A Thrill of Hope

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord ...Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host (angelic army) praising God and saying, ‘ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”  Luke 2:11-14

Dear Heavenly Father, oh how we thank you for the gift of your son Jesus.  Thank you that through Him, we have hope of eternal life and can rejoice and find joy in life here on earth.  Thank you for such a precious gift. We pray for those who are weary to be able to find joy in you this Christmas and see your hope.  We love you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

I saw this sign the other day that read, “A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices” and it has been in my mind ever since.  It is a line from the Christmas carol, “Oh Holy Night”.  This Christmas carol just happens to be my favorite!  However, for some reason this line never stood out to me before the other day. 

“A Thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices.”

Maybe it is because being in ministry has magnified the weary condition of this world and how vast the need is for hope.   Maybe it is because I see how the wounds of abortion and other wounds bring much weariness on the people of this world.   This world needs the hope.  And true hope is only found in the  One who came in the dark of an oh so holy night long ago in the form of a baby…

Jesus. 

God is a God of hope.  Biblical hope is defined as “having an expectation of a positive outcome.”  We can have this expectation because our God is good and we can rest securely and confidently in His love.  Even when things look bleak or the outcome is different than we imagined, we can trust in the goodness of His love knowing He is working all things for good.  The angels even sang it when He was born!  (Can you even imagine being a shepherd that night and seeing that?!  Amazing!)

From what I have seen, many in this world are weary.  Are you weary?  Is the thought of Christmas heavy on your burdened heart? Maybe your marriage is struggling or the divorce papers have even been signed, maybe you lost a loved one recently, or you received a bad report at the doctor.  Or perhaps the wounds of past hurts and rejection still sting and grievously weigh down your heart.  Whatever has caused weariness, I hope to encourage you today.  God knows.  He sees.  He cares.  May the joy of the season surround you.   Hope is right there.  Reach out and grab onto hope. Hold onto hope tightly.  He is right there holding on with you. He won’t ever let go.  Step out in faith and dare to hope. For yonder waits a new and glorious morn! 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises (Romans 15:13).  This is my prayer for you today.  May you be overwhelmed with His presence this season and be full of the thrill of hope that you may rejoice in the Name above all names, Jesus!

May your Christmas truly be MERRY and BRIGHT!  MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Much Love,

From all of us at Deeper Still!  We Love You!  

The Power of Yes

“Then Mary said, ‘ Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.’ “ Luke 1:38

Father, Let our hearts be as Mary’s the night Gabriel spoke to her.  Let our hearts be filled with a “YES” to all You are wanting to do.  May our response be as Mary’s, “Let it be.”  In Jesus’s Name.

Christmas is approaching.  Wreaths are hung and lights are aglow.  Songs fill the air in department stores and restaurants celebrating the birth of our King Jesus.  And change occurs.  Those who normally wouldn’t lift up their voices in praise, begin praising unaware of the words on their lips.  All around we can admire the changes in the atmosphere as the One who came to save is celebrated.  

One song I love is a more recently written Christmas Carol, “Mary Did You Know.”  When Mary said, “Yes” to the request of her Lord, did she really know how the story would end?  Did she really know all the Lord was going to do?  Could she have known all that was to be?  I don’t believe she truly knew the weight.  I believe the Lord gave her a child-like faith to say yes without knowing all her yes would entail. 

When the Lord comes to us and asks us to do something for Him, He won’t give us all the details and the total plan.  If He did, we would be too overwhelmed.  However, if we step into the “Yes”, we will see miracles happen and see the glory of the Lord. 

Last year, I was faced with an opportunity to say yes or no to a request.  As I was praying about the decision at hand, I felt like I heard the Lord say in my spirit, “You can say no and nothing will change OR You can say yes and see what I will do.”  I was terrified of saying yes.  Fears of failure and insecurity rose up in me.  What if I fail?  What if everyone sees me fail?   But I knew deep within that my weaknesses would make room for the Lord to show up and be strong where I am weak.  

And. He. Did. 

2016 was a year full of the glory of the Lord and full of growth for Deeper Still, and I am so thankful I said yes and was able to witness and be a part of the miracles God did through this ministry.  Lives were changes across the globe.  There is much power in a yes.  What if I would have said no?  I believe the Lord would have risen up someone else to do whatever needed to be done.  However, I would have missed out on the blessing the Lord had for me and wanted to do in me. 

Can you imagine if Mary would have said no?  God would have chosen someone else and we would be singing songs with her name instead! 

What is it that the Lord is asking you to do?  Don’t be afraid.  Just step out in faith and believe. If He is asking you to do it, He will be with you.  For if you say no, nothing may change.  But, what if you say yes, and see what God will do?   As Gabriel said to Mary, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”  Step out in faith and say “Yes. Let it be”. 

