Deeper Waters, Greater Glory.

Let me be real with you, I don’t know where to start. It’s my first time officially writing, and I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to do this. But I’m doing it out of love for you and the desire to share the ideas God has placed in my heart. My sincere prayer is that as I grow through this process, you too will experience the love, transformation, and empowerment of God. This isn’t just about me; it’s about us walking this journey together, led by the Holy Spirit, who is my inspiration. Happy New Year, Dear Radiant Tribe! A new year has begun, and whether you’ve made resolutions or, like me, are continuing what you started in 2024 with hopes for growth, fruitfulness, and greater things, you’re not alone. Some of us have felt stuck in shallow waters, longing for something deeper and more transformative. If that’s you, I’ve found the answer that brings transformation and reveals God’s splendor in our lives like never before. That answer is God—the Life-Giving River. Wherever this river flows, it produces abundant life, resurrection, healing, restoration, and fruitfulness in barren and desolate places. Let’s dive into Prophet Ezekiel’s vision in Ezekiel 47:1-12: The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. 2 He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. 3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits[a] and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah,[b] where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”   This vision is rich with meaning. Verses 1-5, show the increasing depth of the river from ankle-deep to knee-deep, waist-deep, and finally overflowing symbolizing the progressive work of God’s Spirit in our lives. Spiritual growth begins with small, initial steps of faith and deepens as we walk closer with God. Growth is a progression; we move from shallow experiences to deeper encounters with Him. Verses 6-12 reveal that wherever this river flows, it brings abundant life. Saltwater turns fresh, living creatures flourish, and trees bear fruit monthly. These trees represent believers, rooted in God’s Spirit, bearing fruit in every season. Conversely, the swamps and marshes that remain salty symbolize areas resistant to God’s transformative work. This year, I urge us to take our walk with God seriously because only in Him can we find purpose. He is the source that never runs dry. When we stay connected to Him, our lives become fruitful, and His glory is revealed. Action Steps. 1.    Seek God Intentionally: Read His Word, pray, worship, and praise Him more. 2.    Reflect: Where are you spiritually? Are you ankle-deep, knee-deep, waist-deep, or swimming in His glory? 3.    Commit: Identify areas in your life where you need God’s healing and restoration and surrender them to Him. Prayers. Father, thank You for this day. We rejoice and are glad about it. Holy Spirit, open our eyes to the truth in this message. Let Your river flow into every area of our lives, bringing healing and restoration. Help us grow deeper in You, bearing fruit for Your glory. Touch every barren and stagnant area in our lives, families, communities, and nation. Make us flourish like evergreen trees in Your presence. In Jesus' name, Amen. Declarations. * I am rooted in God’s Spirit and bear fruit in every season. * God’s presence brings life and healing to my relationships and endeavors. * I am growing deeper in my faith, walking in the fullness of God’s purpose for me. Thank you for reading to the end! I hope you were blessed. Cheers to abundant life, growth, transformation, and greater glory. I love you, but God loves you even more. ❤️ With love, Your Radiant Girlie, Oluwatofunmi. 🌻