September 25th, 1960                                            "The River of God"                                             Late Mr. N. Daniel

Psalm 46: 4, 5

"There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early." There is a river. A river comprises of flowing water. The places the river touches are made glad. The cities on their shores are happy. There is plenty of water available to them. Water is essential for life. If that water is clean water, it is a great blessing. But here the Bible speaks of another river, the streams thereof make glad the people of the city of God.

Nearly eight or nine years ago there was scarcity of water in the city of Madras. That summer the Lord asked us to have our retreat in this city. On Saturday when we gathered for fasting and prayer that night it began to rain. Three days it rained continuously. It rained 18 inches. It was record rain fall in Madras for all time in the month of May. Thus God answered. There is a God who sends you fresh water. Jerusalem was a place of insufficient water. The temple needed lots of water. During festivals large number of people would come into this small city and then the need for water was even greater. Hezekiah in his time dug a conduit. It was so dug that if enemies surrounded the city they would have no water but the city would have water.

There is a river that makes glad the city of God. Where does it have it source? Rev.22:1, "And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Where does this river start? It starts at the throne of God. The river is Jesus. The citizens of this city are those born of the Spirit. Some of them are on the earth and some are in heaven. Jesus who was broken for us became a river. Those that love Jesus belong to that city will one day be lifted up when the trumpet of the Lord is sounded. If you are living in that city you know it. It is a holy city. It makes you happy if you belong to that city.

Psalm 45:7, "The King desires in you the beauty of holiness." Those that wash in this river are beautiful. This river was flowing even from ancient times. Abraham drank of it and the prophets drank of it. It was in the beginning with God. Those that fear God accept this truth. You can dig a channel from this river to run by your house. Your house can be cleansed by this river. The fruit of the Spirit will be seen in those that live by the river. There is great peace in their heart and homes. God knows who belong to this city.

When Jesus returns to this earth they will naturally be lifted up to Him. This river is flowing today. It reaches you everytime you think of His Name. You cannot come under the grip of evil thoughts. Does this river flow by you?