Are you stuck?   Below is some personal testimony of my recent frustration with being stuck, plus 4 practical ideas (with resource links) on how to get “unstuck"!
 
We talked about being stuck last Friday in our private Facebook group!  Myself and Cheryl Wells held a LIVE broadcast and talked about some tell-tale signs of being spiritually “stuck”, i.e. not moving forward in our faith!

We each presented 3 ways we've been stuck or seen others get stuck, and then we prayed for each area for breakthrough!

Interestingly, before the broadcast, the LORD had me add 2 more words to consider in evaluating being spiritually stuck.  He added the words “stagnant” and “stubborn”. 🧐  Good additions, especially when you consider each definition.
 
Be willing to evaluate how you may be stuck.  Consider each word.  Ponder what the LORD is asking His people to observe about their spiritual state.
 
Stuck- unable to move, or set in a particular position, place, or way of thinking
Stagnant- not flowing or moving, and smelling unpleasant
Stubborn-  unreasonably or perversely unyielding; difficult to handle, manage or treat; obstinate in a persistent manner.
 
God does not want us to be "stuck" in these positions!  He intends this input be helpful and motivate us to turn!  To pursue healing and supernatural transformation! 

😬 Do you see yourself in any of them?  
 
I took them to heart because I’ve definitely been feeling restless and stuck in routine and "sameness".
 
What have I realized? I’ve been missing passionate pursuit!  I've been wanting something fresh and new with God!  Yes, I have lots of sweet fellowship time with Him, but my routine is more about peace in His presence, more so than experiencing something new and challenging.  I’ve felt a type of wall in this area that is maybe hard to explain or put into words.  All I know is I’ve felt "stuck", i.e. the same. 

Do you feel this way in your relationship with God?  Are you longing for something fresh and new?

I decided (important phrase) that I needed to do something spontaneous in fresh pursuit of God! 

As example, last Thursday night, I found a healing room service (prayer service) in Buffalo that started at 7pm.  I haven't been to a healing prayer service since my early 40's!  I figured it was time to open myself up to it again!  But it meant several hours of driving and returning home quite late with a very early morning to prepare for Friend Friday.  I pushed past the INTENSE feeling to stay home, quickly grabbed my keys and headed to Buffalo.
 
So....... I take the 1 hour drive.  I get to the church, and there are hardly any cars in the parking lot, maybe 6.  The church looks locked and dark.  I’m immediately disappointed.  Grasping for hope I think, "Well maybe they are in there, and I just can’t tell."  So I get out of my vehicle and yank at the front doors which are locked of course.  Then I'm knocking, ringing the security camera, with no answer.  It starts to rain, so I head back to my Jeep. After a few minutes of feeling dumbfounded as to why I drove all the way out for nothing, I decide to double check the website. I’m there on the wrong night!   Their service is Sunday night!  The Thursday night service is at a different church another 20 minutes into the city!  Ugghhhh! 

What would you do in these circumstances?
 
Thunder and lightning starts, and I take that as my cue to drive back home.     
 
As I get on the toll road, my attitude is an immediate mental and spiritual test.  Should I beat myself up for making this mistake and lament for on the long drive home?  Should I think God was punishing me and rejecting my efforts?  Should I tell myself that God must not have been in this? 

No.

I firmly decide I will not do that to myself.
 
Here is something along the lines of what I said, “Lord I know you see my heart and I know you see why I did this.  So, it didn’t work out.  Oh well.  That’s a bummer.  But I’m going to enjoy this time with you anyways.  I’m going to take this long drive home and loudly worship, pressing in for more of you.”
 
And that is what I did.  And it was a joy-filled drive home!  I landed on a radio station that had a great playlist happening. I sang the familiar worship loudly and passionately.  In the process, I realized long drives with loud worship was something I used to do quite frequently, but haven't.  It's something I desperately missed, but wasn't connecting with because I've been "stubborn" in this area.

I admit to not responding to many whispers from the LORD telling me to "sing".  

In the mistake, God's mercy was redirecting me to something that I love to do.  Drive and worship!  It made me realize I DID NOT do it on my recent ministry road trip down to Virginia, through DC, and back home!  That was a long trip not to spend time in worship while driving!  I spent the drive time listening to directions and keeping the rest of the time silent!

