Forgiving in His Likeness

The River Church 
In a previous issue of An Encouraging Word, we said that God not only covered our sin with Jesus’ blood, but He washed it away.  This is how He wants us to look at other people’s sin against us, too.  Just as when God forgives us, He chooses to forget our sin, He [...]

Offenses

 The River Church
“I will never forgive that person!”  Have you ever heard this said?  I have, more than once – by Christian people.
Jesus said to His disciples, “It is impossible but that offenses will come ….” (Luke 17:1)  Offenses are a reality for all of us.  Sometimes we are on the receiving end, but it’s [...]

Having It All

 The River Church 
For several decades now, our society has pursued “having it all.” Careers, homes, family, travel, money, leisure, retirement, spirituality, fitness, “me” time – even if some of these prove elusive, many consider them essentials, even rights.
What does God say about having it all? He’s for it! But He has something to say about [...]

Abiding in the Lord

The River Church 
Abiding.  It means ceaseless, continual, constant, unmoving, bent, bound, consistent.  To abide is to wait patiently for, to remain in place, to continue to be firm or sure.
Did you ever have someone stand so near to you that you could feel his breath when he spoke?   Although this makes us uncomfortable with other [...]