'The Will of GOD will never take you where the GRACE of GOD will not protect you.'
BEAUTIFUL CHRISTIAN SISTER & BROTHERS
by Maya Angelou
'A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her.' When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean livin'' I'm whispering 'I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven.' When I say... 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide. When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. When I say.. 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it. When I say... 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain.. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. When I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou, I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow! Pretty is as Pretty does... but beautiful is just plain beautiful!
Worship
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Prayer and fellowship with each other
Mathew 18:19,20
"If two fo you on earth agree about whatever they may ask it will come to pass and be done for themby My Father in heaven. For whereever two or more are gathered in My name there I Am in the midst of them"
The bond that unites a man to his fellow-men is no less real and close than that which unites him to God: he is one with them. Grace renews not alone our relation to God but to man too. We not only learn to say 'My Father,' but 'Our Father.' Nothing would be more unnatural than that the children of a family should always meet their father separately, but never in the united expression of their desires or their love. Believers are not only members of one family, but even of one body. Just as each member of the body depends on the other, and the full action of the spirit dwelling in the body depends on the union and co-operation of all, so Christians cannot reach the full blessing God is ready to bestow through His Spirit, but as they seek and receive it in fellowship with each other. It is in the union and fellowship of believers that the Spirit can manifest His full power. It was to the hundred and twenty continuing in one place together, and praying with one accord, that the Spirit came from the throne of the glorified Lord.
Grab a partner, make a commitment to daily prayer for 6 weeks. Best commitment you ever made !
"If two fo you on earth agree about whatever they may ask it will come to pass and be done for themby My Father in heaven. For whereever two or more are gathered in My name there I Am in the midst of them"
The bond that unites a man to his fellow-men is no less real and close than that which unites him to God: he is one with them. Grace renews not alone our relation to God but to man too. We not only learn to say 'My Father,' but 'Our Father.' Nothing would be more unnatural than that the children of a family should always meet their father separately, but never in the united expression of their desires or their love. Believers are not only members of one family, but even of one body. Just as each member of the body depends on the other, and the full action of the spirit dwelling in the body depends on the union and co-operation of all, so Christians cannot reach the full blessing God is ready to bestow through His Spirit, but as they seek and receive it in fellowship with each other. It is in the union and fellowship of believers that the Spirit can manifest His full power. It was to the hundred and twenty continuing in one place together, and praying with one accord, that the Spirit came from the throne of the glorified Lord.
Grab a partner, make a commitment to daily prayer for 6 weeks. Best commitment you ever made !
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Lord, teach us to pray....
Luke 11:1
Do you find your prayers wanting? Unsure of how? Ask Christ Jesus to teach you! Make an impact on those around you. You may be the only person interceding in prayer for them.
The excerpt below from Andrew Murray is from his writings from the Christ in the school of prayer. If you would like the lessons emailed to you please contact us at riverhippos@gmail.com
'Lord, teach us to pray.' Yes, to pray. This is what we need to be taught. Though in its beginnings prayer is so simple that the feeblest child can pray, yet it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which man can rise. It is fellowship with the Unseen and Most Holy One. The powers of the eternal world have been placed at its disposal. It is the very essence of true religion, the channel of all blessings, the secret of power and life. Not only for ourselves, but for others, for the Church, for the world, it is to prayer that God has given the right to take hold of Him and His strength. It is on prayer that the promises wait for their fulfilment, the kingdom for its coming, the glory of God for its full revelation. And for this blessed work, how slothful and unfit we are. It is only the Spirit of God can enable us to do it aright. How speedily we are deceived into a resting in the form, while the power is wanting. Our early training, the teaching of the Church, the influence of habit, the stirring of the emotions--how easily these lead to prayer which has no spiritual power, and avails but little. True prayer, that takes hold of God's strength, that availeth much, to which the gates of heaven are really opened wide--who would not cry, Oh for some one to teach me thus to pray? Jesus has opened a school, in which He trains His redeemed ones, who specially desire it, to have power in prayer. Shall we not enter it with the petition, Lord! it is just this we need to be taught! O teach us to pray.
Do you find your prayers wanting? Unsure of how? Ask Christ Jesus to teach you! Make an impact on those around you. You may be the only person interceding in prayer for them.
