Often when praying with and for people, scripture is central to the language of my prayers. And anytime I hear anyone pray scripture, it strikes my heart! When spoken by a humble heart, they are powerful! I hear God's authority present. God's Words are the way to Spirit filled prayers. God's Word tells us to pray in the Spirit at all times, Ephesians 6:18. Memorizing scripture is a way to pray His Word. It is a form of meditating on it. Praying in the Spirit is a natural outcome!

The group gathering on Saturday 1/25 for the "WORD OF GOD" session will be praying in the Spirit this way! It's a good size group at this point, so hope you can join the next session! Until then, practice memorizing! Consider the following, and then try the exercise below:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to remembrance God’s words, John 14:26.
2. Read the scripture you want to memorize OUTLOUD multiple times and state the scripture section (Jesus answered, “It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” Matthew 4:4)
   1. Emphasize different words with your voice each time you repeat it. (ex- SHALL NOT, BUT ON... etc)
   2. Act it out to engage more of your senses which will help you remember!
3. Observe the details! It will come to life as visual. Many of us are visual learners. So see the scripture! Envision it in your mind wherever scenes, people, emotion, sounds are implied or directly indicated in the scripture you are memorizing.
4. Speak it in first person. Example- Jesus is saying, “I cannot live on bread alone, but on every word that comes Him.”
5. Write it out several times by hand.
6. Try explaining it to someone else. If you can teach what it means, you’ve memorized it, even if you don’t say it “word for word”.

​
Also, scripture with repeating language can be an easy way to start with the 6 steps. Here is Matthew 7:24–27 as an example. It repeats many phrases. Follow step 1-6 above. Hints on observing the details, step #3, are listed below. Give it a try! Let me know if it works for you!

So 2020 has begun!  A new year, a new decade!  There is something about a new year that does stir one to dream and feel motivated for change!  We long for God to do a new thing!  Has He quickened your spirit in that way?  If so, I have some resources for you today that are meant to be easy to incorporate, yet produce meaningful change with renewal and rest.  

I started out New Years in a day with the LORD.  I haven't had an organized journal of scripture notes for years!  Horrified to say so because I have gotten so used to electronic devices!  But I miss paper and writing and the slowed pace of it for deeper reflection and critical thinking.  So went out the day before and purchased 4 soft cover journals to start fresh!  It felt so good!      

 In my time with God, I did what a lot of people are doing this year, thinking about and asking for a WORD to be a theme.  I felt God impress the word "ascend" on my mind and heart.  Believe it is not just for myself; but a message to all of those who would accept the challenge to "go up and meet with God".  So if you are one who is longing to start the year with a renewed mind under the merciful covering of God, I have created a simple 10 day prayer guide that includes 2 days (day 4 and day 10) of beginning fasting exercises.  The prayer exercises last 5 minutes or less; and the fasting exercises offer a lot of flexibility with suggestions.  This 10 day challenge is excellent for helping you develop some new prayer language through scripture inspiration.  All of the days focus on some meaning of the word "ASCEND" which is also laid out in the 2 page guide.  This guide can be done alone; and it is an excellent precursor to the January meditation session scheduled for January 25th at 8am EST.  Praying you participate in both!

If you are already signed up to receive our emails, you received the prayer guide that way.  But if you are not signed up to receive our emails, just sign up here and I will send you the guide for FREE!   

Here are some other scriptures the LORD put on my heart for those of us who would commit to time with Him:

DOUBLE!--- The context of this scripture promise is to those who are in a "waterless" pit.  This means that there is a very distressing circumstance or situation that is draining, holding you captive, and possibly due to keeping God at a distance.  Here is what God says to you- "Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you." -Zechariah 9:12.  

• I LOVE that!  Prisoners of hope!  I love that God calls us to return to His stronghold!  Scripture describes it as a strong city built by God who makes salvation its walls and ramparts.  If you've ever seen ancient fortified cities, they are surrounded by thick, high walls.  A city built by God is the only stronghold where you are protected and promised a multiplication of God's goodness!  Let's go after God!  Let's meet with Him!  Let's return to His protective covering!  

