River Streams

by Heidi Hughes

by Paul Hughes

Jesus reinstated Peter, and recommissioned him three times to enter into his identity and the destiny that aligned with that—an increased dominion, intentional service, and an immediate focus. (Genesis 1:26; John 21:15-25; 2 Peter 1:5-8; John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Paul shares at our River Midweek on how to discern God's will in making big decisions—especially in times of transition.

by David & Nancy Harper

Life is full of subtle and overt temptations to compromise our calling as believers. More often than not, it can happen when we least expect it. And it can occur because we are uncertain about the challenges of costly obedience and whether Jesus will show up in the midst of life-altering choices. Continue to follow Peter and the disciples as we look at John 21:1-14.

by Randy & Jacquelyn Maas

Peter was radically changed by his first encounter with Jesus when he received a new name (he was formerly Simon) and thus a new identity and sense of purpose. Like Peter, we too can receive our true identity from our heavenly Father and, through the power of the Holy Spirit, become someone who reflects Jesus as the Church and world need us to. (1 Peter 2:1-12; 1 Peter 1:25; John 1:41-42; Matthew 14:28-31; John 6:68; John 18:10; John 18:26; James 1:22; Ephesians 6:17)

by Justin O'Shea

If strongholds can be established in the negative they can be done in the positive as well. Looking at the life of Gideon and drawing from his personal testimony, Justin shares keys for disempowering negative thought structures and building a kingdom mindset. (Judges 6:1-16; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Hebrews 2:14-15; Romans 8:11; Psalm 118:17; 1 John 5:4; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

by Paul Hughes

The difficulties and challenges we have gone through in the past are not to condemn us, but to be seen as a valuable education through which we can strengthen others for the Kingdom of God. (Titus 2:11-15a; Exodus 19:3-6; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Chronicles 29:1-3; Luke 22:31-32; 1 Peter 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 2:8-10)

by Paul Hughes

Jesus' resurrection empowers us, through the Holy Spirit, to stand again in hope and in the victory of living out the new life he has given us—especially in not being swayed by what people think of us but living confidently, like Jesus did, only by the Father's directives. (Romans 6:3-8; Colossians 3:1-4; Acts 10:34-35, 42-43; Mark 14:27-15:3; Hebrews 13:8)

by Paul Hughes

God speaks to Abraham. Abraham responds immediately. God called us all to walk in the faith of Abraham, irrespective of how much we see and no matter how great the mystery is that is before us. (Hebrews 11:1,6; Genesis 12:1-4; Hebrews 11:8; Genesis 15:1-6; Genesis 17:1-13, 22-27; Hebrews 4:2; Romans 10:8-9)

by Heidi Hughes

Nothing can separate true sons and daughters from the love of God. Sometimes God allows our identity to be tested, but this is so we find our ultimate acceptance in him and not in what others think of us. (Romans 8:31-39)