.  That you would know God as the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who will comfort you in all your troubles, so you that can comfort others. ( 2 Cor 1:3-5)
I pray for you to experience the Shalom of God, peace that leads to wholeness, completeness, and soundness of mind.  Be blessed with His peace which surpasses understanding, guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:7).
I pray for you to receive strength from on high, that he would make your feet like the deer, enabling you to tread upon spiritual heights, reaching high places to the glory of God.  (Habakkuk 3:19)
I pray for you to experience the love of Christ though it is too great to understand fully, that you would be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God, made complete by all the life and power that comes from God.  (Ephesians 3:19)
I pray for your consolation in any mourning, for you to carry your ashes of disappointment, failure, broken dreams to God to receive a crown of beauty, the oil of His joy, instead of a spirit of despair.  (Isaiah 61:3)
I pray for you to have knowledge of His will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, that you would live a life worthy of God, pleasing Him in every way, growing in the knowledge of God and being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great patience and endurance. (Colossians 1:9-11)
I pray for you to be humble in heart, so that in due time Christ will exalt you.  (James 4:10)
I pray for the Spirit of the LORD to be upon you, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, that your delight should always be in a holy and reverent fear of the LORD.  (Isaiah 11:2-3) 
Amen!

May you pray this forward and bless another! Share with a friend!  

PRAYER REFLECTION- HE RESTORES MY SOUL- (The text below is the script from today's podcast.  You can find it on the "Podcast" tab.  Please consider sharing with a friend!)

Did you know you do not have a soul, but that you are a soul? By God’s definition your soul makes up you as an ENTIRE living being. It includes you as a person, your mind, your heart, your body, your will, your desires, your appetites. So when King David wrote that the LORD restored his soul, he was talking about the entirety of his needs, whether body, mind, will, or spirit.

There is a book called “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” by a pastor named Philip Keller. In his book he details little known backstory behind Psalm 23 that he says is rich in shepherd language and imagery. For example, in Psalm 23, verse 3 says, “He restores my soul.” According to Keller, the word restore is a shepherd’s term. It is not uncommon for one in the flock to fall over when traveling in certain terrain. They can land with all 4 legs sticking straight up into the air (see pic below). Sheep are top heavy, so their skinny little legs cannot keep them upright at times. Therefore, when they fall over, they do not have the strength to right themselves. The official shepherding term is to be cast down.  You see this shepherd language in Psalm 42 and 43, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?”

When a shepherd sees a sheep “cast down”, it must rush to restore the sheep to its feet. If left on its back too long, the weight of the sheep’s internal organs crush the lungs. Sheep cannot breathe on their back and can die within minutes. A good shepherd has a keen eye on the state of each sheep, running to their rescue to lift them up and place them on all 4’s once again. Rescuing them involves holding on to them for many minutes, rubbing their legs to get the blood flow back into their legs, calming them from their state of EXTREME distress, and letting them know they are okay and not alone. This is what it means for God to restore a soul. This is what King David was trying to convey.

Restoring on God’s terms is rescuing. Restoring is holding. Restoring is ministering to bodily need. Restoring is staying close to let us know all is okay because He is with us. His eye is on the sparrow. He sees you in distress. You are not alone. He will rush to your side. But there is a need you have to respond to His invitation. To come to him with the weights you are carrying, with the things crushing you within and taking your breath away. Go to him and let him minister to your every need and restore your soul. With the LORD as your Shepherd, you shall lack nothing.

So I pray that ministers to you as you read the first 3 verses of Psalm 23 again. Take time to envision your current state. Are you cast down in any way? Take a couple minutes of quiet time to see the entirety of you. Where do you need to be restored? Talk to God about it and wait in His presence for restoration.

“The LORD is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.”

Amen.

Are you carrying the heart of God? Are you hearing the voice of the LORD for this season? Are you discerning what is happening in the Spirit? Do you see His hand in this worldwide shaking? Are you standing in the gap for the injustices? Are you asking him for his heart to penetrate nations, cities, neighborhoods, families, your heart? Do you believe in His Sovereignty? Among the things I hear Him saying is, "Disconnect." Disconnect from the scrolling. Disconnect from the emotional stewing. Disconnect from the fluff. That we are to align with his heart, and seek first the Kingdom, to return to the greatest commandment... loving God above all else with our everything.

Here is a scripture He has put on my heart- Why do the nations conspire
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth rise up
and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break their chains
and throw off their shackles.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
the Lord scoffs at them.
5 He rebukes them in his anger
and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
6 “I have installed my king
on Zion, my holy mountain.”

