Seeking His Presence you will find the River of Life

Protection

2009-08-26T15:02:00.000-07:00

I have really been meditating on John 17 for awhile. Though I read other chapters and books I keep getting drawn back to John 17. It is about Jesus' prayer to Father before He went to the Cross. It is all about His love for Father and the Fathers love for Him. And Jesus includes us into this so personal prayer. In the 15th verse He asks" I am not asking you to take them from the world but to protect them from the evil one".....Wow!
Now I am pretty sure`that All of Jesus' prayers were answered. The implication of those words encompasses so much.
Protection from the evil one means: from disease of the body, heart & soul!
Divine protection was prayed over you before the Lord even went to the Cross. How much more is that promise now that it has also been covered in His blood?

His Word tells us

We may live in this world but we are not to let the things of this world effect us.
We are new creatures in Christ Jesus
We have the Mind of Christ
We are dead to sin

Ask the Lord to reveal to you how much He loves you. His love for you is endless!

Treasuring Relationships

2009-08-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Then one from the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or an arbitrator over you?” And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:13-15).
Life is not about things and how much “stuff” you can accumulate. Your identity and value as a person should not be based on the abundance of your possessions. If, however, your sense of value as a person is wrapped up in your things, what happens if you lose those things?
This man that came to Jesus to sort out his inheritance had the real treasure in front of him all the time, but he couldn’t see it because “things” were in the way. The real treasure was his brother!

Faithfulness and Open Doors

2009-07-29T15:15:00.000-07:00

In 1 Timothy 1:12 Paul writes,
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
According to Paul, Jesus did three things. First, He enabled him, which means Jesus is the One who puts the gifting in you. He is the One who gives you talent. He is the One who gives you the ability. Second, Paul says that Jesus counted him faithful. Apparently, Jesus is watching and He expects you and me to be faithful. Third, Paul says that Jesus put him into the ministry. In other words, Jesus opens doors when we are faithful, doors that no man can shut. When the way seems blocked, Jesus can make a way where there is no way.
Here is the point.
It is not enough just to be enabled. Some of the greatest, most gifted, and talented people in the world are living far, far below their potential. While the enablement is there, Jesus has not found them faithful yet, and so certain doors of opportunity remain shut. Having the gifting is not enough. You need to have both the gifting and be faithful. When both are there, Jesus opens doors.Recognize and develop the gifting God has given you, but focus on being faithful so that God can open doors in your life.

Bayless Conley

judgement in our favor

2009-07-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

In Matthew 10:8 the Lord Himself instructs us to freely you have received so freely give.
Often judgement is seen as a negative consequence.
What if instead we looked at it from a love and mercy standpoint.
That the judgment is instead in our favor.
Christ paid for our sins 2000 years ago on the cross. We are clothed in His righteousness. So just as we have received mercy, love, forgivness we are to freely give that to others.
As we receive all good things from Him we are to give it freely to others whether it is wisdom and unconditional love to basic human needs like food and clothing.
The negative judgment is for the ruler of this world who will be cast out. John 12:31
I am so grateful that I have a Counseler, Intercessor, Advocate. His Name is Jesus Christ.

Reflection

2009-07-26T08:15:00.000-07:00

"It is easy to think of the poverty far away and forget very quickly. Today a great disease is that feeling of loneliness, the feeling of being unwanted, having forgotten what human joy is, what the human feeling is of being wanted or loved. There is a hunger beyond needing a plate of rice or a piece of bread. There is a tremdous hunger and a tremendous feeling of unwantedness everywhere. And that is really great poverty."
Mother Teresa

Do one thing today to relieve the loneliness of another, remembering that another may just be another family member you live with everyday.

luke 10:25-37

World Wide Romans 8:28

2009-07-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

As I was watching the Michael Jackson memorial service yesterday I was touched by the man that many called friend. I always thought he had a child like quality about him. The shyness he showed in interviews was always a contradiction to the person that showed up on stage with such presence and power. Many testified to a side of him that most never knew. A man that despite his struggles always pressed forward in life and so often thought and put others before himself. Only the the Lord knows each of our hearts.
As I continued to watch the program and person after person testified to MJ's belief in God as well as thier own I believe that the Lord exalted and gave honor to him. That celebrating in a persons victories is so much more important than gossiping about his possible weaknesses. The gift of his voice and talant all came from God. He knew it and now the billion people who watched on July 7th know it.
On July 7th, 2009 the Lords name and peoples belief in the Name Jesus Christ was broadcast to app. 1 billion people live across the earth.............
I personally believe that the Lord used Micheal Jackson in a mighty way!

Release in Forgiveness

2009-05-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

The ramifications of unforgivness can run so deep and so many directions. It can not only cause illness in us from spiritual to physical but when we hold unforgivness against others it can also hinder what the Lord is doing in thier lives as well as ours.

The Lord has forgiven you all. He has released you from the curse of the cross to be resurrected on the other side.
Release others as He has released you.
You will be amazed at the love, peace and joy forgiveness releases.