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Thank You! {A Testimony of One Life Changed}

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

Dear Lord in Heaven,  how can we thank you enough.  Oh Lord, we give You thanks and praise for Your wondrous works!  Thank you for sending Jesus to set the captives free.  Thank you that because of Your love, we can live in freedom.  Our lives truly have been changed.  It is with all praise, glory and honor due Your Holy Name, that we pray. Amen.

To all those who support Deeper Still, we give thanks! Thank you for giving.  Thank you for donating time and financial resources.  Thank you for praying.  Thank you for serving.  We love you!  Through your time and resources, you are changing lives!  The following was an email we received from one of our male participant from the last retreat in Knoxville, TN.  It is with his permission that I am sharing this today.  On behalf of this man and all others touched by this ministry (myself including!), we say THANK YOU!!!!

"I have purposely refrained from saying anything because I wanted to give myself time to see if all this was real or just an emotional weekend that faded away as the days rolled by.

I generally cringe whenever I hear someone say something "changed my life" because, let's face it, that's a pretty tall order.  I mean, really?  It actually changed your life?  

How pliable one must be, I thought; That could never happen to me, as my clay had hardened into an impenetrable shell long ago and every retreat, program or lesson had only left me more hopeless than before.  Truthfully, I was sure that's what our weekend was going to be like, but I was desperate for healing.  Real healing!

Praise God!  What a life changing, awesome weekend I had.  Yeah, I know! I said "life changing".  And I truly mean it.  

I had carried around shame, guilt, fear, anger, sadness and hopelessness for what seemed like an eternity, but Jesus reached into my heart and removed all that junk.  At the same time He replaced it with a peace I haven't felt in a long time, if ever.  Words can't describe the monumental shift that has taken place in me.

I honestly feel/know that God has forgiven me and is not holding a grudge or waiting to destroy me.  I think what really put the icing on the cake was at the end of the song played during the memorial on Sunday.  When the child asked God what her mother had done, and He replied, "I don't remember".  Man, that still brings tears to my eyes.   He doesn't remember!!!

I want to thank everyone involved with the Deeper Still team (those we saw and those we didn't), and my sisters and brother that walked this journey and shared your souls with me.  

I pray for y'all daily and hope that God continues to bless you richly.  

Deeper Still team:  I can't thank you enough for your humble, selfless service to us and the attention to detail that brought much needed closure and made the weekend one that I'll remember for the rest of my life.

My heart is full of love for all my brothers and sisters!" – Keith (a man whose life was changed because of your giving.)

If you would like to donate to Deeper Still, find out how you can get involved, or if you need to come to a retreat and experience for yourself what awaits you on the mountain, please go to www.godeeperstill.org

Prayer for Deeper Still Training {And Thank You!}

“The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”  James 5:16b

Father, thank you for hearing and answering our prayers.  Thank you for your faithfulness.  Lord, we ask for the Deeper Still training this week to be full of your great power and produce wonderful results for your Kingdom purposes.  Set ablaze the hearts of those in attendance for your people’s freedom and healing.  Open our eyes.  Show us Your will.  Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Take us deeper and equip us to lead others to the deep with You.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Erin Moore from Deeper Still of Central Illinois Chapter wrote this in an email to the Watchman on the Wall (WOW) prayer team after the October retreat in Illinois.  Her words convey the genuine gratitude we have for all of our prayer partners.  We are thankful for each and every one of you who pray for us!  We could not do this ministry without you.  As she says below, your involvement in this ministry by prayer is the most important “job” of all.  With all our hearts, we say thank you. 

And thank you Erin Moore for sharing with us today!

Dare I say that your "job" for the Deeper Still retreats is the most important one? I have had the privilege of serving onsite for 4 retreats and each time I realize that none of this could happen without the prayers of the saints. Through spiritual preparation (repentance, prayer, study of the Word, fellowship with the team), I can prepare as an onsite team member. However, when we arrive at the retreat site things change.

 The Holy Spirit is tangible amongst His people...from your prayers.

I can trust His still small voice completely...from your prayers. 

I can speak words to participants and be confident it's not from me but Him...from your prayers. 

I can tell a participant, "You can do this, there are 130 prayer warriors on their knees for you"...from your prayers. 

I can teach my segment and be confident in the Spirit...from your prayers.

We can do nothing apart from your prayers.

God does major heart surgery during the retreat. It is one step from heaven to witness a heart changed and renewed right in front of you. That is because of the sacrifice of time, energy, family, sleep that you give to us and your Lord over the weeks surrounding the retreat. I cannot wait for the day when you will be able to see what your prayers have accomplished for the kingdom of God. In the heavenlies when you can see with unveiled eyes the results of the prayers you lifted up for those the Lord called to heal for "such a time as this"!