I sense emphasis on "The One enthroned in heaven laughs". Do you believe God is a God of "suddenlies"? Can you hear the sound of the Spirit rising up reformers for the kingdom? Not for the world; but for the kingdom? Can you hear the sound of a birthing, a new move of his Spirit? Do you sense you are being called higher, to ascend and rise up in the power of the Spirit, to a higher a level of faith? Are you awake or asleep? Are you anticipating a GREAT AWAKENING? Are you hot, cold, or lukewarm water? Are you feeling love or hate? Are you blessing or cursing?

I believe God's glory is coming. The divine justice of God is coming to silence the wickedness of the world. HIS WORD. HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. HIS GOSPEL. HIS LOVE. HIS PRESENCE. HIS POWER. HIS GLORY IS COMING.

Did you know the Greek word for "glory" in the New Testament means opinion, judgment, view? If someone asked you what it meant would you have included those words?

Whereas in the Old Testament, the glory of the LORD is defined in Hebrew as weightiness, a heaviness of honor, abundance, splendor, dignity, reputation, reverence.

Going back to glory in Greek, it also means majesty, excellence, pre-eminence.

So there is a opinion of man; and then there is the opinion of God. There is a judgment of man; and then there is a judgment of God. There are views of men; and then there are the views of God. God is not seeking the glory of man. He is seeking the glory of the Son of Man, our great High priest, the KING OF Kings, LORD of Lords, HOLY SPIRIT.

His glory is his reputation, His splendor, His WORD, His opinion, His views, the weightiness of His presence. Are you crying out for that release of glory? Because the One is Heaven is laughing right now with anticipation... to release Himself in a fresh move of His Spirit that reveals His glory.

He will exalt the humble. He always resists the proud. He is coming as a demonstration through those really seeking. For those mourning. Are you being moved to tears, mourning over the darkness? He is with those blessing and not cursing. For those loving. For those tuned to his heart. For those who have attempted to walk in the Spirit for SO LONG within the Body of Christ only to be silenced and rebuked.

God has a government to establish in his church. His Name will be exalted among the nations. Chains of injustice that have held you back from your destiny are being broken. The healing power of God is coming. Do you hear the sounds of revival?

Wake up from your slumber. The time is near.

Let go of unforgiveness. Let go of bitterness. Clear accounts so that your heart is positioned, cleansed as a holy vessel through whom His Spirit will pour out and loose chains that bind.

Cry out for the sins of this nation. For the worldiness, selfish ambition, and pride within the church.

Position to hear the heart of God. Quiet yourself in His presence. Draw close to receive, to pray, to proclaim. Cry out for divine counsel and the GLORY OF GOD.

"Bride of Christ, stand in the gap. Now is the time of favor. I will brood over them with my Spirit", says the Lord God Almighty (2 Corinthians 4:6, Genesis 1:2).

For the ones earnestly seeking- "I see you. Keep calling for more. Faint not. Witness. Be bold. Front runner. Don't fear. Love your neighbor. Loose the chains that bind. I AM COMING."

I pray you sit with this message, pray through it. Let it stir you and move you to desire and long for the justice of God, the Glory of God, the Spirit of God in our time. He is FAITHFUL. Do not be weary in your fight of faith.. He is with you "jar of clay", to fill you with His all surpassing power, 2 Corinthians 4:7.
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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 God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and NOT FROM US.

I haven't posted in awhile, mostly because doing the podcast Monday though Friday is a challenge, especially when working a part-time job on Mondays and Tuesdays.  But feeling purposed through it and encouraged!  Over 500 listens in the first month.  And lately average daily listens are increasing.  I have received only very positive comments about it as a prayer resource and that it is speaking to hearts.  If you haven't listened yet, please give a couple episodes a try.  It can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, and on the PODCAST tab above.  If you want info on any episode before listening, simply click on the little grey circle with the "i" in the middle of it.  It will bring a pop-up window with episode detail.  As of today, there are 35 interactive prayer episodes with over 4 1/2 hours of listening!  That is a good amount of free prayer inspiration!  If the episodes are a blessing to you, please consider a free-will donation.  It can be a one-time donation or as a monthly donor. 

Why donate?  We'd love to be able to market the podcast, but costs are easily at $250 per ad through Spotify or other similar podcast sites.  We have some technology upgrades to make also.  You can help spread the word too!  Word-of-mouth is very helpful!  And pray for ministry reach!  Please share episodes with friends.  People may be more receptive than you think!  