EYES OF FAITH TO SEE THE UNSEEN! -- So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone; but the things we cannot see will last forever.  - 2 Corinthians 4:8.  

• God wants us to look up!  Ascend!  By developing a spiritual discipline to spend time with Him, quiet ourselves, wait in His presence, enjoy time with Him, He will help us fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.  He will hold us captive as prisoners of hope!

Here is a list of sentences I wrote that define the action of ascend in various verb tenses in Hebrew.

She ascends.  
She ascended.
She retreated.
She grew.
She rose above.
She excelled.
She shot forth.
She sprung up.
She followed.
She sacrificed.
She recovered.
She restored.
She trained.
She took herself away.
She exalted God.
She roused God.
She was caused to go up.
She was exalted by God.

How cool is that?!  So much packed into that one little word!  The definition is in the 10 day handout.  Maybe you will be inspired to write you own list!  Make sure to sign up for our ministry email to get the handout!  And don't forget to sign up for January 25th using the button above!  Tell a friend!

Psalm 63:1- O God, you are my God; early will I see you; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and weary land where there is not water.

Psalm 24:3-6
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
    who does not trust in an idol
    or swear by a false god.
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
    and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
    who seek your face, God of Jacob.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Hope that you had a memorable time of worship and fellowship with God and others over this holiday!  We are just a couple of days beyond Christmas so giving you a post birth scripture account to meditate upon.  Maybe you are just finding time to wind down after the hustle and bustle of the season.  Hoping you take a few moments to sit quietly with God and consider Simeon's joy!  His joy is to be our joy as well!

Luke 2: 25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the LORD's Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 29 "Sovereign LORD, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."  

Verse 25 uses a phrase "the consolation of Israel".  Simeon was a man who had a life mission to see it.  Consolation is a calling near for comfort, solace, encouragement, refreshment.  Clearly Simeon was a good man who was burdened for God to draw near His people as One who comforts. He did not want to die before seeing that promised Messiah, and God was good to share His secret with Simeon!  He sent the Holy Spirit to tell Simeon that indeed he would see the promised Messiah!  

It's such a tender, awe inspiring moment, which I think Ron DiCianni's artwork of "Simeon's Moment" above captures.  There is inexpressible elation in his face!  There are tears of joy  and clearly some sound of holy praise coming from a place deep within.  He held the Holy Promise in his arms!  There was no doubt in Simeon.  He recognized the promise as foretold by the Holy Spirit.  He was led by the Holy Spirit to enter the temple at the exact right time!  And Mary and Joseph were also led straight to him to perform the circumcision, cleanse Mary, and accept their offerings.

God moments! 

Have you ever imagined holding the Son of God in your arms?  Do you have a heart response similar to Simeon?  God's greatest and highest call is for us to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind.  Love deepens the more we realize how desperately we need God's forgiveness, the reason the holy child was sent.

Luke 7:47- Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

Jesus knows the depth of your love and whether it is surface based or if you are one to unashamedly bow at his feet like the wise men did.  Do you read that as a guilt message or an opportunity to more deeply experience the goodness of God?  The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy, Psalm 103:8.  He is right there waiting and longing for more time with you.  Are you satisfied with where you are with God or do you long for more?  He promises to openly reward those who go into their prayer closets and talk with Him,  Matthew 6:6!

Meditate upon whether or not you are moved to emotion when you worship God.  Can you connect with inexpressible joy because of God's love and sacrifice for your sins?  Are you free in your time with God to unashamedly pour out your thanksgiving and marvel at His holiness?  Do you have goals and longings related to experiencing God at a deeper level in the coming year?  

Into the Waters will continue holding online sessions to give you an opportunity to linger in God's presence and deepen your relationship with Him.  The sessions help you sit with the LORD, talk to Him, and get to know Him better.  He is openly rewarding those who have been attending!  A January session will be announced next week!  May you join!