Called By a New Name

“The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory.  You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name.”  Is 62:2

Father, Lord, will You give those who come to the Deeper Still retreats a new name.  Lord, that they would no longer be termed forsaken or desolate, but they would see that You delight in them and those around them would see Your  beloved as a crown of glory and a royal diadem in the hand of the Lord.  Amen.

Today’s devotional was written by Samuel Turnmire.  Thank you Samuel for contributing today…

God likes to make things new. The New Testament tells us that by following Christ we become a new creation.  We like new things too, like new hairstyles or clothes, but our Creator changes something much deeper than that. At times the difference is so great that a new name is given. In the gospel of John chapter 1, we see the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth and Jesus begins to call his disciples. When he encounters Simon, Christ tells him that He will call him “Cephas”, or as we know him, “Peter”.

Inside Peter, his heart was moved and called to follow Christ. But to come into his new name, Peter “the rock”, he would have to be watered by the words of Christ for the remainder of Christ’s time on earth. He would bask in the light of Jesus’ presence and become strong in faith through the impulsive actions of jumping out of a boat in the middle of the sea. Finally, he would be pruned by suffering the shame of denying the one he pledged to die for just hours prior; and to be restored by the master’s forgiveness at a lakeside fish fry.

In time, Simon became Peter. He would go on to lead thousands on the day of Pentecost, travel through Asia Minor, and finally find himself martyred in Rome. All of this Jesus saw when he called Simon and changed his name. Peter had no idea the growth that he would undergo. Peter’s words became the foundation of faith for the early church. In his death, he affirmed his faith and set an example for all of us to follow.

When the Creator of all things looks us in the eye and whispers to our hearts to come, if we choose Him, we will be changed.  Each of us is made new. Each of us gets a new name.

Lost to Found.

Sinner to Saint.

Enemy to Heir.

Wrecked to Redeemed.

Many times at the Deeper Still Retreats, the Lord gives someone a new name or redeems the name they were given.  It is beautiful to witness.  There is much in a name.  As we become the person God created us to be, we begin to walk in confidence of our new name just as Peter did.  He went from wimp to warrior in a matter of a moment with Jesus and then boldly proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ ushering in the preaching of the gospel which lasts until this day.  God has a new name for you as well.  There is no knowing all God has in store for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.  I want to encourage you to ask God what your name is, then walk in your new name.  Daughter/Son of the King, as you do, He will do a mighty Kingdom work through you.   

If you are interested  in knowing more about ministering to the abortion-wounded or are interested in starting a Deeper Still Chapter in your area, our annual training is Nov 11 and 12 in Knoxville, TN.  Please go to www.godeeperstill.org for registration information.  

Willows by the Watercourses {Repost}

“I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring; They will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.”  Isaiah 44:3-4

Father, we ask for you to pour Your waters onto those who are thirsty and flood the dry ground of those with abortion wounded hearts.  Father, as You know, the Deeper Still Ministry is needed beyond our borders, in other states and nations.  Father, we ask for You to pour out Your Spirit on the chapters that are emerging and bless the offspring from Deeper Still.  Father, we pray for the chapters to spring up like willows by the watercourses, fully nourished and fruitful.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

New chapters of Deeper Still are in the birthing process and many more haven’t been conceived yet.  God knows when and where these chapters will spring up.  As these new chapters are being planted, they will need to be nurtured and watered with the Spirit of the Living God. 

In verse 3 above, God says He will pour water on Him who is thirsty and floods on the dry ground.  Water and floods are often used in Scripture to depict abundant blessings and are also used to denote the influence of the Holy Spirit (Bible Hub-Barnes Commentary). 

God is saying that He will pour out His Holy Spirit on those who are thirsty and bless them abundantly! Amen!

In verse 4, the He says, “They will spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.”

Willow trees in our western culture symbolize grief, such as in the weeping willow.  However, in the places where the willow originated (China), it symbolizes vitality and growth.  This symbolism comes from its ability to reproduce easily from cut branches. 

Interestingly enough, I found 5 more facts about willow trees that I thought mirrored perfectly the heart of Deeper Still as it is beginning new chapters. 

       1.  Willow trees not only sprout easily, they are fast growers. 

       2.   Willows have medicinal properties that alleviate pain and bring healing.

3     3.  Willows are used to build.

       4.  Willows need to have the proper soil and need an abundance of water (Holy Spirit).

       5.   Willows help prevent erosion. 

As Deeper Still grows and becomes all God has for it to be, may the new chapters grow in vitality, may the pain of the past be shed as hearts are healed, may the ruins of many desolations be rebuilt and restored, may the roots be ever in the right soil and watered abundantly, and may Deeper Still help prevent the erosion of our culture, our nation, and the world.  Amen!  

Why Do You Love Me So Much?

