River of Life Assembly of God

Faith & Patience

2011-06-01T23:26:00.001-04:00

Hebrews 11:7 - It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.

"Don't wait until you understand God to obey God!"

I'm just thinking about how patient Noah had to to be to accomplish the task God called him to. His faith was very strong to trust God to the end!

Faith & Patience go hand in hand!

Love and blessings,
Pastor Greg

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:NE County Road 340,High Springs,United States

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T08:25:00.001-04:00

Today I am saying "Thank You" to all American Veterans. We love and honor our American Heroes! "All gave some and some gave ALL!"

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:NE County Road 340,High Springs,United States

Ebenezer

2011-05-29T17:14:00.001-04:00

1 Samuel 7:12-13 - (12) Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah.[a] He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us!” (13) So the Philistines were subdued and didn’t invade Israel again for some time. And throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the Lord’s powerful hand was raised against the Philistines.

When we remember the Lord and trust Him completely in all things, He will raise His powerful hand in our defense against our enemies. He will bless us and protect us. God is Faithful! "Up to this point the Lord has helped us!" I know He will continue to be our help and strength.

God truly ministered this Word to our hearts this morning at ROL. He is up to something powerful here at ROL in Alachua. I am excited to be a part of it!

Love ya,
Pastor Greg

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:ROL Church - Alachua

Forgiveness

2011-05-28T23:10:00.001-04:00

Forgiveness forms your future! In scripture if Joseph had held a grudge or remained bitter he would never have been used by God to save his family and God's people from disaster and destruction.

If you are holding on to past offenses from anyone ask God to help you completely forgive them. I am convinced that God has a powerful, potentially world changing purpose for your life! Lack of forgiveness may be the thing keeping you from your divine purpose.

I am searching my heart to see if there is anyone I need to forgive. I want to encourage you to search your heart too.

Love ya,
Pastor Greg

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:NE County Road 340,High Springs,United States

http://www.ministrydirect.com/md_videoTutorialindex.aspx

2009-10-23T23:53:00.000-04:00

http://www.ministrydirect.com/md_videoTutorialindex.aspx

Understanding Relationships

2009-08-27T21:45:00.005-04:00

1 Peter 3:7 (NLT) "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat her with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. If you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not be heard."

What does it mean to understand another person? It means to make what is important to the other person just as important to you as the other person is to you. When I married Bev 13 years ago I could not understand what she enjoyed about waking up early on Saturday's (the only day of the week we did not have to wake early) to go purchase used stuff from other folks at yard sales. I loved Bev but refused to go with her, of course she did not let that stop her from going. She finds all kinds of bargains out there and even buys things and sells them for a profit. To please her I started going occasionally. What I discovered is that the small hobby that was important to her has become important to me. It's not so much that I enjoy waking up early, but I enjoy being with Bev because she is important to me. Yes we find lots of great deals, but the better thing is that we have some of our best conversations and times of planning and dreaming together while we are doing something that we both enjoy (now). The truth is that as we spend time together we both understand each other better. We have been doing this "yard sale thing" now for 10+ years and love every minute with each other.

Some of you are thinking there is no way you could ever understand your wife. If you will show her honor and begin to treat the things that are important to her as important to you, understanding will follow. Out of that will come a happier, healthier marriage that will bless you, your children, and anyone else who is watching your life together.

I want to encourage the men who read this to find something that is important to your wife that you have never placed much value in and make it important in your life (this will work for wives too). It will change your life and bless your marriage. If I interpret 1 Peter 3:7 correctly it will also go a long ways toward making your prayers heard by God. Sounds like a formula for success to me and who doesn't want to succeed?

2009-08-17T20:41:00.001-04:00

Just set up moble blogging. Maybe I can keep up the blog now. Maybe.

2008-05-09T23:25:00.009-04:00

What a month!

2007-11-01T20:31:00.000-04:00

ROL has had a very busy October. We started off the month with our annual missions convention. 3 days of services with a missions emphasis. Wow! We tripled (in pledges) our annual missions giving. In addition we exceeded our $500 BGMC goal. Our children raised over $700 and we will exceed $1000 by the years end. Praise the Lord!

Then our youth ministry (Consumed Uth) had a youth rally. They invited special music guest and a drama team. The rally was well attended and lives were definitely touched by Jesus. I believe it is the start of revival among the youth of Alachua and ROL.

Yesterday we had our "Fall Festival." We were able to offer free hot dogs, candy, games, and prizes to over 300 (maybe 400+) people in downtown Alachua. I know we made a great impact for Christ on our community and I believe we will see the fruit of our labour.

God is moving by His Spirit. I am excited about the future of the church around the world and I am excited about the future of ROL. There is something great getting ready to break open and I want to be a part of this move of God!

Consumed by God,
Pastor Greg

ROL Party

2007-09-10T19:29:00.000-04:00

It's awesome when the family of God can get together and just have fun. This is a photo blog of the church party we hosted at our house this past Saturday. We had a blast! We were glad so many could come. Bev and I love and appreciate all of you.