Until then, meditate on God as consolation, as comforter.  Close your eyes; and do what Simeon did. Hold the Son of God as a newborn, born to die for you.  Have you held a baby with a thought, "This child was born to die for me?"  It's ludicrous to even think it, except if you are talking about Christ the Messiah.  Note during your meditation that Simeon told Mary some very profound truths about who the child was, one who would pierce souls, including her own.  See Luke 2:35.   If any thoughts of fear or condemnation come up, remember again He is CONSOLATION (COMFORTER).  Evaluate your emotional attachment to God.  Review areas where you need more joy, where you need a new level of intimacy that brings freedom with God as your Comforter.  Ask God to wake you up if you have no passion or desire to press in for more of God.  Time is so short!  May you invest now in deep fellowship with the heart of God!  It is where your life can be made new by God's tender mercies every morning.  Great is God's faithfulness, Lamentations 3:23!

Isaiah 9:6- For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

If these blogs have been a blessing to you, please consider an end of year donation! Thank you for your consideration!  See our donate page to make a tax deductible offering!

The quote of "I just can't take it anymore" is what I am hearing from people without hope, the other is a testimony full of renewed hope after an Into the Waters led meditation session done for a private group. As you read, evaluate if you lean more towards not being able to take it anymore or more towards, “This is the breakthrough I’ve needed for awhile.”

Regarding the first quote, a couple of days a week I talk with many, many people about what they are dealing with emotionally, mentally, and physically. It is a secular setting, not a ministry setting. I am not allowed to openly talk about God in this setting, which is very limiting and frustrating to me. There have been times however, where I broke protocol in gentle ways, out of intense burden. I simply share in some way, "I will be praying for you." It has always been well received. However for the 99.9% of distressing situations I hear about, I have to just do the best I can to offer words that comfort and acknowledge their pain. Would have to say of late, the words I offer are momentary, split seconds of kindness that don't take them beyond our call. Over the last 2 weeks have been deeply burdened by talking to a parent after their young child was raped, people whose sleeplessness is taking their sanity, anxiety and depression so severe people are going on disability, violent behaviors of family members seemingly possessed by "something" not of themselves, I am newly hearing and regularly hearing, "I just can't take it anymore." Their tone, their tears, their anger, their shaky voice says it all.

They need hope. And they are reaching out to medicine and doctors as they search.

What is hope exactly? Can it be trusted? In our dictionaries, hope is defined as "a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen". If that is as far as it goes, in my opinion, hope in and of itself as a concept is pretty shaky. Feelings are fleeting. We can have a feeling of hope to live a long life; but die at an early age. We can have a feeling of hope for a relationship to be "the one"; but end in rejection. Same for a hope for a good marriage; yet to end in divorce. We can have a feeling of hope for our children to prosper; but see them make bad decision after bad decision. We can hope for peace of mind; yet have crippling anxiety. Hope, in order for it to be true and life saving MUST have a cord of attachment to a source capable of manifesting the thing hoped for. But we don't see this qualification in our secular dictionaries. Yet, this is in fact how God defines hope in biblical dictionaries. It is defined as a literal cord of attachment that brings expectancy.

HOPE- Strongs 8615 tiqvâh, tik-vaw'; from H6960; (compare H6961) literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy:—expectation(-ted), hope, live, thing that I long for.

The word hope (tikvah) comes from the word kavah which means to wait by binding together, gathering for strength. The more cords are bound together, the stronger a rope is. The more weight it can hold, the more tension it can endure. These are pictures behind the strength that comes in waiting in God’s presence, attaching your hope to Him, having expectancy. Practical questions to examine would be:

1. ​Ask yourself, “Where are my cords of hope attached?” We tend to have hope in bank accounts, life plans, relationships, career paths, professional titles, weight and beauty, health, our children, a pill, ourselves. We tend to place hope in God giving us exactly what we asked for. God will challenge these areas. If we don’t get what we expect, often we lose heart and faith. But if we are honest, our cords were attached to a longing of what would bring joy and peace and satisfaction.
2. Ask yourself, “Have I waited with God, in times of prayer and meditation, in order to be strengthened... so that my cord of attachment (hope) has expectancy from Him?”