“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”  Ephesians 3:16-19

Father, I pray for the Deeper Still team to have a greater revelation of Your love.  Lord, I pray that You would strengthen us through Your spirit in our inner man, that Christ will dwell in our hearts through faith and that we would be rooted deep and grounded in Your love, that we would know the love of Christ even beyond our understanding so we may be filled with the fullness of Your love to share with others.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The room was filled with sounds of praise as we worshiped together Saturday night at the Deeper Still Retreat.  The presence of the Lord was strong and I could feel His pleasure and happiness at His daughters and sons from separate ends of the earth (China and US) worshiping together exalting Him in awe of all He had done in the hearts of the participants and team that weekend.  

As I worshiped and tears poured from my eyes, hands lifted in total abandon, I became overwhelmed with His goodness.  My heart whispered, “Why Lord?  Why do you love me so much?”  I thought of the beating He endured for me as the Roman soldiers prepared Him for the cruel death He would suffer.  I thought about Him hanging, bear and exposed, with the pain of nails pounded into his bones and skin.  The more I thought of it, the more overwhelmed I became with His love.  Yes, I was feeling His love at that moment during praise and worship, but this love was always and constant. It is a love that existed before I was even born, even before the foundations of the world.  It always was and always will be.  It is more than my human heart can comprehend.  

As a child, we sing, “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”  Yes and amen, but also Jesus loves me this I know, more than just because the Bible tells me so.  He demonstrates His love over and over again.  He demonstrated it in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).  And that would have been more than enough.  But yet, He continually displays His love for us in the everyday.  It really is above and beyond anything I can ask, think or imagine.  I pray I would know His love more.  I pray I would be more aware of His love so that I, in turn, can be filled with His love to pour out to others.  

May we truly be rooted and grounded in love and filled with the fullness of love.  Perhaps that is the reason He loves us so much.    

Stepping Into the River

“For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had.” 

John 5: 4

Father, thank you for stirring the waters.  Lord we pray for each and every Deeper Still participant across the globe to step into your healing waters and find freedom, healing and deliverance.  Lord, we stand against fear and every other hindrance to healing.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Today’s post was written partially by a former Deeper Still participant, now team member, who wasn’t afraid to step into the Lord’s healing waters.  Thank you, Lindsey Martin, for sharing with us today.  

During a recent prayer meeting for Deeper Still, the Lord brought to my mind a picture for Deeper Still. The picture was of a raging river, with people standing on both sides. One side had several people standing, gazing across the river with no emotion, just numb. There were several men there.

On the other side I saw the team members, softly smiling, calling out to the people on the other side and encouraging them.  Gentle calls of courage echoed telling them not to be afraid.  The team stood with arms open and up, inviting those of the other side to step in.

The Lord showed me the gap between pain and healing is separated by the river. Freedom is on the other side of that river, but it appears scary and impossible to cross. Their eyes are skewed by pain, shame, guilt – and all they see is a frightening raging river and fear strips tenacity. BUT the Lord says that the river is the Living Water, Jesus Christ.  The Deeper Still leaders and volunteers cheer them on, encouraging them to come and step in. And as they step in. and walk through the river (meeting Christ at the retreat), they are refreshed, healed, renewed and washed clean…stepping into freedom on the other side of the river. On this side, they look back and the river is no longer raging and formidable, instead it is now calm and inviting.  The river is a place to find rest and refreshment while grace grows deep roots. He will calm the storm, call them deeper, and deliver them from their pain.– Lindsey Martin

In the scripture for today, it says that an angel came down and “troubled the water”.  The Greek word for “troubled” in this passage is tarasso and it means, “to stir up”.  When the Lord is about to do a healing, He stirs up something inside of us.  He creates “trouble” to invoke in us a deeper desire for healing, a healing that can only come from the Living Water.  

I find it interesting that the pool mentioned above wasn’t always stirring.  I believe the Lord creates specific opportunities for healing, He stirs the waters when the time is right and we just need to be willing and ready to step in.  The troublesome water may appear risky, but we can know that when our Lord stirs in our hearts, He is gentle and kind. He will lead us into the water safely.  And on the other side, there truly is a new level of freedom and deliverance.  Don’t be afraid.  Weeping may endure for the night, but joy truly does come in the morning as you are made whole.

Surrendering the Dark

“Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, ‘Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.”  John 11:39-41

Father, will you awaken those laying in the dark?  Will you stir within your people to roll away the stone and reveal those places that are hidden and dead to allow your resurrection power to bring forth life and restoration all for Your glory.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.  

We live in an abortion-wounded world.  One in three women  have had an abortion, and that isn’t even mentioning the men also affected by fathering a child who is aborted.   What does an abortion-wounded world look like?  From the outside, it may appear quite normal.   The abortion-wounded can even look rather put together.  

