Dear Friends,

We all have been stunned by the rain that has been released on our central valley, and most of us cannot remember the last time there was this much rain. We need it, but we could use a few more dry days in between storms. Our last two storms have been called atmospheric rivers, because they are warmer rains, which cause the snow to melt, causing a tremendous amount of runoff that many of our people have experienced. We need to continue to lift up in prayer all those living in the affected areas, and as we have opportunity, to assist them if we can. I just returned to my office from viewing the Tule River across the street from my brother’s house. Pastor Larry, like many others, has been living under an evacuation warning since last Friday, so the continual observation of the river and its expansion has been a vital part of each day. It’s amazing that at our local dam, they are releasing over 10,000 cubic feet of water per second, and with that comes the swelling of our rivers and spillways. They can’t stop the river and they can’t control the river; all they can do is attempt to contain it and some of the debris that has gathered at the local bridges. The visual of this fast moving, swollen, growing river reminded me of a chorus I would use when I led the song service (dates me, doesn’t it?). Maybe you remember it as well, it goes like this…I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me; makes the lame to walk and the blind to see, opens prisons doors, sets the captives free. I’ve got a river of life flowing out of me. Spring up o well, within my soul. Spring up o well and make me whole. Spring up o well and give to me that life abundantly.

Could this time of abundant rain and massive rivers be a reminder to us of what God wants to do in us and through us? When Jesus met the woman at the well, He said to her, Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life, John 4:13-14. And just three chapters later Jesus said to the huge crowd gathered at the Temple, Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them, John 7:37-38. Jesus was talking about what the Holy Spirit would do in those who follow Him.

Have you thought about what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life, or a better question, what He wants to do in your life? I believe He wants to release His river in us to do His purifying work and to release His power in and through us to positively impact everyone who will cross our path. He wants to release a river of His Presence that cannot be stopped nor controlled, a river that will partner with God to build His Kingdom right here and right now. Join me in letting God’s river flow in our lives.

See you Sunday!