God blessed that worship filled drive home from Buffalo.  As I woke the next morning, I got fresh words from the LORD.  He contributed those 2 extra words of "stagnant and stubborn" to add to the broadcast.  And... normally I hate going LIVE, because it is just not a natural thing for me to enjoy being on camera, but I had a great time sharing and praying with Cheryl and pouring into the group! I felt a new sense of His life flowing through me!
 
Yayyyy!  Breakthrough!
 
Then this past Sunday I went to breakfast after church with a friend.  She shared she was attending a multi-day Christian worship conference happening from July 24-26.  It’s called Kingdom Bound; and is hosted by Darien Lake out towards Buffalo.  So late on Monday, I considered again what I should do to break out of the norm and pursue God.  I decided to spend all of Tuesday in extended worship at Kingdom Bound.  Another drive out towards Buffalo!
 
I got up at 4:45am Tuesday morning (yesterday) to do the podcast, and to get some other ministry things done for the day.  Then, I headed out, getting to the event by 11am.  I returned home at 11:42 pm last night!  It was a worship filled day and night!
 
In today’s Worship Wednesday podcast, you hear some reflections of how I was invigorated in my worship experiences while there.  It was holy fellowship I didn’t know I needed to get "unstuck"! 
 
Do you get a sense of what I am sharing?  Do you see I'm taking myself out of my normal routine and finding fresh ways to pursue God?  To get "unstuck"?

If you are stuck, stagnant, or stubbornly resisting spiritual growth; what can you do to stretch yourself and pursue God in fresh and perhaps spontaneous ways?
 
I know for a fact that some of you are wanting to know what to do!  You've sent me messages and made comments on the broadcast post.  On Saturday. I got an email from a podcast listener who admitted being stuck and wanting prayer.  Along with praying for her, I suggested a few things. 

Consider some of these things and see where the adventure may begin!

1. Ask your church leadership to lay hands on you and pray for the gifts of the Spirit to be stirred up.  This based upon Paul’s words to Timothy… 2 Timothy 1:6- For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 
   1. Take initiative.  We are to fan into flame the gifts of God within us.  It used to be normal practice for church leadership to lay hands on believers and impart a Spirit-filled gift!  God doesn’t change!  He wants us to PERSISTENTLY ask, seek, and knock for more good gifts of the Spirit, Luke 11:13!  Take initiative!  Let your pastor OR a strong bible believing Spirit-filled Christian that you want more of God!  Get 2 of them to pray for newness!
   2. Is there a worship concert happening close by in the near future?  Even if not local, are you willing to take an extended drive?  Are you willing to sacrifice your normal routine and pursue God?
      1. Check out KLOVE events- Tip… I put in my city, state and it worked better than putting in my zip code when searching!
   3. Is there are full day retreat or multi-day retreats happening around you in near future?  Are you willing to spend that extra time and money to grow spiritually?
      1. Conference/retreat ideas-
         1. For women- https://www.retreathood.com/type/christian-womens-retreats Pretty cool interactive US map that make it easy to drill down and find a retreat center near you!  Click and search retreat website for their upcoming retreats!
         2. For men- https://ironsharpensiron.net/conferences.html
         3. Billy Graham Training Center events- https://thecove.org/events/
         4. Bible conference- https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/uss/events/bible-conference-2023
   4. Tune to your local Christian radio stations!   Listen for upcoming events!  Visit their website!  What are they promoting right now for spiritual growth? 
      1. https://www.myflr.org/events/
      2. https://www.familylife.org/events/
      3. https://www.christianradio.com/stations/

 
I hope some of these ideas inspire you to press in for more of God!  Stir up your gifts!  Fan them into flame!  Seek His face!  He rewards those who DILIGENTLY pursue Him!

Hebrews 11:6- And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him!

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Today, we’ll go into ancient times and take a look at how children were viewed under Roman rule and why Jesus’ circumcision is an important detail not to skip over!

Yesterday, those who receive emails from the ministry got a blog devotional about the "science" behind Jesus being circumcised on Day 8. It was also yesterday's podcast. (Scroll down our podcast page and listen to Wed 12/21 or find Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download on your favorite podcast app and listen there. 80% of our listeners use Apple podcasts!)

Today, we continue where we began yesterday, taking notice of Luke 2:21 which says that He was officially named on the 8th day, the same day that he was circumcised. Big deal? Yes or no?

Turns out that detail is pretty interesting and very important! Let's look more closely at ancient culture to understand.