Reviewing our hope through these questions takes courage, but is worth it. It is very hard when our hopes do not come to pass. Some of you are in a lot of pain right now because hopes have been dashed. However, these can be opportunities to ground ourselves anew in hope that alone comes from God. He is the God of hope. And regarding hope, if we are willing to strengthen our cords to Him, He will resurrect hope within us. it is His divine design that we overflow with hope by the Power of the Holy Spirit.

NIV- Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

OVERFLOW OF HOPE>>>>>> Trusting God is key to being filled to joy and peace. Isn't that really the bottom-line request of all prayer... joy and peace? Your bank account can be overflowing; but if joy and peace elude you, what have you gained? You can be model skinny and have beauty that stops traffic; but if self scrutiny and continual dissatisfaction plague you, what have you gained? You can have a very successful career; but if loneliness and stress are your constant companions what is the point? We see the recent outcome of celebrities whose hope was in their children attending the best schools; but at what cost? The bottomline truth is that joy and peace come from the power of the Holy Spirit as you trust in God, not yourself or empty promises from the world.

So how is God-trust being developed in you? Are you experiencing an overflow of hope that comes from God? We all can be challenged by this question. It's a gentle reminder to invest in time before God's throne, to receive the joy and peace that He alone promises and delivers.

Here is a quote from someone who recently invested in lingering with God through an Into the Waters prayer and meditation session. See if you can see hope that came as a result.

"Thank you SO much for leading us on Thursday! It was a beautiful experience for me personally, and it was a breakthrough I have needed for awhile now. The revelation about (xxxxxx) was totally unexpected, but it continues to resonate so strongly with me. I have somehow put a limit on what God will do, and it definitely stems back to that season of my journey. I believe He will do those impossible, wonderful things for others, but not for me. I have dealt with this issue on so many levels and have felt peace along the way, but God not answering my prayers as I wanted at the time, has definitely affected how much I trust Him, I mean that deep, deep level of trust. Thank you for starting the process of tearing that false belief down in me and beginning another layer of healing."

God will tear down our false beliefs in order to bring another layer of healing and hope founded in His faithfulness, love, mercy, goodness, provision, etc. The power of the Holy Spirit deposits His life in those who trust! We are strengthened after waiting in His presence. Hope is renewed as our cord of attachment to God flows with new life from Him!

Do you need a fresh deposit of supernatural joy and peace, to overflow with hope from the Holy Spirit? In the Fall, Into the Waters will be holding some online group sessions on HOPE. These will be small groups of up to 10 at a time. Stay tuned for more announcements and sign up opportunities!

But for now meditate on the truth from Romans 15:13! Seed it into your heart by reading it in many translations. Reading it in many translations will do a couple of things.

1. It will help you process what is being stated as truth. (Repeat to yourself what God is saying. Example- “So God promises to fill me with joy and peace as I trust in Him. He promises that I will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” If you do not understand any of it, ask God for revelation through Jesus.)
2. Multiple translations help translate the fullness of what is being stated.
3. It will challenge you to reflect on the promise. (Confess if you need to trust in Him more.)
4. It will help you memorize it and hide it as truth in your heart. (After reading through all of them, pick one translation and repeat it many times. After, close your eyes and see if you can restate it.)
5. It should encourage you to claim it and pray it for yourself and others! (Ask God for the hope He promises!)

NIV- Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

NLT- I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

ESV- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Berean Study Bible- Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

KJV- Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

GNT- May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

BLESSINGS!
​ “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭25:5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

(Guided texted based 4 min meditation on fear, with lake and nature sounds). There are 2 types of fears. Which one affects you the most? Consider, pray, and wait with God. Pause where prompted to meditate more intently. Let His perfect love drive out your fear. Blessings!

This prayer exercise is interactive and simple. It uses Psalm 116:1-7. It does not begin with instruction, so take a minute to quiet yourself and ask God to help you engage and pray. Simply repeat what you hear from the moderator. There is emphasis in verse 7 which has you repeat it multiple times. There is a time of silent reflection for you to wait and listen. The exercise ends in a prayer over you. Blessings!