Father loves each and everyone of us beyond measure.
Gold can not be effected by any natural earthly element. Man was created in God's image not the earthly natural image. Find Heaven's Gold in each and every person in your world each day. (yes, especially those that challenge you) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God's Gold to you!

Psalm 139:1-4

John 15:8 "when you bear much fruit Father is honored and glorified"

What is much fruit? Gal 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Holy Spirit(the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control (self restraint). against such things there is no law"

By excersising the fruit that is already in us through Christ Jesus we bear much fruit!
By making a decision and forgiving ourselves and others (putting down our flesh) we glorify and honor Father and bear much fruit!!!
It is not what we do it is who we are in Christ that bears much fruit!

The Lord is Good

2009-05-15T06:15:00.000-07:00

Psalm 145:9 "The Lord is good to everyone, He shows compassion to all His creation"

The Lord loves you and has great compassion for you. No matter where you are at He is always there with open arms!

guilt?

2009-04-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

God does not want you to live in a state of guilt for more than the moment it takes to repent (turn away from). Life is to short to live under a burden of useless guilt. The motivation to share the gospel and to live every moment of the Christian life is found in the past, present and future grace of God!

Acts 13:43
Gal 2:21

Nothing is to dificult

2009-04-09T17:01:00.000-07:00

Jeremiah 32:17

"O Soverign Lord! You made the heavens and the earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is to hard for You!"

God not only created the world but through His power sustains it. This wonderful all powerful God knows every detail about your life and there is no problem that He can not fix, no prayer He can not answer. Allow your thoughts and actions to reflect the fact that you serve a God who can not be stopped!!

2009-04-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

The following is a devotional posting from Mikki Lawrence. It is a really good read concerning helping hurting people.

Feel the Love

For several months now, I have been pondering the power of empathy. It seems there is quite a bit of varying opinions on what the difference is between sympathy and empathy. So for the purpose of being sure we are on the same page for this topic today, I want to begin by sharing what I believe and understand is the definition of sympathy and empathy, at least for me.
Sympathy and empathy both have the Greek word “path” in them so they both relate to feeling. Sympathy speaks of how we can imagine the feelings of others. We sympathize when a person loses someone they love to death or divorce. We sympathize when someone has cancer. We can imagine, whether or not we have experienced it, how painful a situation might be. “Sym” is the prefix which means “with”; we feel with someone else. We can sympathize without saying a word, perhaps with a hug or caring look. When we sympathize with someone else, we agree that they should feel bad.
Empathy, on the other hand, is when we feel “into” their pain. In the current usage of the word empathy, as opposed to the historical meaning – for you etymologist types, empathy is superior to sympathy and is “other-focused”. Empathy is deeper than sympathy and not only involves the understanding of a person’s feelings but does something to lessen the pain. When we empathize with someone else, we don’t just agree that they should feel badly in their current situation, we enter into their feelings and understand their feelings or thoughts. We can feel their pain, whether or not we have experienced the same pain.
To sympathize is to give your handkerchief to someone who is crying. To empathize is to cry with them.
In Brazil there is a saying that if you’re stuck in a hole, a sympathetic person will get into the hole with you, and the empathic person will give you a rope so you can get out of the hole.
To empathize is to acknowledge another’s pain AND to help them through it.
This is an important topic for me for two reasons. One is I experienced both sympathy and empathy during this last year. Empathy is definitely superior. Two, because I had a dream where I was teaching the difference between the two, complete with points and illustrations. Wish I’d gotten up and written that down!
The purpose of my writing today is to encourage us all to go beyond sympathy in our relationship with people who are hurting and to begin to express empathy.. Now I do understand that we cannot personally be empathetic with large numbers of people all at the same time so this is not supposed to be a guilt trip. But there are some people who cross out lives’ paths that we need to avail ourselves to in the power of empathy.
When is the last time you personally expressed empathy to another? The last time you gave of your heart, your words, your time in order to give another a “rope” to help them get out of the hole?
I thought of Jesus this morning as I thought of the power of empathy. In the travels of a Jewish person of his day, they would go all the way around Samaria instead of taking the short route through Samaria because they considered the Samaritans half-breeds and unworthy of their association with them. Yet Jesus told his disciples that he “needed” to go through Samaria . He needed to give a “rope” to a woman there.
Jairus came to Jesus begging for the life of his daughter. In the middle of this exchange, a woman touched Jesus believing that she would be well if she could just touch his clothes. She was healed and then Jesus stopped and ministered to her some more. Shortly some people came and told Jairus not to trouble Jesus any more because his daughter was, in fact, dead already. But Jesus went to Jairus home and raised his daughter from the dead and then told the people to feed her.. He gave Jairus a “rope”.
When multitudes of people followed Jesus into a “deserted” place to hear his teaching, Jesus was moved with empathy for them and taught them and then fed them by multiplying the bread and fish. He gave them a “rope”.
When Peter, stepping out onto the sea to walk to Jesus, began to be afraid and sink, Jesus reached out and caught him. He gave Peter a “rope”.
When Lazarus died, Jesus cried bitterly with Lazarus’ sister Mary and then he raised Lazarus from the dead, giving Mary and Martha a “rope”.
Sometimes Jesus offered a rope to people and they did not take it. Even though he knew ahead of time that they would refuse his offer, he offered anyway.
And on the cross, Jesus not only sympathized with us because of our sin, he empathized with us and gave us all a “rope” even though it cost him a season of separation from God, physical trauma and pain, emotional pain, and spiritual pain as he literally took our sin into his physical, emotional, mental body.
As I thought back about the last year, I thought of those who sympathized with me. I remember one fellow minister who told me that he felt sorry for me. It really angered me. Something was wrong with his response. Because of his relationship with me, he should have offered empathy, but he did not. He sympathized about my pain, but he did not empathize with me.
I remember returning home from a two-week intensive counseling experience. I was distraught as I thought about stepping back into a stormy situation. I walked into my house to find that some friends had cleaned my house, redecorated some rooms, and added special touches here and there. On my kitchen table was a huge, huge homemade card that said in big letters, “Feel the love” and inside were personal notes. I was overwhelmed with tears and comfort and empathy. They gave me a “rope”.
And there were many others who offered a "rope" to me during this season. Some friends brought me chocolates and flowers.
One beautiful rope was offered by my daughter who told me I did not have to be strong for her. I cried, and she held me.
I believe more than ever that we in the Body of Christ must do more than sympathize with those who are hurting, whether it be those who don’t know Christ at all or those who do know Him. We must empathize.
For after all, if we are part of His body and He feels the pain of others, should we not also feel that pain? Sometimes we say that we are His hands extended. We love the sound of those words. But perhaps we should look at our hands for rope-burn.