There are many who are struggling.  People are searching for answers.  I witness on Quora and the question that has gotten a ton of new activity with over 12K new readers over the last month is, "How many times will God forgive a repeated sin?"  People are reflecting on life and death issues.  Ask God for greater boldness to witness!

Recently I shared a video on our Facebook page and our private group "Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download".  It was a state of our nation's faith video for National Day of Prayer and had 2018 research from The Barna Group.  In summary, a majority of the population in the USA (over 70%) still identify as a Christian.  Those are encouraging numbers!  However, the majority of those Christians have not attended church in over a year.  Only 20% had attended at least once in the month of the survey.  The fastest growing faith category was "nones", i.e. those who are identifying as having no faith at all.  Based on other data Barna shared in the online presentation I attended, there is clear evidence for a need for God's people to return to Him with a generational trend to not believe in the authority of the Bible.  We're trending down and away from the God of the Bible.

Which brings me to the question for the post, "How are you doing?"  Answers could be all over the map on that, but in general I am definitely crossing paths with people who are increasingly "not ok".  The distancing and sudden change of life routine has sent shock waves into their thoughts and emotions.  I shared in the last post (found here) some scriptures that the Lord has put on my heart during times of intercession, to ask God for direction on how to pray.  I hope you read the scriptures posted and reflect on the consistent, cohesive message within those scriptures.  There is a shaking mentioned in Hebrews chapter 12 to consider as a big idea for Christians to discern, as is 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Matthew Chapter 6.  He will shake so that what remains cannot be shaken.  His end goal is a faith rooted in Him that cannot be shaken!

God's calling us to "reset, pause, prioritize, return to Him as first love".  Returning and prioritizing God is a choice.  Are your life choices more of a consideration lately?

Joshua 24: 14 “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

What is God challenging you to "put away"?  What things of the world so consume your time and thoughts and energy and money?  If our house is in order, praise God!  We have chosen well!  And we are reaping the blessing of stealing away to spend time with Him and receive comfort in our troubles, nourishment for our soul.  

The word I am hearing for you as I type this blog is "disconnect".  What do you need to disconnect from in order to prioritize God, to return to God as first love?  Take that challenge.  Take it to God.  Confess weakness and any waywardness.  Use Psalm 116 verses 1-9 as inspiration with prompts as noted...

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.
                     - Tell him you love him.
Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.
                    - See Him turning to listen as you pray.
The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
                    - Reflect on your life before God's grace.
Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!"
                    - Remember the simple gift of calling on the name of the LORD
The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.
                   -  Tell him who He is. 
The LORD protects the simple-hearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.
                   -  Humble yourself, approach him in childlike simplicity
Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.
                  -  Speak to your soul, remind yourself of how good God has been to you.
For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,
                  -  Rejoice in the life to come, no more sorrow, no more tears.  
that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.
                  - Discern the times.  Time is short.  Order your life towards heavenly reality.

Be blessed in your private time with the Father in your prayer closet!  Simply shut the door behind you and pray.  

Hi folks!  Things have been very busy with ministry!  Still producing a daily prayer podcast, have begun a new private Facebook group, and have held some private meditation sessions!  Had a men's group a couple of weeks ago.  Also have an upcoming group session this week.  God is good!

The video above is a welcome video I shared in the group to welcome new members.   We have over 225 members for the first week!  It's very encouraging!  I think it is a sign that people are making more time for prayer and obviously are being driven to engage online because of current circumstances with social distancing.

In the video I share a welcome to new members as well as personal testimony of God supernaturally healing me of depression.  I hope you listen in.

For the Facebook group, Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download is a private group and requires an invite for you or you can request to join.  I hope you consider it, there have been good engagement so far. There is a link at the end of the video to find the group on Facebook.  Otherwise just search for "Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download" on Facebook.

Now related to current situation of the virus, during times of intercession, here are some scriptures that God has been putting on my heart over the last month: 

• Matthew chapter 6 (all of it)
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Hebrews chapter 12 (all of it)
• The book of 2 Peter (all of it)
• Psalm 4 
• Psalm 144

It would be interesting for you to read through those scriptures and see what the LORD speaks to you.  It's an excellent time to develop a deeper walk with the LORD.  I wonder how He has been speaking to you during this time?  If you are willing, let me know in the comments!