Today’s blog I guess is really a Vlog, a video blog. Contains an encouragement to linger longer with God through a testimony I share. It was during a difficult time in my life. At this time, the Lord was developing in me a spiritual discipline of spending extended time with Him for healing. My sharing is meant to encourage you to linger with Him and to be open to the Holy Spirit for supernatural comfort, help, and truth that sets you free! And a brief mention is made of tomorrow being Pentecost. Learn what it is and how relevant it is for believers 2k+ years later. Reflect and ask for the promise given on Pentecost. The video ends with me praying for you!

Also, below is an interactive prayer session to inspire you to linger longer. Pray through part of Psalm 116 and wait in the presence of God for renewal! Blessings! (Note-Two videos on this post caused a delay in play, so the video exercise has been moved. It will be uploaded as a separate video on 6/9/19. Thank you.)

Happy Mother's Day!  Mothers are given a very special purpose from God!  In this blog, you will discover a mother's purpose by how God spells the word "mother".  There is a deep meaning behind it.  It goes far beyond merely birthing a child or raising children to adulthood.  A true "mother" in God's eyes carries a lifetime of influence.  A mother as God intends, is a strong force of nature to bind us in love like no other!

This Mother's Day I feel God challenging me to reflect on my mother through His eyes.  So I've been reviewing and considering some of her ways, some of her emotions, and some of her words.  It's been enlightening to reflect on her through God's meaning of a mother. 

After doing an exercise of remembering and reflecting, I can feel God softening my heart.  There is a deeper understanding into her ways.  I can see why any family upset strikes her core and keeps her unsettled.  God's definition of a mother is making me stop and appreciate her overly expressive kisses and hugs, to see why she still wants to sit on the couch and hold my hand, that even though I am over 50, she still wants me to stop so she can just look at my face.  I roll my eyes in a lot of those moments and feel my adult self resisting.  There are times when I can feel "too zoned in on" by her deeply intuitive nature that never stops trying to tune to my heart, and make sure I am ok.  She worries a lot about my safety; and would be just fine if I only drove on days that were sunny and dry.  I have laughed out loud on the countless days she has said, "It's raining out maybe you shouldn't drive today." 

One thing is certain, about my mother and countless other mothers, "she" is a force of love sent from God holding us together in a way He designed.  I see this when my mother questions, "When is the last time you talked to your brother?  You should call him."  I see it when she says, "Give me another hug before you leave." This makes me think of many times I've heard people say, "Now that my mom is gone, the family does not stay in touch the way we used to.  She held us together."  That statement of "she held us together" gets to the very heart of God's definition and purpose of a mother. Reflect further by reading through and processing the exercise below.. 

Note- Even if you have not had a good experience with your mother, others could have represented God's motherly love to you.  And if you still have not had that experience, no matter how old you may be, ask God to experience a mother's love.  There is a section below to help you. 

Psalm 27:10- NLT Even if my father and mother abandon me, the LORD will hold me close.

Meditation Exercise:  How God defines "mother"

Prayer Goal- 

• "God, open my eyes to see my mother through your design.  Birth in me a new appreciation and thankfulness so that I may honor her in my thoughts, actions, and words." 
• or "God, I've never known this type of love.  God, reveal a mother's love to me."
• or "God, let your meaning of a "mother" transform the way I am as a mother.  Help me be a mother reflecting the beauty of your design."

Definition-  God defines a mother according to purpose.  Her purpose is one who "'binds" the family together, holding them together individually and collectively through her love and actions.  

How can we know this is how God defines a "mother"?-  Before there were letters to spell words, there were pictographs.  Pictographs were symbols, which when their symbolic meanings were combined, revealed definitions.  Eventually each pictograph became the letters used today with the symbolic meanings staying with each letter.  We see this in how 2 symbols were combined to define the word "mother".  It is a definition of purpose. One symbol was an ox head, the other symbol was of water.  An ox head represents strength.  And water represents water.  So combined these pictographs mean "strong water."  In Ancient Hebrew you would read from right to left, and this is how it would be spelled in pictographic symbols- ​

So anytime you saw those pictographs combined, you would know they were referencing a "mother."*. Now how does strong water translate into a "mother'?