The Brick

2009-04-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

THE BRICK
A young and successful executive was traveling
down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast
in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting
out from between parked cars and slowed downwhen he thought he saw something. As his car passed,
no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into
the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and
backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had
been thrown. The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up againsta parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister...please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive,
'Would you please help me get him back into his
wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow
the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly
lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair,
then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at
the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him
everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and
may God bless you,' the grateful child told the
stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply
watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother
down the sidewalk toward their home.It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The
damage was very noticeable, but the driver never
bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept
the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't
go through life so fast that someone has to throw a
brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in
our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when
we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick
at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
Thought for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning
Face it, friend -

He is crazy about you!

Been disappointed?

2009-04-04T07:23:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had such sorrow or disappointment that is hard to put into words?
A wounding in your heart that can effect you for a lenght of time?
How a person focuses on that disappointment can keep you from healing and or cause a "spiritual illness".
Learning how to handle earthly lifes disappoinments with Christs resurrection power is a gift the Lord has given us to cover and heal our deep disappointments so they do not manifest into spiritual illness.
Romans 10:11
"No man who believes in Him will ever be put to shame or disappointed"

King David in the Psalms cried out his anguish as well as his triumphs to the Lord and gave us a wonderfull example of how to privately cry out to Him without restraint with our hurts and disappontments.

Bowing Down

2009-03-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

Who or maybe is it is what are you bowing down too besides the Lord?

Sometimes we may be bowing down in areas in our life and maybe not realizing it. That putting to much value or time into to worldly thoughts, attitudes, fears and worries is a form of bowing down to those things. That the only One we are to bow down to is the Lord Almighty.

Keeping that in mind as you go about your day can really help you take every thought captive to the obediance of Christ as the Apostle Paul so wisely instructs us to do.

When you worry, stand up.
When you are afraid, stand up.
When pleasing people comes before pleasing God, stand up.
When someone offends you, stand up.

The only One to bow to is the Lord Jesus Christ.
If it is not of God than we must stand.

Running the Race

2009-03-03T07:16:00.000-08:00

In Philippians 3 Paul talks about pressing forward to what lies ahead. Running the race of all races. Not to look back. To keep Christ Jesus as your focus ahead of you. Do not be distracted by the circumstances of the past or what is beside you.
Remember that Christ has captured your life and heart for His purposes. Christ has an end in mind for you. To be more like Him! You just need to walk, run, limp if need be at times but keep on moving towards Him. He will do the rest!
How awesome is that!

Mustard Seed

2009-02-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

Matthew 13:31, 32

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants. It grows into a tree and birds come to make nests in it's branches"

Sometimes God's manifest rule may start in a small way like the mustard seed, almost unnoticable, but than becomes powerful and plainly visible.

Did you ever think that you may be the answer to someone elses prayer?

Sow forward......

A wider path

2009-02-11T07:51:00.000-08:00

A word of encouragement.....

Though the path has been narrow & windy with many tripping hazards......
the rapid floods threatening to sweep you away....
you are protected....
the path is getting much wider...
stop.....look up....
The Lord has paved the way very very wide and smooth.....
ignore what is nipping at your heels, it is only a distraction made with much noise....
keep your focus on Him....
Christ Jesus Purchased The Victory on the Cross.....
See yourself as Father God sees you......perfect in His Son Christ Jesus.....