Here is the content of Podcast 15 if you want to review it first and then listen.  
Episode 15- “she judged him faithful… he gave glory to God”

Hello my name is Gina, your prayer partner from Into the Waters.  Our promise that brings peace today comes from Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Let’s pray as we begin.  “Lord Jesus, I humbly ask for your power to rest on each one as they listen.  Open their ears to hear, open their eyes to see, give them the ability to understand what the Spirit of the LORD wants to say to them today.  Position them by faith to believe and judge you as faithful.”
Yesterday’s episode shared that for God to be your strength means he is a PLACE of strength.  As your place of strength, he is a hiding place for you, and one who pours out his strength by dispatching supernatural forces to surround you and deliver you.  If you haven’t yet listened, please listen to yesterday.  But for today, instead of the focus of him surrounding us with his power, the focus is his miraculous strength pouring out through you."

Listen to these scriptures- You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 2 Cor 4:7

Though you are merely a clay vessel which is fragile and powerless, yet the excellence of his power and strength is to be shown through you… as being from God, not yourself.

Who really believes this?  Who really believes the miraculous power of God will be poured out through their frailty?  A woman named Sarah did.

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.

By faith… big words.  She judged God faithful, more really big words.

If we are honest, they are so challenging.

Write down this question.  What is the state of my faith?  How am I judging God right now, as faithful or unfaithful?

Some seasons our faith is great with full faith in God.  In others, we waver.

We are in a difficult season right now due to the virus.  God wants us to position by faith, and judge him faithful.

How are you judging God right now, as faithful or unfaithful?  Make a note to talk to God about that.  Unburden and ask for revelation so that you judge Him correctly.

Because when you judge God as faithful and by faith believe, God will do amazing things through you.  Scripture says that Abraham (Sarah’s husband and known as the father of our faith) grew strong in His faith as He gave glory to God, being fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. 

Abraham had excellent opinion of God and his faith grew strong as He gave God glory.

The promise of God’s miracle working power being poured out through you is only activated by faith and good opinion of God.  Abraham and Sarah had a clear vision and promise from God.  So for this kind of miraculous experience, you have to have a promise from God.  It has to be personal to you.  Sarah had a promise from God.  She would give birth at a time in her life when her womb was dead.  She judged God faithful to deliver.  She laughed at first; then she tried to make it happen on her own power; but somewhere along the way, she stopped reasoning and she believed.  So, He poured his miraculous strength into Sarah and supernaturally enabled her to give birth to a promised son at the ripe old age of 90 years old. 

Many of us also laugh at the absurd thought God could do something miraculous through us.  Often we may grab a promise; but then attempt receive it by striving in our own power.  Somewhere along the way we need to stop reasoning and believe in the supernatural strength of God manifesting in us. 

Write down this question.  What promise has God given you that requires His power? 

Here are some promises that are yours by faith in Jesus- You are adopted and heir to the kingdom of God.  You are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms.  Do you see yourself there?  Do you see yourself seated with Christ?  You have been given the authority of Christ Jesus, the maker of Heaven and earth.  He is King of kings.  You are part of his royal lineage.  Do you see a crown on your head?  He has promised to give you a crown of beauty instead of ashes.  Are you holding ashes of death or do you see yourself as crowned in beauty?  You are charged by Christ to do greater works than he did.  He will do whatever you ask in His name so that Jesus can continue to bring glory to the Father.  You are his masterpiece created in Christ Jesus to do good works that he planned long ago for you to do.  Do you believe you will do greater works than Jesus?  Boy is that a challenging one.  Yet he said it.  Do you believe it?  You are Jesus’ friend.  You have been made whole in Jesus Christ.  With God as your shepherd, you lack nothing, not one thing.  You are more than a conqueror through him who loves you.  Since God is for you, who can be against you?  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are the apple of his eye.  You are forgiven.  You are chosen by God, holy and dearly loved.  Your soul is sealed by the Holy Spirit he has deposited in you.  Your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  You are precious in His sight.  Your life is not your own, you’ve been bought with a price.  Have you surrendered?  Not your will, but his will?  It is key to receiving supernatural strength.

As an exercise for deeper meditation, which of those promises I just read struck you?  Find your promise.  There are over 3K promises in the bible.  After you find your promise, position by faith!

That gives you a sense of an episode if you haven't listened yet!  God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.  He provides for those who seek first the Kingdom of God.  Seek God first! Blessings on any who take that time with God.  Hope some of the prayer inspiration we are offering is a blessing also!