The excerpt below from Andrew Murray is from his writings from the Christ in the school of prayer. If you would like the lessons emailed to you please contact us at riverhippos@gmail.com
'Lord, teach us to pray.' Yes, to pray. This is what we need to be taught. Though in its beginnings prayer is so simple that the feeblest child can pray, yet it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which man can rise. It is fellowship with the Unseen and Most Holy One. The powers of the eternal world have been placed at its disposal. It is the very essence of true religion, the channel of all blessings, the secret of power and life. Not only for ourselves, but for others, for the Church, for the world, it is to prayer that God has given the right to take hold of Him and His strength. It is on prayer that the promises wait for their fulfilment, the kingdom for its coming, the glory of God for its full revelation. And for this blessed work, how slothful and unfit we are. It is only the Spirit of God can enable us to do it aright. How speedily we are deceived into a resting in the form, while the power is wanting. Our early training, the teaching of the Church, the influence of habit, the stirring of the emotions--how easily these lead to prayer which has no spiritual power, and avails but little. True prayer, that takes hold of God's strength, that availeth much, to which the gates of heaven are really opened wide--who would not cry, Oh for some one to teach me thus to pray? Jesus has opened a school, in which He trains His redeemed ones, who specially desire it, to have power in prayer. Shall we not enter it with the petition, Lord! it is just this we need to be taught! O teach us to pray.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Reflections from a Hippo
This early Monday a.m. as I went to the River I felt like....mmmmm....a dried up ol piece of pita bread for want of a better description.
The last few days had been a bit tough.....
Deep down I knew that all was ok, the Lord was in control. What I was feeling and what I believe were just not lining up.
I thought ,ok, get yourself clean before the Lord, intercede for others and that dryness would be quenched. Whenever I am struggling if I focus on others it just turns that around so quickly.
As everyone started singing I felt this overwhelming love, not just from the Lord, but from my fellow River Hippos. That He designed us for fellowship. We have to receive before we can give. I sat on the floor and as my brothers and sisters in the Lord sang and worshipped the Lord, I received. I just sat there. As they all prayed and interceded for others I sat on the floor in silence and like a sponge soaked up the River flowing through the room.
I left with my spirit replinshed, ready to give to others.
The Lord was teaching me that it is important to stop and receive. Also that just when I think I got a "system" down He shows me something new. How awesome is that?
So many reasons to jump into the River....
2 Cor 13:14
The last few days had been a bit tough.....
Deep down I knew that all was ok, the Lord was in control. What I was feeling and what I believe were just not lining up.
I thought ,ok, get yourself clean before the Lord, intercede for others and that dryness would be quenched. Whenever I am struggling if I focus on others it just turns that around so quickly.
As everyone started singing I felt this overwhelming love, not just from the Lord, but from my fellow River Hippos. That He designed us for fellowship. We have to receive before we can give. I sat on the floor and as my brothers and sisters in the Lord sang and worshipped the Lord, I received. I just sat there. As they all prayed and interceded for others I sat on the floor in silence and like a sponge soaked up the River flowing through the room.
I left with my spirit replinshed, ready to give to others.
The Lord was teaching me that it is important to stop and receive. Also that just when I think I got a "system" down He shows me something new. How awesome is that?
So many reasons to jump into the River....
2 Cor 13:14
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Reaping the crop
John 4:38
" I sent you to reap a crop for which you have not toiled. Other men have labored and you have stepped in to reap the results of their work"
It is always a time to reap the harvest for the Lord as well as sowing forward for others.
A deeper personal relationship with God is through daily prayer. Learning and developing your prayer life until it becomes as natural to you as breathing is the goal.
What do I pray?
Eph 3:14-16
" I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, may He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit"
Acts 1:4
"wait for the promise from the Father"
How do I pray?
Like a child before its Father
In simple trust.
Luke 11:11-13
Ask the Lord to give you a teachable heart. He will.
1 John 3: 21,22
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
Learn these words by heart. Get them into your heart. Draw near to God with an assured heart, that does not condemn but has confidence toward God.
In the quiet confidence of an obedient child plead for others.