Crown of Thorns

2009-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

THE PENETRATING WOUND: a deep wound caused by a sharp, pointed instrument.
The crown of thorns that was pressed upon the head of Jesus caused such wounds. The Jerusalem thorn, known as the Arabian Nebulae, was 4 inches long and as sharp as a needle. The cruel crown containing over 100 thorns, was driven into His head with blows from a rod.
The Bible scriptures record, "than they made a crown of thorns, they put it upon His head, and a reed in His right hand: and they bowed before Him, and mocked Him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29)

THORNS SPEAK OF ORIGINAL CURSE
Thorns speak of the original curse, "...the ground is cursed because of you, all your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it...".....it will grow thorns and thistles for you..." (Gen. 3:17-18)
JESUS TOOK THE CURSE FOR US. He bore the penalty for our sins, transgressions, sicknesses, diseases and pains!
The Apostle Paul writes, "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:
“That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galations 3:13-14)
In the book of Deuteronomy, Chapter 28, Moses talks about the blessings of keeping covenant with God. He also lists the curses. The curses include sickness, disease, insanity, torments, plagues, pestilence, famine and war. Paul states that, “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law”.
So we are free!
The Roman soldiers tried to drive Jesus insane by beating that crown of sharp Arabian thorns into His head. But He didn't lose His sanity but rather through this horrible experience purchased our peace and tranquility.
"And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself." (Colossians 1:20)
Because of the penetrating wounds He bore for us, WE HAVE PEACE!

So whenever that battle starts up in your mind, remember the wicked thorns that Christ bore on His head so we could have the victory of a sound, peacuful mind.

Grunting & Groaning

2009-02-04T06:59:00.000-08:00

Striving....
Grunting & Groaning......
That is soooo me sometimes....feeling a bit off and not so sure why...?
Oh Lord, what am I missing? Please show me...me...me...

Is there an echo in here?

As I was wading in the River this morning the Lord showed me that meditating on His word is good, very good. Too much introspection on my faults is not....
That is too much me, me ,me is what the problem was. I took my focus off of the Lord is why I was feeling out of sorts....that is when the striving starts up....
(you know how it is: Got to change that about myself, why can I not be better at this? Am I ever going to get it? Mmmm...wonder where that kind of thinking comes from? the flesh possibly?)
His love and faithfulness is so never ending...
He is the only One that transforms lives!
He knows what needs to be changed in me.
Acknowledging and repenting (turning away from) is my part...
Leaving it at the Cross is my part....
Christ Jesus makes the changes...
Whew! What a relief!
God is soooo awesome!

Wherever you go

2009-01-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

In the first chapter of Joshua the Lord is charging Joshua on how to take His people across the Jordon from the wilderness into the Promised Land. He instructs him to meditate on His word day and night. to not deviate from His instructions to the left or to the right. In all things have courage and be strong and His promise is that in all things he will prosper and be successful.

Joshua 1:9
" This is My command, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go"

I think it is hard sometimes for us to wrap our minds around the fact that God is with us wherever we go....to the store, to work, driving down the road, the mall. Not only for our sakes but for others too....
When we study and learn the Lords Word we truly begin to get revelation on who we are in Christ. As that realization makes it's way from the head to the heart we truly begin to understand that in Christ we are also the Light for He shines through us to the world around us. We do not have to do anything but pursue the Lord Jesus Christ. As we pursue a personal relationship with Him, He transforms us from the inside out.

Our God is soooo great! He is so amazing!
God is always good.
God is all Soverign
He has a plan for His people and He carries it out!
(Judg 14:4, Ps 138:8, Joel 3:16, Eph 1:5,11)
You are His creation and the Creator always looks after His creations
(Ps 104:9)

He Knows Everything About you

2009-01-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

Psalm 139: 1-3

"You may not know Me but I know everything about you,
I know when you sit down and when you rise up,
I am familiar with all your ways"

The Lord knows more about you than you do! He knows the innermost secrets of your heart. He understands your motives and intentions.
Now that can be encouraging or frightening!
It is like whoa!
In Isaiah 54:9 the Lord promises
" Just as I swore in the time of Noah that I would never again let a flood cover the earth, so now I swear that I will never again be angry and punish you"
Our Father loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us...
Because God knows everything about us we can bring all our problems to Him. We must repent (achknowledge and turn away from our sins) not because He does not know that we struggle with them. The truth sets you free. He does not want you to have anything in you that seperates you from being in complete relationship with Him.
At all times. Continuosly.
You do not have to wait for your prayer time, church on Sunday, being in a certain place. When the Lord shows you something or you say something or do something that you know is not pleasing to the Lord. Stop right there, whether at the grocery store, work, where ever,
privatly repent to the Lord, and you will be amazed at how when you stay continously cleansed it is so much easier for you to hear the Lord.
Remember He knows your motives. You do not have to be perfect in it as long as your desire is to honor Him and long for a close personal relationship with Him.
Now that is ENCOURAGING!!

Wisdom from the Baby Hippo

2009-01-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

This morning at the River our beloved Baby Hippo Christiana ( young in years but ageless in her maturity) led the prayer time and had us all read form Proverbs 4.