We can become experts in hiding our secret.  Perhaps the secret is nestled away in a box hidden in a corner of the heart with a gigantic stone rolled in front .  Put on some lipstick, a pretty lace-trimmed blouse, high heels, and well-manicured nails, and from the outside, all may appear well.  But, what is dead hidden in the dark, cannot remain hidden forever.  It will eventually start to stink.  And that stink will not disappear until the box is opened and Jesus is allowed to resurrect what was once dead.  

God is just waiting for us to lead Him to the place where we need a resurrection. God can resurrect regardless, but He is a gentleman and He won’t open the box unless we give Him access.  He may cause the stink to increase, but it is still our decision to allow Him to resurrect the dead and dark areas hidden in our hearts.  

What would happen if every single abortion-wounded person allowed God to come in and roll the stone away from their dead places and resurrect life into their soul and spirit?  I believe the world wouldn’t be able to contain the glory that would result.  I believe the world would come to itself and see abortion as the atrocity and horror that it is.  I believe abortion would end.  

In the verse above it says, “Jesus said to her.  ‘Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’”

What once brought death, destruction and darkness can now be used to bring life, liberty, and light all for the glory of God.  All that is needed is to allow God to roll away the stone!  

But so many times, we resist and say, “Wait a minute Lord.  If you roll away the stone, if you open that box, it is going to stink! Do you know how long that has been dead?  Do you know how long I have kept this secret?  Lord, are you sure you want to open that?!”  Or we might say, “Lord, you know I’ve already dealt with all that.  I know you have forgiven me.  What is the point of rolling away that stone?!  Let’s just keep all that closed away behind a big honking rock.”  

But the Lord says, “I want to bring life.  I want to resurrect and do an even greater work!  And if you believe me, you will see the glory of God!”  

All of this leaves us with a choice.  We can choose to keep our dead secrets hidden in the dark or we can choose to surrender the dark and allow the Lord access to roll away the stone and bring light and life to what was once dead.  Will you choose to surrender and then watch and you will see the glory of God!  

Out on the Rock {A Testimony from the Chinese Retreat}

“Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, you who are God my Savior, and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.  Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalms 51: 14-15

Oh Lord, how we but praise You!  We sing Your praise for delivering from the guilt of bloodshed.  Father, we ask for more of your people to be delivered throughout all the nations, for more on this earth to declare Your praise!  How we praise Your Holy Name for the mighty and great works You have done!  Amen.

The morning air whispered breaths of a new day as I gazed over the mountain tops from Eagle Rock’s magnificent view.  The clouds were laying as pillows on a bed of mountains for miles upon miles.  As I sat clenching my coffee in both hands, Bible in lap, taking in the picture of breathtaking beauty, a faint voice filled the once silent scene.  It was a lovely sound, one that mirrored the winsomeness surrounding it.  The sound led me to see a most beautiful sight.  Out on the rock at Eagle Rock was one of our participants from the Chinese retreat.  She was adorned in all white.  Her shirt flowed in the wind and her hands were lifted as she swayed back and forth rhythmically matching the melody on her lips.  What an incredible picture of God’s grace, healing and freedom! This woman who had been in tremendous bondage and hindered in worship was now free and her lips could not help but praise her King!  

It is a vision I shall never forget, our Chinese friend out on the high rock overlooking the mountains singing praises to our Lord.  The Lord had brought his beloved daughter 20,000 miles to set her free.  Her heart could only praise Him!  

After the retreat ended that Sunday, she continued to praise Him.  For hours, she sang and sang and sang.  It was the most angelic sound in the world to our ears.

Whom the Son sets free, is free indeed.  

This is her story.  This is her song.  Praising her Savior all the day long.  

Baby Step with a Big Purpose {Prayer for Deeper Still China}

“Then he took his staff in his hand; and he chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in a shepherd’s bag, in a pouch which he had, and his sling was in his hand.  And he drew near to the Philistine.”  1 Samuel 17:40

“And they said to Him, ‘We have here only five loaves and two fish.’  He said, ‘Bring them here to Me.’  Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass.  And he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples’ and the disciples gave to the multitudes."  Matthew 14:17-19

Dear Lord, our eyes sometimes see only something small but You see the big picture.  David only had five stones, and with one stone and an obedient courageous heart, he brought down Goliath.  Also, You Lord saw the multitudes that needed to be fed and used again one obedient heart and only five loaves of bread plus two fish to feed the multitudes.  Lord, you know the five Chinese ladies who have come with obedient courageous hearts for the Chinese Deeper Still retreat this weekend.  Father, we ask for You to use them mightily for Your Kingdom purpose.  Lord, we pray for all Your purposes to be fulfilled and accomplished through this weekend.  Lord, may they leave this weekend with courage in their hearts to stand against a giant in their nation and for the feeding of the multitudes.   In  Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

The story is long with many weaving of threads.  How the Lord has brought all this together is beyond reasonable explanation and knowingly impossible without His Hand masterfully knitting it all together.   