In the time of Jesus, the Romans ruled. And so we are to take note that Luke writes his account to Theophilus, Luke 1:3. He calls him “most excellent Theophilus”. In Roman culture, this implies a Roman title of respect and official importance. So we can make a strong assumption that Theophilus was an important Roman official. Luke also writes the book of Acts to Theophilus. See Acts 1:1. Luke is clear that his account is an orderly account, Luke 1:3.

In his Gospel account to Theophilus, Luke carefully includes the decree issued by Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. It is the reason Joseph and Mary go back to Bethlehem. They are to be “registered”. There is an official count happening of the entire world, Luke 2:1-5.

To understand this better, I'm referencing an exhaustive work written by a man name O M Bakke. It’s called “When Children became people- The Birth of Childhood in Early Christianity”. In it, he explores theological and social history of Greco-Roman and early Christians towards abortion and child prostitution, pedagogy, moral upbringing, and their value within society. It is a shocking and insightful read, especially considering the direction our world is now heading, or should I say reverting to. I highly recommend it.

Related to birth, in the Roman way of life, Bakke notes the father was LEGALLY allowed to decide whether his newborn would live or die! Think of that in modern view. He was legally allowed to decide if the newborn would live or die after birth. He could do so within the first 8-9 days.

So if he accepted the child as a family member, they would hold a ritual known as a day of purification. It was on this day that a child was given its name and LEGALLY REGISTERED. The ceremony for boys was held on the 8th day, and the ceremony for girls was on the 9th day. Under Roman law, the ceremony marked the child's social birth, as compared to biological birth. Read these 2 pages from Bakke's book below.

​Pretty upsetting right?

With Roman rule in mind, re-read Luke 2:21 again-

And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.

Luke is making it clear that Jesus was officially counted in a worldwide census! As a Roman official, Theophilus could check the record! Can you hear him ordering the Bethlehem census be brought to him?

And just think about this detail as it relates to the many arguments that Jesus never existed. "Jesus is a fictional figure. Jesus is a fairy tale." No. He was real and counted in Caesar Augustus' worldwide census! The promise of Good News for all was included in a worldwide census! The most important One to ever be counted and included in a census!

How awesome is it that we have this holy record! That Luke wrote his account to a Roman official, including significant details that validate Christ, not just under Jewish covenant of circumcision, but along with Roman mandate of legal registration! How awesome that he lets Theophilus know the words of the Angel to Mary…

Luke 1:31-33- 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

This might cause quite a stir within Theophilus don’t you think? If you were a highly influential government official today and received word of a king being born whose kingdom would have no end, would you take a closer look at the careful details shared about him?

May this stir you to notice the tiny details in scripture that maybe you gloss over, skip over, or dismiss off-handedly. Meditate on scripture. The revelation of Luke’s intent to highlight Jesus being officially registered came as a result of digging deeper and wrestling with scripture. Dig deeper to uncover the hidden treasure!!!

NEXT STEP: Consider how thousands of years before Roman rule of 8 days for males to be official and socially registered, God picked the 8th day for males to be circumcised. This brought them under the holy covenant given to Abraham and his descendants! Read about the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17! As a believer, you are included under that covenant. How does it affect you? Do you know by memory what it includes before reading it again?

We are so blessed to live in a time of solid biblical resources. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you to Spirit filled revelation! May you and yours have a blessed day of celebrating our eternal King and His coming Kingdom! The greatest gift of all!

(It's year-end. Does this ministry bless you? Will you consider a year end donation? Click the donate button above to give through PayPal. Thank you so much for saying a prayer for the ministry’s reach and impact by the power of the Holy Spirit!)

The picture above is part of my skinny pencil tree.  It's filled with olive wood ornaments from Jerusalem.  I wanted olive wood souvenirs when I went to Israel in 2015, but they were pricey, so I decided to get something when I got home. 

It took a couple of years to find something I wanted, but a few years ago, there was a huge lot of olive wood ornaments from a former shop owner for auction on Ebay; and I won the bid!  I got around 150 ornaments for $20 plus shipping.  :).  I love them!  They perfectly fill my 7' pencil tree!