The passage of scripture that spoke to me the most this morning is 20-22

"My child, pay attention to what I say,
listen carefully to my words,
do not lose sight of them,
let them penetrate deep into your heart,
for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to thier whole body"

Somedays things can seem a bit off kilter and your not sure why.
Focus on the Lord. Study His Word.
Thank you wise little River Hippo for reminding us all to keep our focus on the Lord at all times.

Come Home

2009-01-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

In Luke 15:7 the Lord says " Come home and I will throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen"

The parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son explains God's delight at finding and rescuing the helpless.

Psalm 139:3 "....I am familiar with all your ways."

He loves you deeply. Come to Him. Let the Wonderfull Counselor heal you.
Your Lord Jesus Christ is the Way and the Truth.
Let Him transform you!

He is waiting for you!
Luke 15: 11-32

Being a Victorious Soldier

2009-01-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

In Isaiah 53 the prophet talks about the Lords suffering. In verse 12 it says...

"I will give Him the honors of a victorious soldier,
because He exposed Himself to death.
He was counted among the rebels,
He bore the sins of many and interceded for the rebels."

As we "die" to ourselves and submit our will to the Lords it opens a way for Him to touch many through us.
Have you ever just so wanted to help someone? Felt such a compassion for them or thier situation? Prayed to the Lord on how can I help this person or situation?

As you press into your personal relationship with your Lord Jesus Christ, He will make the changes.
You press in.
He does the changing.
That is Faith in action.
His Word says He is the Author and Finisher of your Faith.

You keep pressing in...untill you know that you know that He is your God...

Not only the God of.....
Abraham, Issac, Jacob, your Pastor, your mothers, your friends.....

Keep on pressing in, make Him your God!

He will give you the honors of a victorious soldier!!!

Hosting His Presence

2009-01-10T09:04:00.000-08:00

Our greatest privilege in life is to be a person that God will rest upon. He is in all of us by covenant and will never leave. But He is not always upon all of us. The challenge we face is to learn to be people who host the presence of the Lord as our greatest calling in life. While He is in me for my sake He is upon me for others sake. Transformed lives eternally.
The Lord God Alimighty is a mighty Divine magnet whose very presence will change the climate and atmosphere around each of us when we open ourselves to Him. Imagine if we each took daily His presence with us as we went to school, work, in our neighborhoods. Cities transformed.
Be that ripple in the River.
Or lets change that to a Wave!
Let's storm the cities!
It is ours already!
Our Lord Jesus Christ won the battle at Calvery, it is time we quit debating with the enemy and start enforcing The Lords Victory!
Not through our might but through our yielding submission to Him so His presence can go forth through us!

You are Chosen

2009-01-10T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Chosen

In the midst of the chaos and disarray
I feel the Lord’s presence around and within me
It is a wonder I have never known before
What looks like destruction rippling away from my circumstances
He turns into blessings before my eyes
And He brings remembrance of times past
and that His ways are higher than mine
His thoughts higher than mine
He shows me that I am His
I am Chosen
That my salvation is His foremost purpose for me
Drawing me into relationship with Him
Bringing me to this place in time
This season of my life
His Holy Spirit bringing me into remembrance
of His loving hand upon me my whole life
Molding me
Teaching me
Refining me
Stretching me
To be the person He destined me to be
To bring Him glory as a Chosen Child of God
To be a witness by who I am in Him

T.R.Demers ( Dec 2007)

Fathers Love

2009-01-05T20:59:00.000-08:00

Sometimes even comprehending the magnitude and depth of Father Gods love blows me out of the water (so to speak).
in 1 John 4:9 it says how that God gave His only begotten Son to show us His love.....

When you personalize that and say God gave His only Son for me...
for me...
meditate on that.... really chew on it...read the whole scripture.....
it leaves a person feeling so utterly speechless, and so smothered in love....

==================================================================

I praise you Lord for revealing Your Truths and loving us so much!

Choose How You Will Live in 2009

2008-12-31T08:32:00.000-08:00

Phil 3:12
" Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on , that I may lay hold of that which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me"

Most people will choose to live in one of the following ways in 2009.

1. The Mad Dash Way of Living
This is the busy lifestyle that never has time for the first things to really be first

2. The ReHash Way of Living
This is the dwelling on the past lifestyle that never moves on because of hurt and bitterness

3. The Stuff and Stash Way of Living
This is the fear filled lifestyle that is afraid of what tomorrow holds so it stuffs and stashes and is held captive by worry

4. The Pray and Fast Way of Living
This is the lifestyle that talks to God and is willing to sacrifice other things for the most important things

Talk to the Lord, ask Him if you are putting the important things first.

