“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life …” Rev. 22:1-2a The river of Life flows straight from the very Throne of God. “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God. The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.” (Ps. 46:4-5) In the Kingdom of God multiplication is often the Lord’s order. And we note that the one river becomes streams that flow. Love, joy, peace, hope, healing, worship and unlimited expressions of the Lord’s grace are designed to proceed out of the river of the Lord’s presence through our hearts, the very holy abode of the God. The holy place of our hearts is the channel through which we receive from God and release to others. A river has a beginning, but doesn’t stop unless there is an obstruction to block its flow. Water is a powerful force. It moves and glides slowly or swiftly in the pathway that had been created by its own pressure. Stones that are jagged, over time, become smooth as the water constantly wears away the rough edges. Storms are increasing as “creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed (Rom. 8:19). During a hurricane, the force of water seems so destructive. Yet when it’s calm and all’s revealed, the water has served to re-locate and move excess rocks, dirt, and debris for greater flow. We have had several major hurricanes in our area over the last few years. I’m still amazed as I drive by areas where landscapes have been changed dramatically. Streams became overflowing rivers and rivers became raging waterways. Boulders were moved long distances and deposited in new locations on the banks. Trees were uprooted as the channel doubled, tripled, and even quadrupled in width. And now the waterway has enlarged and the source of life can increase its effect and fruitfulness. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (Jn. 7:38) Let the fullness of the flow of the Holy Spirit, with fresh daily baptisms, flood your heart. Through daily washings of His Word and the gentleness of His Presence rough places are softened. Hearts are enlarged in times of storms, as the Lord uproots, redirects, and expands the capacity of His streams of life for greater outflow. “In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life …” There is a tree of Life, Jesus, the Lifegiver Himself encompasses the river. The river runs through it ! In the middle of the street, that highway of Holiness (Is. 35:8) where the river runs, the Tree is there. So massive that it covers both sides of the river. True life runs through His presence, His power, and His grace… for His glory !!! Continually yield to His moving and be a channel of Life ! In Him, Rev. Sharon Carlson IAM Overseer and V.P. 5/13

River of Life