The short version…We have five ladies from China who have come to either participate or serve at the first Chinese Deeper Still Retreat this coming weekend, August 25-28th, in Knoxville, TN. 

The Lord spoke to Deeper Still leaders at the beginning of the year and said, “Go to China without going to China.”  

So, here we are seven months later and China is here.

   

This journey has been amazing as we have seen the Lord bring it all together.  We are in awe of the magnificence of our Lord. 

Will you please pray for this weekend, for the Deeper Still team, and the five the Lord has entrusted to us for His purposes and glory? 

Glory be to our God and Father, and Lord of all.  His Kingdom come.  His will be done. 

Tale of Two Women

“For You have delivered my soul from death. Have You not kept my feet from falling. That I may walk before God in the light of the living.” Ps 56:13

Oh Lord, I pray for those with abortion-wounded hearts to seek more of You. Father, deliver their soul from death. Even those who have a degree of freedom and healing, will you stir up in them a desire for more of You! I pray they would receive all you have for them, come out of the darkness of hiding and be able to walk before you in the light of the living. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This week's devotional was written by Jacque Murphy, the Director of Administration for the Deeper Still Ministry. Thank you Jacque for contributing to the devotional today!

“Recently, my husband, Darryl, and I went out shopping. We entered a local store. While

searching for that perfect something, someone who I had recently met walked in the store. This recent acquaintance was a divine appointment set up by the Lord. I had met with her to talk about Deeper Still and discovered through our conversation that she was post-abortive. I had encouraged her to come to a Deeper Still retreat, but sadly, she had not yet decided to attend. Excited to see my new friend, I walked over to say hi. She looked at me with surprise, and for a moment it seemed she had forgotten we met.

Sensing she was uncomfortable at our random meeting, I said, “It’s good to see you again.” She just smiled and nodded her head. Her face told me she didn’t want to talk with me. Backing away, I went looking for Darryl. When we were leaving the store, we passed by each other, but did not look at me, nor did she seem to want to talk. I looked at her softly and said goodbye. She did not respond.

The interaction was strange and awkward. I really didn’t know what to think about it all. I asked the Lord about it later, and felt like He said he wanted to keep Deeper Still in front of her. I didn’t expect to hear that response. But felt like the Lord was working on her heart.

The next day, I ran into another lady while I was at Walmart. This lady worked there. I was noticing her and ask her if we had met before, and she said I looked familiar too. No one was around, so I asked her if she had ever come to a retreat called Deeper Still, and immediately she said yes!! She came around the counter and gave me the biggest hug. She told me how much that retreat meant to her and how her life had been changed forever through Deeper Still!

So interesting how the Lord works. I felt like He was showing me the difference between these two ladies. One not healed, and the other, healed and free. When not healed, they are not free and want to hide and feel shame and guilt.  But once healed and free, what a difference! The second lady came out of hiding and was ready to embrace others. Her heart was open, and looking for an opportunity to embrace that freedom! Such a contrast between the two! One lady is walking in the Light and the other lady is walking in darkness, and doesn’t even realize it. “

There is an unexplainable resistance to freedom.  I resisted more freedom for years and coaxed my complacency with thinking I was fine and didn’t need more. Somehow we think seeking healing negates the freedom and healing already received. Admitting weakness and having the vulnerability to recognize that there is a need for more takes humility. Seeking more help and health isn’t a sign of weakness but of strength. With Jesus, there is always deeper. Deeper still.

In a Loveless Nation

“And the love of the great body of people will grow cold because of the multiplied lawlessness and iniquity.”  Matthew 24:12

Father, we lift our nation up to you.  Father, we ask for you to forgive us for our iniquities as a nation.  Lord, we have blasphemed Your mighty name.  We have turned our backs on our statues and mocked those who stood for truth.  We have forced You out of our public schools and institutions in the name of equality and separation of church and state.  We need You in our nation again.  We need Your love to come in and flood our hearts.  We need Your eyes to see the depravity in this world.  For what we are too blind to see we will inevitably run into.  Lord, may our love not grow cold.  Fill us.  In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.

Hallerin Hilton Hill, a popular radio personality, spoke at my church last Sunday as a guest speaker.  He shared his heart and love for this nation and encouraged us during this time in which our nation has endured several sad occurrences recently with tragic loss of life.  One statement he shared was his father’s advice to him as his father was in his final days on earth.  He said this:

“Remember the answer to everything is love.”

In our nation, we are in a crisis of loveless-ness.  We are in a crisis of disrespect and disregard for human life.  We have forgotten the commandments Jesus gave when on the earth: 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. 