the rash

2008-12-31T06:21:00.000-08:00

Greetings all you wonderfull people,
Sometimes the Lord speaks to us in unexpected ways.
Have you ever gotten a rash from an allergy or poison ivy? How it itchs soooo, how it distracts you from everything you are doing. You try salves on it, or even make the mistake of taking a hot shower because it just feels so good emotionally and makes you forget about the rash for a little while, than when you get out of the shower to your great dismay you realize that your efforts to soothe have made the rash worse with the heat! As I have been going through this myself the last 5 days or so, as I am laying on my bed (after 2 doc visits), refraining from scratching the rash that now has consumed me from head to toe (never, I repeat, never take hot showers when you have a rash of any kind) and even asking the cat and dog to join in with me, since they are trained professionals at this scratching business, the Holy Spirit reminded me of Romans 8:28-30.
Time to refocus!
So I am determined to find the things I am so grateful for in this circumstance:
1) I was grateful for having short fingernails for no amount of botox was going to fill the possible craters that I could have inflicted upon myself.
2) After nearly starving myself for 3 days I found out it was not a food allergy! ( pass the bread !).
3) That the Lord was giving me His strength and grace to not fall into the temptation of scratching. That even though the rash was extremely distracting to me I must keep my focus on Him.
4) Just like the rash how often times I have tried to fix, soothe, cover with balm through my own strength the things about myself or circumstances. How often my ideas about the way things should be handled often can make more of a mess. How no amount of my good works can wash away my blemishs. Only He can.
5) How our loving Father will use the struggles of this life ( even a rash) to chip away and bring to the surface the flaws in our character so that the end product ( thats us!) will look like His Son! He takes what is inside our heart that is not like His Son and gets rid of it. How awesome is that?!

Seek the Gift of Presence

2008-12-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone is simply to be with them.
All of us have the capacity to show up and often times that can make a difference.

Hebrews 13:15, 16
"Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to His name. And do not forget to do good and to share with those in need. For these are the sacrifices that please God"

Everyone has the need to be loved and encouraged.

Because God never changes. When you put your trust in the Lord Jesus Christ your future is secure and eternal.
Hebrews 13:8 "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow"

Trust in Him at all times!

2008-12-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

It Will All Work Out!
Ephesians 1:11
"In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will."

No matter what is going on I believe God is always working things according to His great sovereign plan. Sometimes we get caught up with the temporal things and the stuff that is happening, but God reminds me, "Hey, nothing is taking Me by surprise. I'm weaving all of these things into this great pattern. Your mistakes, the stuff that happens to you, it is all going to turn out alright!"
Even if your present circumstances have totally taken you by surprise, God saw it coming and made provision far ahead of time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-24T11:11:00.000-08:00

As Thanksgiving nears this week the Holy Spirit has brought countless blessings to mind that the Lord has showered on this hippo and so many others in the last year. He has provided emotionaly, physically, financially and best of all has nurtured spiritual growth and deeper abiding in Christ Jesus, Father God and the mighty Holy Spirit.

As I was reading a devotional yesterday morning the message was on
Mark 4:19 "Beware of the cares of this world......"
because these are the very things that effect our attitude of our souls. Simple worldy things can distract us from God. What really got my attention was the part of the message that said that God nevers gives us discernment about others to criticize but so we may intercede in prayer for them.
The Lord did not come to judge but to save.
If He shows us that someone may be struggling with an issue because of pride, self pity or any of the worldy emotions that keep us from fellowshipping with Him as well as others we need to intercede, stand in the gap in prayer for that person. Only the Lord can change hearts.

Why did Jesus fold the napkin?

2008-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

This came across my emails this morning....ooohhhhh I just love how rich the Word is. So many treasures to dig out of the Bible.
=================================================
Why Did Jesus Fold the Napkin?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?
I never noticed this....The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave & HIS clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded, and was placed at the head of that stony coffin.
Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there, but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.Was that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes!
In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished. Now if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done". But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant would not dare touch the table, because..........The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
He is Coming Back!

44! How awesome is that? Hippopulous Awesome is what!

2008-11-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! What an exciting week at WVPC!! 44 children gave thier lives to Christ at Wednesday's UTURN! That literally brings us to our knees in gratefulness to see the Lord at work in such a mighty way in so many young lives. The Lord is softening so many hearts and the Harvest is ripe for the reaping. Daily, earnestly pray for these children and the people encouraging them in their new walk with Christ.
===================================================================
Luke 14:12-13.
In these passages the Lord was teaching about humilty.
"When you put on a luncheon or banquet don't invite your friends, brothers, relatives and rich neighbors, for they will invite you back and that will be your reward. Instead invite the poor, crippled, the lame and the blind. Than at the resurrection God will reward you for inviting those who can not repay you"
Praying in intercession for those that are crippled, lame, poor and blind in spirit to have a soft heart to receive Christ is the kindest gift to give someone. Only the Lord Jesus Christ is the Way to healing in all areas of our human condition. He and He only can change a human heart. Our part is to be an empty vessel submitted to Him. Maybe you were the one person put in anothers path to pray for them and intercede. One person can make a difference. Be that person. Submit to Him (that is our part) and He will be faithful to you to do the rest.
=================================================================
The River is physically and spiritually flowing in, between and through WVPC. Come and flow your Stream of Living Water with your brothers and sisters in Christ. As His children we are claiming this whole valley back in the Name of Jesus Christ. By His Authority that lives in each and every one of us.If you can not make certain prayer sessions consider taking part of each of these times and praying no matter where you are. The Lord knows your heart. You will be instantly connected!
Mondays 5:30 am West Campus
Tuesdays Noon East Campus
Wednesdays 5:30am East Campus
Wednesdays 7pm ( prayer in the annex during UTURN East Campus)
Friday 9pm East Campus ( Deep Waters)
Saturday 6pm East Campus