There are various kinds of camels, shepherds, manger scenes, stars, candles, wise men, donkeys, angels, crosses, roosters, doves, Mary with Jesus.  Like a little girl can get lost staring into her miniature doll house world, I get lost in my tree.  They remind me of that trip, especially our time in Old Jerusalem & in the ancient olive grove just a Sabbath day's walk from the city.  The walk is about 3000 ft.   

Here is a picture from the photo journal I put together.  I'm looking at Jerusalem from within the grove, standing on the Mount of Olives.  ​

Has your Christianity become far too independent and earthly grounded?  When is the last time you asked someone, "Will you pray for me?"  If you haven't asked for prayer or received prayer in the last 2 weeks, it's not a stretch to say, your faith is too earthly grounded.

Believers are to make up a house of prayer, Matthew 21:13.  We are to be interdependent upon each other and to pray for each other, Romans 15:30 & Colossians 1:9 & Ephesians 6:18.  Our agreement in prayer breaks strongholds, Matthew 18:19.  We are blessed when we pray for our friends, Job 42:10.  We receive what we ask for, 1 John 5:14.  There is promise of healing as we open up to each other and pray for each other, James 5:16.   

Are you positioning to receive these promises?  Do you believe in the power of praying together?

If we are honest, this is a very challenging question, and is answered in the frequency in which we do it.  Just like if I were to ask, "Do you believe in working out to maintain physical health?"  Your conviction is answered in the frequency in which you do it.  Same with prayer.

Give yourself a challenge to ask another Christian to pray for you over the next several days.  And for another prayer covering over you, please listen in to today's podcast, episode #313.  You can also scan through other Friend Friday's to find even more episodes of prayer covering over you.  This is not a substitute for others praying over you in person, but it is an additional resource of supernatural protection and power that is so important to your walk of faith!  Take 6 minutes today and receive prayer covering through Peace Be Still Daily Prayer Download!

(We are a faith based ministry and want to increase our reach by advertising the podcast more often.  Would you consider a one time donation of $25 or more to help us pay for those ads?  Thank you for considering it!)

Saturday, June 16th was a GOOD day, filled with gentle breezes in the park and of the LORD!  Souls were gathered, refreshed, filled, and renewed!  For those who are curious and might consider attending in the future, this blog will explain how the time was used and include reactions from attendees.  There was a good range of ages that participated from early 20's up to 60 "ish".  Two men after God's own heart attended!  Drawing near to God is not just for women!

We started off gathering under the shelter shown above.  For the beginning, some introductory messages were given about the format, reason for the ministry, and a beginning teaching with associated meditative exercise.  Then each was given an MP3 player that contained 30 minutes of preparatory breathing and prayer meditation to do alone on a walk in the park.  The recording was to help participants begin to open up and invite God to search within and give some freedom in preparing alone.  Then, upon return, they were ready to connect with current thoughts, feelings, actions, and words causing upset within.  A form was handed out and participants took time to consider what was not currently good in these areas and write them down.  We then focused on God's meaning of good with visual pictures to help identify God's activity to do good within our souls and satisfy our deepest needs in all areas of our lives. 

True "good", as defined by God, is definitive and unchanging.  It is not opinion based as we use it.  True good is seen and known in the life of Jesus, who qualifies himself as the "Good" Shepherd.  A good shepherd MAKES his sheep lie down and rest, Psalm 23:2.  How?  We looked at 4 areas that create unrest within sheep folds, and saw how these areas perfectly translated to 4 areas of upset in our human lives.  These are the areas that a good shepherd has to settle in order for his flock to lie down and rest.  Those 4 areas were brought before God in meditative exercises.  With the help of the Holy Spirit, participants processed, released, and received fresh revelation and rest from God.  During this part, I also included time to pray for the group in each of the 4 areas.  If you have never been prayed for, this experience alone can be quite comforting and healing.  God intends that we have moments when someone is standing with us to cover us with God's good promises.  We need others to stand with us in agreement for renewal and supernatural life, especially when we are weary and heavy burdened.  Participants received this covering.  This period of time (From the time of return from the walk to completing the meditative exercises) took about 1 hour.  

The ending was a transition from the exercises to worship played on a speaker.  Worship time helps each one end gently and in their timing, alone with God.  Participants were invited to worship for as long as they wanted, or continue journaling, and/or receive personal prayer.  Each were free to leave in their own timing.  Some stayed for an 10 additional minutes, some stayed another 40 minutes.  Some asked for personal prayer for the areas that God brought up to them in the meditative exercises.  There was a good amount of release of gentle emotion from most participants because God was good and ministered to deep areas of need. 