" I sent you to reap a crop for which you have not toiled. Other men have labored and you have stepped in to reap the results of their work"
It is always a time to reap the harvest for the Lord as well as sowing forward for others.
A deeper personal relationship with God is through daily prayer. Learning and developing your prayer life until it becomes as natural to you as breathing is the goal.
What do I pray?
Eph 3:14-16
" I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, may He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the Holy Spirit"
Acts 1:4
"wait for the promise from the Father"
How do I pray?
Like a child before its Father
In simple trust.
Luke 11:11-13
Ask the Lord to give you a teachable heart. He will.
1 John 3: 21,22
"Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight."
Learn these words by heart. Get them into your heart. Draw near to God with an assured heart, that does not condemn but has confidence toward God.
In the quiet confidence of an obedient child plead for others.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
If You Abide
John 15:7
"If you abide in Me, and My Word abides in you, ask whatsoever you will and it shall be done for you"
If we desire to live a prayer life marked with love, power and experience there must be no question about the abiding. If we abide there is no question about the liberty of asking what we will and the certainity of it's being done. There is this one condition "If you abide in Me". There must be no hesitation about the possibility or certainity of it.
What is our part in it? Be wholly occupied with Christ Jesus. Sink the roots of your being in faith, love and obediance deep down in Him. Come out of every other place to abide in Him. Give up everything of who and what you are for the privilege of being a branch on earth of the Glorified Son of God. Let Christ be first. Let Christ be all. Do not be occupied with the abiding but be occupied with Christ. He will hold you, He will do the work of keeping you abiding in Him.
Believe in the truth of this promise. Be a fruitfull intercessor for others thru faith and prayer.
"If you abide in Me, and My Word abides in you, ask whatsoever you will and it shall be done for you"
If we desire to live a prayer life marked with love, power and experience there must be no question about the abiding. If we abide there is no question about the liberty of asking what we will and the certainity of it's being done. There is this one condition "If you abide in Me". There must be no hesitation about the possibility or certainity of it.
What is our part in it? Be wholly occupied with Christ Jesus. Sink the roots of your being in faith, love and obediance deep down in Him. Come out of every other place to abide in Him. Give up everything of who and what you are for the privilege of being a branch on earth of the Glorified Son of God. Let Christ be first. Let Christ be all. Do not be occupied with the abiding but be occupied with Christ. He will hold you, He will do the work of keeping you abiding in Him.
Believe in the truth of this promise. Be a fruitfull intercessor for others thru faith and prayer.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
River Hippo Investigations
Always taking prayer requests!
Searching out praise reports to share and encourage others in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Share what He is doing for you!!
riverhippos@gmail.com
This Sunday at church an investigation revealed that someone that has been having severe back pain issues since last winter was delivered of those pains 2 Fridays ago....
Another person who had an early diagnosis of blood cancer was told this last week that it is not showing in the tests anymore....
Our God is an awesome God!!!
Searching out praise reports to share and encourage others in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Share what He is doing for you!!
riverhippos@gmail.com
This Sunday at church an investigation revealed that someone that has been having severe back pain issues since last winter was delivered of those pains 2 Fridays ago....
Another person who had an early diagnosis of blood cancer was told this last week that it is not showing in the tests anymore....
Our God is an awesome God!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Redemption in the Cross
John 15:2
" Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit He cuts away, and He cleanses and repeatdly prunes....."
Abide in Christ: so will you bear much fruit. Not a vine is planted but the owner thinks of the fruit, and the fruit only. Other trees may be planted for ornament, for the shade, for the wood - the vine only for the_ fruit. And of each vine the husbandman is continually asking how it can bring forth more fruit, much fruit. Believer! abide in Christ in times of affliction, and you shall bring forth more fruit. The deeper experience of Christ's tenderness and the Father's love will urge you to live to His glory. The surrender of self and selfwill in suffering will prepare you to sympathize with the misery of others, while the softening that comes of chastisement will fit you for becoming, as Jesus was, the servant of all. The thought of the Father's desire for fruit in the pruning will lead you to yield yourself afresh, and more than ever, to Him, and to say that now you have but one object in life - making known and conveying His wonderful love to fellow - men. You shall learn the blessed art of forgetting self, and, even in affliction, availing yourself of your separation from ordinary life to plead for the welfare of others. Dear Christian, in affliction abide in Christ. When you see it coming, meet it in Christ; when it is come, feel that you are more in Christ than in it, for He is nearer you than affliction ever can be; when it is passing, still abide in Him. And let the one thought of the Saviour, as He speaks of the pruning, and the one desire of the Father, as He does the pruning, be yours too: "Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth, that it may bring forth more fruit."