​In ancient times, the skins of animals were boiled in water which produced a sticky substance, much like glue. So strong water was a binding agent. And it was known in ancient times that a mother was a binding agent of the family. She held the family together with her love, her words, and her work. Her love, her words, and her work brought comfort, discipline, wisdom that "held" the family together.

WAYS TO REFLECT (Pick what is RELEVANT to you from 3 different scenarios):

1. Ask God to help bring to mind ways that your mother held you together with her love, words, and work. Reflect on times she shed tears in private because of her mother's heart for you.
   1. ​​Write down what comes to mind. Consider including some of these reflections in the card you give to her on Mother's day.
   2. Consider including this scripture in your card to her- "I thank my God every time I remember you."
2. If you have a bad relationship with your mother and have upset within about what you are remembering, take those feelings and thoughts to Jesus.
   1. Let God know what you are thinking and feeling that is upsetting. He knows the pain around abandonment, emotional negligence, harsh treatment, and broken promises.
   2. Be open to not suppressing tears. God heals through tears and longs to comfort.
      1. Psalm 126:5- Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
      2. Psalm 34:18- The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
   3. Do you feel any bitterness of soul towards your mother? If so, bitterness is a root to be removed so that is does not defile other relationships.
      1. Ask Jesus to work in you to remove the bitterness- Hebrews 12:15 Be careful that no one falls short of the grace of God, so that no root of bitterness will spring up to cause trouble and defile many.
   4. Ask Jesus to help you release any insistence you have that she "pay" for her mistakes. to lead you on a path to forgive, to let go, and to trust in how He works out justice. (If the pain and trauma is very deep, this will be a process. But God will help you. He is the only One who can forgive, so it will be His life in you to help you release and let go. Your surrender to His ways is the first step.)
      1. Romans 12:19- Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
      2. Mark 11:25- And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
3. If a mother yourself, reflect on ways you show your love, ways you speak to your children, ways you work to hold each one and the family together.
   1. ​Are you weary? Do you need His encouragement and strength? Do you need to hear whispers of affirmation from Him? Ask Him for it.
      1. Genesis 16:13a- She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me..."
      2. Isaiah 40:11- He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.
   2. Do you feel badly about any words or actions that may have been too harsh or impatient? Ask God if you are too hard on yourself. Ask Him to show you mercy for any harsh ways. Ask Him to give you wisdom on how to handle new situations through His Spirit, strength, and love.
      • Matthew 11:29- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
      • Romans 8:26- In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Praise God for His love and divine intervention! Be blessed in the transformative work of God to help you honor your mother, forgive where necessary, and be a mother purposed according to Holy definition! May the strong waters of His love bind you eternally through Christ!

​* Benner, Jeff. “Ancient Hebrew Lexicon, www.virtualbookworm.com, 2005.
​

• Note:  We are 12 days beyond Easter (Resurrection Sunday).  This would be 12 days into the 40 days that Jesus was appearing to his disciples and over 500 other people, Acts 1:3 & 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.  We are symbolically in the time before Jesus ascended to the Father.  So consider, if you were you living in that time, Jesus would still be walking around meeting with people, teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven, and giving proof that he is alive!  
• Below is an exercise to "set" your mind on things above. 

First reflect on the fact that Jesus wants minds firmly set on the reality that He was formerly dead; but by the power of His Father in Heaven, he was raised up from the dead, Ephesians 1:20! 

Long time followers of Jesus may find the above "too familiar" and not challenging to their prayer life. People can tune out saying to themselves, "I've heard that before, nothing new."  But that reaction more so indicates a "lukewarm" state of heart, than a correct judgment.  And it probably means your mind is more set on other things right now than on Jesus.

We must do hard stops to redirect our thoughts from the day-to-day and into the victory of Christ.  Jesus was nailed to the cross, released from the grave, and is now seated on His throne in Heaven.  This is to be a treasure trove for mind renewal.  These places (the cross, risen, and then ascended) are always a dwelling place for prayer and mind renewal.  