Overall, it was a wonderful time with the Good Shepherd!  But I'll let the remaining input come from some participants who turned in a survey.  (Note they chose the roles that are associated with their comments.)

"Amazing!!!  The combination of the walk and guided meditation was very helpful and woke me up to areas in marriage and work that I was anxious and controlling.  Gina's meditations help me process emotions with better clarity and gain new ways of becoming closer with God."  - Youth Ministry leader and Professional Career.

"Really enjoyed MP3 use; but it wasn't long enough.  I wanted more." - Adult Ministry leader and Parent

"The meditation was very refreshing and insightful.  The park was a perfect setting!  I found the images you described (like God's mercy as a womb) very helpful for a fuller understanding of God.  I thought the pacing of the meditation was just right.  I appreciated how we were able to reflect on our feelings and then progress to meditating on God's provision for these troubling feelings.  I especially like the phrase "shameless audacity" and have used it in my prayer life this week." - Parent and professional career

"I really enjoyed the experience.  I feel I gained some tools in being able to go deeper in meditation and reflection to grow closer to Jesus.  The park is one of my favorites so this helped me also.  Nature is one of those places that I really connect with God." - Parent and Business Owner

"Gina is a connector- her gift to help you enter the presence of God, no matter how 'stuck in the mud' you feel- is truly a gift." - Life Coach

"Thank you for this ministry!  I appreciated the time to ourselves for reflection.  Not often that we are able to slow down and process life events or emotions.  Thanks again!" - Professional Career

"The location was perfect.  After the meditation I felt so encouraged, loved, and near the Lord.  There was a sense of renewed hope.  All those troubled thoughts were gone.  Got a vision of Jesus wrapping his arms around me and insight of walls built as a hedge of protection from God.  The teaching on the shepherd was amazing.  He is a good shepherd!" - Parent

"I really appreciate your gentle leadership.  You shared wisdom and scripture but very much in a way of drawing in (not talking at)."  - Bible teacher, Youth Ministry leader, Parent

"I loved the Into the Water's Experience.  Would love to know where to go from here.  Often I find I get a little taste, but then back to the 'crazy'.  How do I get this muscle to be my go to?"  - Bible teacher, Youth Ministry leader, Parent

"This time of meditation provided a much needed respite in a time of turmoil and uncertainty.  Through Gina's gentle promptings and interactions and non-judgmental approach we were led into the presence of the "Good Shepherd", basking in His love, reflecting on our own thinking and actions and learning to wait patiently in Him.  Draw near to Him!  Thank you Gina, you have been a blessing in my life!" - Bible Teacher and Professional Career

"Enjoyed time shared with God in nature, His creation.  Refreshed and revived in His Spirit.  Felt calmness, soothing release of emotions.  It was a time to bring God's good into my soul and then my home."  - Seeker
  
Participants were also asked the following questions with percentages shown of majority answer, from majority of attendees who submitted a survey-

1)  Overall, how satisfied were you with your experience at today's meditation? 

• 100% either Very Satisfied or Extremely Satisfied.  (Other options not chosen- Somewhat satisfied, Not so Satisfied, Not at all Satisfied).

2) How likely is it that you would recommend the session to others?

• 90% Highly Likely, 10% Possibly (Other option not chosen- Not likely)

3) In what ways did you sense the Holy Spirit helping you in the prayer time?

• 100%- Was able to release and/or process emotion
• 100%- Able to visualize and enter in to the exercises
• 100%- God helped me confess areas of weakness and release them to Jesus

This is all written to give you a sense of the experience and to encourage you to consider attending an event.  Additionally, please leave a comment below if you have interest in learning how to bring this type of session into your small group setting.  You can also send an email of inquiry to gina@intothewaters.com.  A similar event will be posted for the 1st Saturday in August.  Sign up will be posted next week, keep an eye out on the calendar page!  Draw near!

Questions to ponder, consider, meditate, and process in God’s presence…

1)      What is a destructive root system working within you, that needs to be destroyed?  A system that is invasive and damaging to yourself and your relationships?  A long-standing root system that is affecting your ability to see and know God’s peace, life, and power?

2)      Next week's blog- Are there destructive root systems in those around you?  Are their thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, and criticisms destroying the strength of your faith foundation?  Is there someone you need to approach because their state-of-heart is damaging your faith walk and obedience to Christ?