Andrew Murray
Gal 3:13
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us."
Believing in the full truth of the redemption of the cross gives us a boldness to rejoice in God. No matter what the circumstances of earthly life His Promises are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. By dying to self daily, by putting down pride daily, by loving others as He loves us daily, by coming to the foot of the cross daily does life abundantly spring forth through us to others.
" Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit He cuts away, and He cleanses and repeatdly prunes....."
Abide in Christ: so will you bear much fruit. Not a vine is planted but the owner thinks of the fruit, and the fruit only. Other trees may be planted for ornament, for the shade, for the wood - the vine only for the_ fruit. And of each vine the husbandman is continually asking how it can bring forth more fruit, much fruit. Believer! abide in Christ in times of affliction, and you shall bring forth more fruit. The deeper experience of Christ's tenderness and the Father's love will urge you to live to His glory. The surrender of self and selfwill in suffering will prepare you to sympathize with the misery of others, while the softening that comes of chastisement will fit you for becoming, as Jesus was, the servant of all. The thought of the Father's desire for fruit in the pruning will lead you to yield yourself afresh, and more than ever, to Him, and to say that now you have but one object in life - making known and conveying His wonderful love to fellow - men. You shall learn the blessed art of forgetting self, and, even in affliction, availing yourself of your separation from ordinary life to plead for the welfare of others. Dear Christian, in affliction abide in Christ. When you see it coming, meet it in Christ; when it is come, feel that you are more in Christ than in it, for He is nearer you than affliction ever can be; when it is passing, still abide in Him. And let the one thought of the Saviour, as He speaks of the pruning, and the one desire of the Father, as He does the pruning, be yours too: "Every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth, that it may bring forth more fruit."
Andrew Murray
Gal 3:13
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us."
Believing in the full truth of the redemption of the cross gives us a boldness to rejoice in God. No matter what the circumstances of earthly life His Promises are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. By dying to self daily, by putting down pride daily, by loving others as He loves us daily, by coming to the foot of the cross daily does life abundantly spring forth through us to others.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Take 1 minute!
This came over email and felt that it needed to be spread to our prayer warriors.
1 MINUTE EACH NIGHT
This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees. Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This Scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace.
This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America ..... The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever !!!If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the upcoming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the US. If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along.
Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer,
we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Thank You.Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us.God Bless You !!!GOD BLESS AMERICA !
1 MINUTE EACH NIGHT
This is the scariest election we as Christians have ever faced and from the looks of the polls, the Christians aren't voting Christian values. We all need to be on our knees. Do you believe we can take God at His word? Call upon His name, then stand back and watch His wonders to behold. This Scripture gives us, as Christians, ownership of this land and the ability to call upon God to heal it. I challenge you to do so. We have never been more desperate than now for God to heal our land.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
During WWII, there was an advisor to Churchill who organized a group of people who dropped what they were doing every night at a prescribed hour for one minute to collectively pray for the safety of England , its people and peace.
This had an amazing effect as bombing stopped. There is now a group of people organizing the same thing here in America ..... The United States of America and our citizens need prayer more than ever !!!If you would like to participate: each evening at 9:00 PM Eastern Time (8:00 PM Central, 7:00 PM Mountain, 6:00 PM Pacific), stop whatever you are doing and spend one minute praying for the safety of the United States, our troops, our citizens, for peace in the world, the upcoming election, that the Bible will remain the basis for the laws governing our land and that Christianity will grow in the US. If you know anyone who would like to participate, please pass this along.
Someone said if people really understood the full extent of the power we have available through prayer,
we might be speechless. Our prayers are the most powerful asset we have. Thank You.Please pass this on to anyone who you think will want to join us.God Bless You !!!GOD BLESS AMERICA !
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