So let's set our mind on things above!  In order for something to "set" or be "set", it means that it is fixed, it has been readied and prepared.  For someone's mind to be "set", one has first sat and hardened so that a thought has become fixed.  This can lead us in a good direction or a bad direction.  Assess where you are "set".

Where have your thoughts been sitting?  Where are you set in your ways and immovable?  Are they good or bad places of thought?  (Later, read this recent blog on how to determine what is good.)

Examine today where your thoughts are "set".  Do a quick inventory. 

• The first thing on your mind when you woke up this morning was ______________________________
• Then while getting ready and you looked at yourself in the mirror, you thought what about yourself?
• As you went on with your day, what were you reviewing?
• Have you focused on how to get a certain person's attention today, in order to be noticed and feel validated?
• Have you ruminated more on problems or solutions?

Based upon those answers, put yourself on a spectrum. 

• Do the thoughts of your day skew more towards worry or peace? 
• Negative or positive? 
• Heaviness of thought or joy? 
• Striving or effortlessness? 
• "Me, me, me" thoughts or "who can I serve" thoughts?
• People pleaser or child of God?

To be sure, life is not a rest filled day laying in a hammock, above a field of flowers, with song birds cheering our hearts all the time.  It is quite easy to skew to the left on those questions above.  Reality is that there are countless things happening to easily bring worry, heaviness, striving, and longing for attention.  This is why God's word is clear that that our thoughts are not God's thoughts, our ways are not His ways.  God wants it to be clear that our minds must be supernaturally renewed!  He gives us access to his thoughts and will transform us so that His ways become our ways!

For this, we must do a hard stop and position to SET our minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Here is a test for Christians- Have you ever pictured yourself seated at the right hand of Jesus in Heaven?  Is that a ridiculous exercise to you?  It should not be.  You being raised up with Christ and seated with him in Heaven is a God thought.  Here is proof-

Ephesians 2: 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,

Are you able to quiet yourself right now and envision yourself seated next to Christ in Heaven? 

• Don't try and do it on your own.  Ask God to help you.  "Father, help me "see" myself seated in Heaven with Jesus as His gift of grace."
• Fix yourself next to him.  Are you squirming and uncomfortable?  What it is about?  Remember you are there by grace, not merit.  
• Now how does it feel as He smiles at you, so happy to have you seated next to Him, the King of all!  

• How does it feel to be transported above all darkness, wickedness, and death?  Above your flesh life?
• Are you connecting with Jesus' victory over all, over all in you?  Can you envision him handing you a scepter to carry His authority, in partnership with him?
• Do you feel unworthy to take the scepter?  What is it about?  Tell him.  Remember His mercies never end.  He understands.  Talk to Him.  You are there by His gift of grace.  
• Wait there in your thoughts.  Wait there with Jesus.  Tell him simple things that you feel. 
  • "It's so nice to be here with you Jesus." 
  • "It's a relief to be lifted away from the intensity of my day." 
  • "Thank you for raising me up with you in your victory over death."
  • "Thank you for not treating me as my sins deserve."
  • "How are we working together today?"
• Just keep sitting there with Him.  Fix yourself firmly next to him.  The goal is to see yourself fixed in position, next to Jesus, in Heaven, seated at the right hand of God.  The goal is to feel humbled, honored, accepted, loved, glorified, and partnered in victory over all things!  
• Praise Him!

Colossians 3:1-2 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.



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• Note- Over the last 2 weeks we have been covering the 4 critical needs of sheep to rest. The last 2 meditations covered 3 of the 4- relational upset, circumstantial fears, mental/emotional peace. The last one today is on satisfying hunger and thirst, the 4th critical need for rest. All 4 needs are tied to reliance upon God as good.

Today is GOOD FRIDAY. Is God is good? How does He define “good”? How do you define “good”? We use the word good in abstract form. “That was a good meal.” “What she said was good.” “I had a good time tonight.”

Our statements are opinion based and abstract. What you think is good may not be what another concludes as “good”.

God has a very concrete definition behind the word “good”. It is rooted in His character as Creator and divine provider. You will not see that explicitly said if you look up the word “good” in our dictionaries.