For more, read on…

This week a friend of mine sat in with me for a situation that needs resolve.  After the situation that she attended with me, we went to her house and asked God to help us process what just took place.  We took about 30 minutes to worship and pray and wait on God’s input.  She received 2 words for me, “New roots.”  For context, she gave a couple of scriptures, one being Jeremiah 17:7-8:

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,
    whose confidence is in him.
They will be like a tree planted by the water
    that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
    its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
    and never fails to bear fruit.”

Roots.  The things we can't see growing underground.  How important are they? 

Did you know that roots can be more vigorous in growth and change than the leaves above?  Did you know that new roots form RAPIDLY AFTER INJURY?  This was revelation to me.  For some reason, I had a picture in my mind that roots would rapidly grow just based upon season.  I never factored in DEATH of roots as reason for rapid growth of NEW roots. 

From a report called “Tree roots: facts and fallacies”, it states, “injury to and death to roots are frequent…” 

​Injury and death, commonly referred to in scripture as suffering and dying to self.

In the report I read, the roots referred to  as being injured and dying frequently were not the main tree roots; but the feeder roots.  Feeder roots are made up of a complex system of network roots that primarily grow out and up.  They absorb water and other nutrients to feed the tree.  These feeder roots reside much closer to ground level and therefore are more easily damaged by surface level contaminants.  They are more easily injured by surrounding plants, insects, animals, chemicals, and human action.

To me this brought great revelation and gave me much to ponder.  I’ve been really struggling with what God is doing right now in my life.  Why so much injury and pain as this year starts?  I’ve been upset about a call to “suffer” not willing to follow God’s lead.  It’s been causing a great amount of distress and push-back in me.   

But though I have been a reluctant participant in whatever He is doing right now, of late I am turning and obeying, trusting Him to help me face pain.  Through a series of “yes'", the new roots God wants formed are beginning to find their way deeper in Him.  Its not over yet; but I know I am on the right path.  Certainly I have made mistakes, but praise God as I reach for him, there is promise of healing.  Do you believe that for yourself? 

​Luke 6:19-and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.

My revelation will not be your revelation; but I believe God wants me to share steps I've taken for revelation because too many travel alone.  I haven't gone on the path of healing alone.  As I have said yes to God, I have invited people into my pain and had it all laid before God with them.  There is healing if we trust and have confidence in God as Jeremiah 17:7-8 listed above promises. 

What steps have I taken?
1-      Ultimately I have given in, I have surrendered to face the painful situation that God is asking me to face.  Our first step is to say, "Yes Lord." - John 14:23
2-      I haven’t process my pain alone.  In very difficult moments, I've called friends.  I've asked them to come over and “be with me”.  I’ve been willing to mourn in their presence and be vulnerable, no matter how awkward it has felt to do so. - James 5:16
​3-      I've let several people pray for me; and have been tuning into what is coming from these “intimates” after they have prayed and sought God on my behalf.  There is a common message forming.- Matthew 18:19
4-      I have not faced difficult meetings alone.  See Matthew 18:16, where 2 or more are gathered, there Christ is with them.  I have taken a spirit filled friend with me. for confrontation and to address situations.
5-      I’ve not trusted in my own perceptions or other human perceptions after those meetings.  I’ve processed my questions at the foot of the cross searching His Word, asking Him to give me and others His wisdom and His thoughts. - Isaiah 55:8-9
6-      As this process has continued, I’ve become more willing to face suffering and pain believing it will produce more of Him in me.    2 Corinthians 1:5-7
7-      I’ve been more willing to look at my anger.  I've cast it on Christ, and have gone "deeper" to feel the pain and confess the fear driving it.  - 1 Peter 5:7,
8-      I’ve been obeying His call to sing during the pain, despite not feeling like it. -Psalm 63:7, I Thessalonians 5:16.
9-      I continue to seek scripture for wisdom.  Night and evening, praying continually asking God to speak to me through scripture and give me His wisdom.  I want the new roots.  I want healing. - 1 Thessalonians 5-17, Psalm 119:10.
10-      New roots are forming as I continue to cry out asking for more of the Holy Spirit. “Holy Spirit come, open my eyes that I may see and understand and obey.”- Luke 11:13

What are the new roots he wants forming in you and me?  What is the purpose behind the injury? 