Due to some folks wanting more of the lessons quicker than others I am posting a link to Andrew Murrays teaching on prayer.
With Christ in the School of Prayer
This is goood reading folks.
I personally like to bask in the edge of the water with my head on a comfy piece of River softened drift wood, sipping on hazelnut coffee. My Bible in one hoof for checking Gods Word (as we always should do) the teaching in the other hoof. As the warmth of the Holy Spirits revelations burn into my heart I just feel this peace, love ,trust, awe and amazement settle into my big ol' thick hippo bones.
http://victoryoversin.com/murray/prayer.htm#_L1

He cares about every detail......

2008-11-02T11:50:00.000-08:00

The Lord tells us in Psalm 139:2 that He knows when we sit down and when we rise up.
Every detail of our life He cares about and is interested in.....As you grow in your relationship with Christ ask Him to reveal Himself to you in the small everyday moments and you will be amazed at all the even small details in your life He tends too.....

I had this anitque cool old lamp I wanted to donate to Habitat for Humanity. The traffic was busy in front of the store. No parking places. I had to park across the street. Four lanes of busy traffic to cross with a fairly large lamp in hand. My father in law said be careful, that is one busy street. As I unloaded the lamp, had it in hand, getting ready to make a mad dash across 4 busy lanes of trafic, I tentavily (is that a word?) looked in both directions, heart pumping.....wow!....all clear! There were no cars within one block of me coming in either direction....I carefully carried my treasure across, as my feet hit the sidewalk, zoom zoom traffic was flying by...
I deposited my treasure safely, marveling the whole time how awesome my God is.....as I was going back out the door to again make the dash across the street to my much worried and anticipating of my safe return father in law, again no cars in either direction for app. a block! As I leisurly Hippo hopped back into the car my father in law said " Boy you were sure lucky! I can not believe there was no traffic each time you had to cross!" I said "Papa, luck had nothing to do with it! Our God cares even when we have to cross the street!"

True Story!

Sisters & Brothers

2008-10-26T20:01:00.000-07:00

'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!

Prayer and fellowship with each other

2008-10-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

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 !

Lord, teach us to pray....

2008-10-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

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.

Reflections from a Hippo

2008-10-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

Reaping the crop

2008-10-11T21:02:00.000-07:00

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.

If You Abide

2008-10-07T08:37:00.000-07:00

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.

River Hippo Investigations

2008-10-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

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!!!

Redemption in the Cross

2008-10-04T17:45:00.001-07:00

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.

Take 1 minute!

2008-10-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

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 !

2008-09-25T18:46:00.001-07:00

Purposely Broken

2008-09-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Come join the River!
A mighty hour of prayer.
Mondays 5:30am, Tuesdays at Noon, Wednesdays 5:30am, Thursdays 4:30pm, Friday 9pm, Saturdays 6:pmEast Campus
Philippians 2: 5-8
.."Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus. He humbled Himself and became obediant unto death, even the death of the cross."

Our Lord Christ took the low place all the time in His walk upon earth. When He went to Calvary He took the lowest place there was to be found in the universe of God, the very lowest, and He let sin and the curse of sin and the wrath of God cover Him. He took our place. He bore our load. By His precious Blood He won deliverance for us.Quietly bow before our Lord on that cross. Picture each wound as a wound He bore for you. Let the Love He has for you wash over you. Humble yourself, deny yourself, as He did for you.

Hippo double dare you......

John 15:1-5

2008-09-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

John 15:2
" Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit He cuts away and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes...."

When trials and tribulations come your way and they seem to cut so deep, rejoice and embrace them for He is doing a mighty work in you. Do not let your feelings or flesh interfere with the Spirit of Truth that is at work in you to prune you so you bear richer fruit.

Matthew 7:14
"But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads to life and few are those who find it.

Psalm 27:13

2008-09-18T09:25:00.000-07:00

"Unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living I would have despaired. Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage and He will strenghten your heart. Hope in the Lord and you will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the Living."

Waiting on the Lord means to be activily worshiping and praying and seeking Him. Keep Him as your main focus. Laying down self. Filtering every circumstance and thought through the Cross.

Praying for our youth!!

2008-09-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all to pray for the YOUTH of this valley!!

Thy Kingdom Come all valley prayer is tomorrow 9/18. Bob Shepard of Serve Wenatchee Valley will facilitate this month's meeting and the special prayer focus is for the youth. Join together with other Christ followers with a freedom to worship and pray as we declare Jesus the Lord!! As we come together in unity as "one body" we will see John 17 fulfilled….

Worship by Wenatchee Valley Praise Centers youth team will begin at 7pm.
First Church of God 181 1st Street East Wenatchee (corner of 1st and Rock Island Rd)

Welcome our Interns on Wednesday!

