Pathways Press.com

Written by Laura Banning, a contemporary Bible teacher.

In Montana, we live right alongside a river, the Swan River. As I look out the window, I can see a beautiful analogy for how the Holy Spirit works in our lives …The river is constantly flowing; no matter what. Sometimes wind and high water bring huge trees along, even if they get lodged in one place for a time, it doesn’t stop the flow of the river. The river continues flowing around them, no matter what. Constant, nonstop, movement forward … And that’s the way He works in our lives. No matter what obstacles or challenges we face, even if they seem to be ‘lodged in place’ for a time, it doesn’t stop or block His working or His movement. He continues to flow in and around these things with constant forward movement. We have a choice though. We can choose to stay in the flow of His work or we can attempt to “swim against the current”, or even step out of it altogether. But Jesus calls us to ‘stay in the river’, He beckons us to stay in the flow of His working in our lives and we do that by abiding in Him, by staying in His Presence, by keeping our eyes fixed on Him. And the moment we sense we’ve stepped out of His Presence or that flow, we simply step back into it. And Jesus calls everyone who believes in Him to come and drink freely from His “rivers of living water”. We receive this living water from the indwelling Holy Spirit, as we meditate on His Word and listen to Him. And then He tells us that these rivers of living water will flow from our hearts. As we choose to stay in the flow of His working in our lives and to drink from the ‘River of His delights’, the Word of God, He will flow in and through us and touch the lives of those around us.

Prayer:

Written by James Goll, a contemporary evangelist and author.

Father, I am amazed at Your ways, and I purpose to unite myself with Your people as You lead me. I am grateful for all of the streams and tributaries that are joining together into a mighty river of life in this day. I pray to know and flow in that river of Your presence and power. I give all the glory to You. Send Your Spirit more powerfully, for Jesus Christ’s sake, as I offer thanksgiving and praise in His mighty name. Again, I say, Amen!