Two commands.  That’s it.   All the others hang in the balance of these two.  A friend of mine, who is also a very gifted and anointed worship leader wrote these words that beautifully illustrates this point: 

“If we see ourselves as unworthy of love, we see others as unworthy of love also.  But if we see that He is crazy for us, we will love ourselves as well, and in return love others with the same crazy, extravagant, gracious love.  I believe America is broken and hurting, and in search of her true identity…If we would fix our eyes back on Jesus, we would learn how to love ourselves and how to love others, and in doing so would end this nasty epidemic of hate that seems to be rooted so deep in this land. May authentic love be rooted once again in this country and in the Church, but most of all may it start with me.”  -Ashlynn Bolding

Amen and amen. 

I pray we would not get calloused as a nation to the terror and fear that has happened recently.  This is not the norm in our nation, nor should it be the accepted as commonplace anywhere.  Having disregard for human life should never be the norm. 

Devaluing human life cannot and should not be ignored.   We have all been created in the image of God, no matter the age, color, ethnicity, religion, background, education or socioeconomic status.  We are His image bearers, and as such, we are violently hated by the enemy of this world.  This enemy has one mission, and that is to kill, steal and destroy.

 

We have one mission given to us by our Creator, and that is to love, all people.   May we never become indifferent to human lives lost no matter the cause or circumstance and may our love never grow cold.  

Please Talk about this Topic

“Mercy, peace and love be multiplied to you.”  Jude 1:2

Father in Heaven, Lord, we ask for You to multiply the mercy, peace and love of Deeper Still.  We ask for you to expand Deeper Still.  We ask for You to multiply healing of those wounded from abortion to across the nation and the world.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Sobs interrupted by gasps of breath filled the car. 

We had just left a fundraising event for a local crisis pregnancy center.  The guest speaker was Pam Tebow.  The crowd listened intently as she shared her powerful testimony.  The doctors had encouraged her to abort her son due to health reasons.  She chose life.  As a result, Tim Tebow was born.  Tim Tebow is the famous football player once known for writing scripture under his eyes and his bold kneel for Christ. 

I left the event broken and desperate.  Sobbing all the way home in the car, I thought about the girl I had aborted that never had a chance to breathe her first breath of air.  That night I wondered the “what ifs” and the “what ifs” broke me. 

God had been leading me on a journey of healing my abortion wounded heart for the past 20 years and I have to admit, up until that night I thought I was fine.  I didn’t see the need to go any deeper.  I thought, “I’m good right where I am.”

However, that night my heart whispered more.  God spoke to me during the event and said, “It is time.  It is time to go deeper.”

Three weeks after that event, He led me to the Deeper Still ministry through a friend and I attended the Deeper Still Ministry training two months later.  God led me deeper and drastically changed my life.

A friend recently told me she was hesitant to share her abortion story at her Bible study group because she was concerned there were women there who were post-abortive and that it may cause them pain to hear the topic of abortion.  Our churches remain silent on the issue of abortion for many reasons, but I believe this is also one of the reasons pastors tend to shrink back from this topic.

Can I just say something about this reason for not talking about abortion?  We need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit when sharing about any topic, but perhaps hushing is hindering the Holy Spirit from doing a much needed work in people who need to hear the hard stuff.  God uses the hard to stir up in us a discontentment for the status quo and open our eyes to our need for Him to heal.  It is easy to ignore the pain when it has been numbed and dormant.

For true healing to occur, a person has to realize their need for a Doctor.  The pain surfacing awakens our need.  Then as Christine Caine has said, "We must embrace the pain of recovery."

In any surgery, there is pain involved.  We can ignore the issues and pretend they aren't there and deceive ourselves into believing they will just go away or we can let the Surgeon do His surgery and embrace the pain of recovery.  After the surgery and recovery are over, we can be healthy and whole!  But, we have to know we need surgery and be willing to undergo the hard in order to be healed.

When churches, pastors and leaders decide to not talk about abortion because it might "upset someone" or because "It is a sensative issue", they are denying that there is an infection in the body of Christ.  If Pam Tebow wouldn't have talked about abortion that night, I wouldn't have seen my need for deeper healing.  It is only when we are faced with our pain, that we realize how much we need the Surgeon.

The pain of recovery is temporal.  The pain of denial is infinite.

If you are a church pastor or leader, please talk about this issue.  Please let your people know there is healing and freedom.  In doing so, you are multiplying the healing of His wounded.  God is a God of mercy, peace and love.  

God is multiplying His mercy, peace and love.  Thank you for joining us in prayer as He multiplies His Kingdom.

All Lives Matter

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.  I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."  John 10:10

Heavenly Father, You are life.  You are the One who created all life.  You alone are the giver of life.  Lord, all things life-giving are of You.  Lord, we ask for You to fan a flame of life-culture in our nation. Lord, may each of us value and cherish life as You do, all lives.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

One common misconception of pro-lifers is that we only care about the life inside the womb.  This, my friends, is a grievous mistake.  To truly be pro-life is to be pro-all lives.  All lives matter.