2008-09-16T12:34:00.000-07:00

The River
Intense hour of prayer!
Mondays 5:30 am Tuesdays Noon Wednesdays 5:30 am Thursdays 4:30 pm Fridays 9:00 pm Saturdays 6:00 pm

==================================================================

Our first year interns (from all around the state) will be joining us in the River tomorrow morning (half of them for the very first time).
What an incredible group of young people!
5:30AM-6:30AM. No better way to start your day...GAURANTEED!

===================================================================

Praise Report!

My daughter had a flat tire yesterday. She made it back over the bridge and with the help of family and friends she made it home with the spare temp tire. It cost $000 to replace the tire. God is watching us at all times and He helps us through each trial. Praise Him!--Judy

The Lord is concerened about all areas of our life. Yes, even the everyday trials. Be assured that whatever your trial, God wants to protect and care for you. You are His child!!
Trust in Him at all times with everything.

====================================================================

Have you sought Him today? He is waiting!
Be a hungry Hippo and dive into the River of Life!

The River

2008-09-13T08:47:00.000-07:00

River Hippos Rock!

Wanted all Saints!Yes that is you! Prayer does make a difference. Please come join The River sessions for an intense hour of worship to our King. If you have been longing to deepen your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and position yourself to make not only a difference in your own life but most importantly, to be used in a way that blesses others. Please check it out! It will be the best hour of your day you ever spent!

River Hippo Challenge!
Every prayer warrior that goes to the River on a regular basis is challenged to bring someone new in the next week. We are claiming our land back from the enemy! Prayer & worship are our mightiest weapons. I double big fat hippo dare ya!!!!!!!!!!
East Campus : Monday 5:30am, Tuesday at Noon, Wednesday 5:30am, Thursday 4:30pm, Friday is Deep Waters 9pm to Midnight, Saturday 6:00pm

What people are saying is their favorite part about the River!*Getting broken before the cross....*Absolutely everything.....*Facetime with the Lord....*Experiencing intimacy with the Lord......*Intercession in prayer for family and friends....*Spending fellowship time with my brothers and sisters in Christ

Praise Reports!

I had a heart of needing attention from people and now I have a heart for God....Jaimee

David has been off Chemo since January. No tumor growth.......................................................Beth

Testimony

Hank and Me:
This last spring my father in law had to move in with us. He is suffering from a hereditary ailment as well as middle stages of alheizmers, so the doctors diagnosed. He had been living back east alone for many many years. Due to many life tragedies he had become quite bitter and not so very nice. During the first few weeks of him living with us Jim and I were so overwhelmed by the dificulty with dealing with his anger. After one very hard day I lay sobbing on my bed. We so wanted to love him and take care of him. He is 77 years old. As I was laying there The Lord spoke to my heart and told me to go apologise to him. I thought no way...aww come on...this man had verbally abused me for weeks. But He showed me that my heart was getting hard and resentfull to Hank. My flesh was screaming NO..But my desire to be obediant to God was more. I went in and got down on my knees and I apologised to Hank. Told him how I desired to be a good daughter to him. The floodgates opened in this man. He held my hands and cried and apologised to me. We came to an understanding that day. I have continued to pray fervently for my family. Folks have lifted us up in prayer at the River sessions as well as through our church prayer warriors. The power the Lord has worked in this home is mighty. Hank is kind, gentle, loving, trusting. Physically he is doing way better. My husband has asked me how am I doing it. I told him I am not. God is doing it through me. His relationship with the Lord is being rekindled also. The Lord has given us more than enough grace for each day. It has been truly amazing! It has humbled me in so many ways. I am so gratefull to the Lord that words can not even express it. By that one act of obediance the blessings poured out in that situation and made changes in hearts. I sooooo want to always be obediant for sure even when my flesh screams noooo now!. Commitment to worship and prayer, seeking a deeper personal relationship with Christ, is so amazingly worth it. We are all so unique to Him. How He shows us, teachs us, disciplines us.He answers our prayers, He loves us dearly, He teachs us gently, He is endless! Even when circumstances or people seem hopeless please keep pressing in and forward. Focus on Him and watch Him go to work. Tami D.

If you have a testimony, praise report, prayer request or any questions at all please email it to

riverhippos@gmail.com

Your prayer request will be handed out at the River.
The UTURN Impartation this last Wednesday was mightty powerfull!! Please pray for all our youth and lift up our leaders and all of our Pastors!

The River Sessions!

2008-09-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

The River
It has been a glorious washing in the River this week! Many people seeking a deeper relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. Many prayers of intercession for others.
Luke 11:1
…His disciples said to Him "Lord, teach us to pray…"
Making a commitment to come together with others and praying releases such a double portion of blessings! Not only do you grow in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ but you also open yourself to the Holy Spirit to work in others lives as well.
It is a level of fellowship with your Brothers and Sisters in Christ that will leave you drenched.
Mondays 5:30 am Tuesdays Noon Wednesdays 5:30 am Thursdays 4:30 pm Fridays 9:00 pm Saturdays 6:00 pm

Praise Report

2008-06-13T20:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you Lord you are sooooo awesome!

We praise You and honor You!

Thank you Lord for always being faithful!