​He says to you, He says to me, “Let your roots go deeper in Me.”

Is there distress in your life?  What feeder roots might God be injuring?  If you were to picture yourself as a tree, what does your root system look like?  Are they thirsty?  Are they feeling contaminated, raw and right at the surface, easily damaged?  Is something cutting through those surface roots?  What do your leaves look like?  Are they green and flourishing? 

Take time to consider yourself as a tree.  Ask God to show you a picture of where you are planted, by His stream or alone in a desert?  Pray for God show you your root system.  Ask Him where you need to go deeper.  Are "Holy Spirit filled-others" prayerfully with you in your injury?  Go through the list of 10 things above, are you taking these steps?  Ask God to provide intimate others who are surrendered to God, to be with you as you face the pain He wants to heal.

​Next week’s blog is about asking him to show you a root system in situations and people around you that might be damaging to your foundation.  Until then please try out the 2 meditations offered on the meditation page.  Consider becoming a monthly supporter at just $10 per month!  If you do, you will exclusively receive future meditations and accompanying resources once a month!  I will receive notice that you have signed up as a monthly donor and your name and email will be added to the distribution of each month's prayer meditation resource!

This week, I have created a prayer exercise based upon Psalm 46:10a- "Be still and know that I am God." 

​Frequently, behind God's Word, He has images to look at, cultural context to understand, and actions to take.  This is true of God's command to "be still". 

​As God's people, we are called to trust and be still.  In God's terms it means to slacken.  To relax.  To let fall, especially the hands.  The idea is that we are to leave off our own attempts.  It is about letting go, loosing (not losing) control, and trusting God to deliver and rescue.

​It's a process to trust God.  That's why after the words, "Be still", he then says; and "KNOW that I am God."  To know him the way He means, is that we would see AND perceive Him with clarity.  He intends that we acquire intimate knowledge of who He is.  The more we know Him this way, the more we trust Him to step in, the more we cry out that He intervene and take the reigns.  The more we love Him with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, the more we will find rest in storms and have peace that surpasses understanding.  We will release and trust Him for deliverance. 

​God has many names to know Him by.  One is Prince of Peace, see Isaiah 9:6.  The prayer exercise at the end of the blog invites you into a quiet and restful time with the Prince of Peace.  It takes about 5 minutes.   Feel free to linger as long as you'd like though, there is no rush.  Have your Bible and a pencil and paper near to journal thoughts and reference the Word.

​Creating and distributing resources like the video below is one part of this year's goals for Into the Waters.  Our mission is to inspire people to linger longer with God in prayer, resourcing the earnest to draw near and know Christ.  If you are one of the "earnest", I invite you to receive a biblical prayer meditation resource like the one below, on a monthly basis!

For those who would support this ministry at a minimum of $10 per month, every month you will receive a 5-10 minute biblical meditation for use in your prayer closet!  You will receive access to a "locked" page that will contain the meditation resources.  Know your monthly support will help fund efforts as we go out and execute small group meditations, pray with people, and create more prayer resources for distribution and individual/group use.  Help is needed to go out! The goal is to have 50 supporters at $10 per month or more over the next 6 months.  Please pray for the ministry and agree for the provision!

​Visit the updated donation page to see detail on how to be a "recurring" monthly donor.  Read the testimony page for a refresher of what God does and how people are blessed to spend time with Him! 

Would God lead you to be a regular supporter? We are a unique prayer ministry in terms of having a foundation based upon scripture meditation and active listening.  The Spirit, the Word of God, and Jesus are the central inspiration!  Thank you for considering being a monthly partner!  If not, one time donations are always greatly appreciated, no matter how big or small.  Blessings!  God loves you!  Press in for more and enjoy the meditation below!

MEDITATION DESCRIPTION:  The "Be Still" meditation is completely silent.  It lasts approximately 5 minutes and 45 seconds.  It might help to watch it once before entering your prayer time.  You will see the slides transition, with some holding for longer periods to give you time to pray and process.   You will be prompted with questions and asked to consider what you need to release into God's hands in order to experience the stillness He promises our souls.  Be patient with yourself and the process.  Let God work in you. Note:  For monthly members, future uploads will include some sort of musical chime or sound to keep you in tune with slide transitions.  As well you will be given access to complementary resources for deeper levels of processing and life application.  Enjoy!