I was in Orlando last week when the horrific attack happened that took the lives of 49 people.  In the same week while we were there, a two year old's life was tragically ended when an alligator snatched him from a Disney beach, a beach our own children had walked on many times without a care or concern.

After we returned home, I received news that my dear great-aunt, who had been more like a grandmother to me, passed away.  She was 92, but full of life and this turn for the worse was rather sudden.  She was gone.

To value life is a beautiful gift.  God breathes life into his unique and special creation formed and hand-made in His image.  No other creation on earth is as precious to the Lord than His children created in His likeness. All His children, whether in the womb, in a night club, barely beginning their lives with toes in the sand, or in a hospital bed nearing the end of days are highly valued and priceless.  In fact, He values each of our lives to such an extent that He sent Jesus to purchase our lives.  We need only believe in Him.

Truly, every life matters.  Every life is valuable.  Every life is deeply treasured by our Creator.  This is the truth of pro-life.

God is a God of life.  He is all about life.  Jesus came to give us life.  God says for us to choose life in Deuteronomy 30:19.   I pray that as a nation, our hearts will be grieved over the loss of all life and that our hearts would be awakened to the truth that all lives matter.  Let us pray again for those who lost loved ones in the recent attacks and pray for our nation to value life.

Our hearts ache over the tragic loss in Orlando and our hearts ache with every loss.  Lord, we cry out to ask for you to comfort those who are hurting over the loss of family members and friends.  Lord, we ask for protection over our country and we ask you to protect us from the evil one.  Lord, we ask for all the schemes and plans of the enemy to be exposed and canceled in Jesus' Name.  Lord, we ask for what Satan meant for evil, for you to turn around and use somehow for good.  We ask for you to comfort us as a nation and as a people.  We need you Lord.  Father, we pray for all to value life, every life.  In Jesus' name, Amen. 

Is Everyone Called to Share Their Testimony

"When your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgements which the Lord our God has commanded you?' Then you will say to your son; 'We were slaves of Pharoah in Egypt, and the Lord brought us up out of Egypt with a mighty hand.'" Deuteronomy 6:20-21

Father, I pray for those who have been healed and set free to find courage and find their voice to share how they were once slaves but now are free, to tell others of your forgiveness and grace and help others find freedom as well.  Lord, I pray they would share for the generations that follow to know the truth.  In Jesus' Name amen.

There was a time when if you had asked me if I thought everyone was called to share their story, I would have said no.  In fact, I did tell someone exactly that answer.

In 2008, I shared my testimony of healing from my abortion at my home church.  Afterwards, a friend came up to me timidly and confided in me that she too was post-abortive. With fear in her eyes, she asked me if I thought she had to share her story.  I told her I didn't think everyone was called to share their story.  Now, I hold a different view.

Will everyone be called to speak in front of a church or to a large group of people?  Perhaps not.  However, there will come a time, I believe, when God asks you to give testimony to the healing you have received in order to help someone else become free.  See, when God heals, it is not only for you.  Yes, it is most definitely for you, but it is also His desire for you to show others the path to freedom in Him.The enemy would like nothing more than for God's daughters and sons to remain silent.

I completely understand not wanting to share.  It is hard to share the darkest and most difficult times of our lives.  However, if you will oblige me, can I ask you a question?  Why?  What is your reason for keeping your healing to yourself?  Did God tell you to?  Has the Holy Spirit not prompted you to share?  That could very well be the case.  God has perfect timing.  But, if the reason is rooted in fear--fear of man--fear of what will people think, then I think you need to really seek the Lord and follow Him in whatever He leads you to do.  Fear is never a good reason to keep silent.  In fact, if you discover it is fear holding your tongue, I would strongly encourage you to find a safe friend and share what the Lord has done to free you!

One thing I know--"We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."  If we aren't free to share, we need to share to be free!

In the movie, "The Heart of the Sea", the story of Moby Dick that came out recently, there was a line that brought my spirit to attention when it hit my ears:

"The devil loves unspoken secrets.  Especially those that fester in a man's soul."

The enemy would love nothing more than for God's daughters and sons to remain silent.

People need to hear our stories.  Those considering abortion need to hear the truth.  Those still suffering  in silent shame need to know there is healing, freedom and hope.

The next generation needs to hear our stories.  Our children need to hear of the glory of God.  If we remain silent, our stories die and glory fades.  Silence risks breeding the repetition of. slavery.

In the verse above, we are asked a question, "What is the meaning of the testimonies?"  Or in my words, "Why do we share our stories?"

The answer is simple and found in the following verse.  We share because:

Once we were slaves, but now we are free!  The Lord has brought us out with a might hand!!

Let's shout it from the mountain tops!