We can take a deeper look through some fascinating pictures that define the word "good" as God intends. To do so, we have to look deeper into language beginnings, to ancient language and ancient culture that originally used pictographs, also known as hieroglyphics, to write down their stories. When you look at the pictographs that were combined to communicate the word “good”, a mind-blowing definition is revealed! This is what you will meditate upon today. You will see God’s giving heart to supply all that is needed for an abundant life!

Know that pictographs eventually evolved into letters. And that the meanings of the pictographs stayed tied to the words they spelled. The example today is “good”. In ancient language of Hebrew, the word “good” is spelled with 3 letters, not 4 as in the English language. If we look at the pictograph that originated behind each letter, we discover the definition of good. Consider these 3 images in your mind’s eye:

A basket, made of clay.
A tent peg.
A tent.

Why these three images to spell the word good? Look closely at the purpose of each image.
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• A basket surrounds, contains, and stores things collected.
• Tent pegs are used to firmly secure a temporary covering.
• A tent is a temporary dwelling to move by season. In ancient times, God’s people lived in tents. Therefore, tents were homes, places of family.

Now let’s look at the activity behind each object’s purpose. In ancient times, God’s people went out daily with their baskets to fill them up with things they needed. They went back to their homes with all that they needed to satisfy their family. They were secured by bringing in all they needed and surrounded by God’s protection. When filled, secured, and satisfied at home, they functioned as God designed. When filled, secured, satisfied and functioning as designed, this is good.

Therefore, God’s meaning of good is:
Being surrounded and filled in such a way that you are secured and covered. Your dwelling is secure because you have a supply of all that is necessary for you to function as designed.

Is the word “good” as God intends starting to have a very concrete meaning to you? It is not opinion based. It is a state of being that is based upon a supply of all that is needed to function as God designed, which is all based upon His provision and supply.

Jesus promises that all of our needs will be satisfied according to His riches. He promises to surround us with His favor. He promises to fill us to overflowing with His Spirit and life. He promises to secure our souls and fill our temporary dwelling with Himself. He promises to give us our daily needs as we seek first His Kingdom. This is good and pleases God. With the Lord as your Good Shepherd, you are to lack no good thing.

Meditate:
Take time to view your life through the 3 images of the basket, the tent peg, and the tent.

• Consider what is surrounding you, filling you, securing you, and if you have all you need? It is easy to surround ourselves with things, fill ourselves with things, carry things, attempt to secure our own happiness, and bring things into our lives that are not good.
• Write down these questions and take time to write out your answer. What is surrounding me? What am I gathering? What am I letting in to me? What/who do I reach for to secure me? When all these things combine, am I functioning as whole? Am I satisfied, at peace, rested and filled in abundance? Do I feel empty in any area?
• Where you discover that you have areas that do not fit what is good, take these to Jesus. Tell him what is not good. Ask Him to redirect you in the path of His divine supply, to give you His strength to make better choices, and to trust where He leads.
• God offers to release your hands from the basket, so that you rest in His presence and promises.

Psalm 81:6- “I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.
Matthew 11:28- “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
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• Go to Jesus for burdens to be removed. Ask for a greater experience of His goodness.
• Ask to function as He designed.
• Ask for Him to show you where you need to let go of doing it all on your own and trusting Him to provide all that you need.
• Ask Him to fill you with divine supply of His Spirit. You are a clay basket to fill with God’s all-surpassing power. Your body is a tent, a temporary dwelling that is groaning and burdened. Therefore, you are to be secured by hope from Christ who is an anchor (tent peg) for your soul.

Hebrews 6:19-20a- We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever,

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay (basket) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

• Your body is an earthly, temporary tent. Release any groaning and burden to Jesus. Admit to yourself, that while you are on earth, that you will never be fully satisfied because you long for your eternal house in Heaven.

2 Corinthians 5: 1-5 For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

• Thank him for his divine supply.

Philippians 4:19- And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

• Praise Him as Good Shepherd. Ask Him to lead and guide you.
• Psalm 23:1- The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

May you take time now for quiet in the presence of the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for you!