Pastor Greg

5 Awesome Years

2007-08-13T09:03:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has been 5 yeas this month since God brought Bev, Sarah, Candace, and me to ROL in beautiful Alachua. There has been a lot of water go under the bridge since then. These have been some of the greatest years of our lives thus far. Of course Caleb has also been added to our family in the past couple of years. It is amazing how God does things in our lives. I would have never thought I would be here 6+ years ago. I sure am glad God's ways are better than our ways. I am also thankful Bev and I chose to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to come to ROL.

Our church family is the best and we are so thankful to the Lord for knitting us together with them. ROL is at a strategic point in our ministry and as we round the curve to the next 5 years I believe God is going to do greater things than we can imagine. This outcome will require a lot of dedication, hard work, and much prayer, but I know we are up to the challenge.

5 years behind us, but many, many years ahead of us (if the Lord allows) to experience the the blessings and the power of God together.

It is a "Happy Anniversary!" We love you all.

Vacation

2007-08-07T19:36:00.000-04:00

It's been a while, but I'm back. The Evans family had a great vacation last week. We went RV'ing for the first time ever. WOW! We really enjoyed it. We spent the week at Ft. Wilderness Disney. The kids had a blast and so did Bev and I. The list of things we did is too long to mention but I do highly recommend Ft. Wilderness. I guess spending time with the family is about the most fun anyone can have. I think we would have enjoyed just about anywhere we could have gone. Let me suggest again that you take some special time with your family if you have not done so in a while. It will refresh you and bring you closer together.

I think every time we laughed and played together, prayed together, etc it was worship before our Lord. Sometimes we think the only time to worship God is two hours on Sunday morning. While I feel strongly that we must have that special time in church we must also bring Him glory through building strong, Godly relationships with our spouse and children (and others as well).

The greatest times spent with my family are not when we visit attraction, tourist sites, etc. The best times are when we are just traveling down the road, sitting at a meal or getting ready for bed. These are the times we talk, sing, tell jokes, laugh, and the list goes on. I know my kids will never forget those time, because I have never forgotten them from my childhood. Those times helped to make me who I am. I pray Bev and I are molding our children into the Godly person God designed them to be.

Be encouraged and blessed.

Our Mission Statement

2007-07-13T21:40:00.000-04:00

In 2006 Pastor Dutch Sheets gave a prophesy. Part of that prophesy is below.

"I am waiting for those who will fulfill My mission statement." (Luke 4:18-19; Isaiah 61)
· Preach the gospel to the poor
· Proclaim release to the captives
· Recovery of sight to the blind
· Set free the downtrodden
· Proclaim the favorable year of the Lord
· I heard Him say, "If those in My Church will begin to make this their mission statement, I will give them the fulfillment of every one of them." He went on to say, "There is a radical anointing of deliverance that is about to come to the Church. It will actually be violent at times, and people will be radically delivered in a moment." The favorable year of the Lord refers to Jubilee. Captives go free, and inheritances are restored."

I read this prophesy a few months after it was given and felt to adopt Luke 4:18-19 as the Mission Statement of River of Life. We did adopt it, but did not emphasize it until recently. The past 6 months since we began to focus on Luke 4:18-19 God has begun to do awesome things in our midst.

We are not just quoting this verse, but putting each of these "missions" into action. We have not even begun to accomplish all that God has for us to do nor have we experienced all the fulfilment. However, we are beginning to experience a "radical anointing" mentioned in the prophecy. In the past two months we have experienced at least 4 miraculous heeling's in our services at ROL (many other breakthroughs and miracles also). We have begun an effort to meet the needs of the poor and downtrodden of our community. We are only in the first stages of this outreach but God has sent prostitutes, homeless, sick, and diverse kinds of people in great need. We are reaching them with the gospel of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the "favorable year of the Lord." I praise God for His faithfulness to us!

This word is not just for us at ROL. It is for any believer who will apply the Word of God to their life. You can receive this word for your own life and begin to walk in victory. You can also begin to speak it into the lives of others and see God fulfill His promise through you. Wow! Imagine if people around you started hearing the Word of God come from your mouth with power and anointing. Imagine if folks were healed, delivered, set free, and restored because you obeyed and adopted His "Mission Statement" for your life.

What is your "Mission"??? I encourage you to adopt His "mission statement" for your life and fulfill the Word of the Lord.

I love you. May God's anointing power fill your life!

"Chillin with my Peeps"

2007-06-27T23:47:00.000-04:00

Someone bought me a t-shirt last week that says "Chillin with my Peeps" and it has a picture of 3 marshmallow "Peeps" (the candy you eat at Easter time). I wore that t-shirt today as we traveled to S.C. where Bev and I are ministering Thursday - Sunday. I thought the shirt would be fun, but I really was "chillin" with my wife and kids as we traveled. It is so great to spend some quality time just talking, singing and goofing off! We had a blast!

If you have not spent some time "Chillin with your Peeps" lately, I want to encourage you to set aside some time just to enjoy your wife or husband and kids. It might help you rekindle something that the enemy told you was long gone.

She is the same women you fell in love with only better. He is the same guy you thought was cute and funny, now only a little heavier and a lot more fun. They are the same kids you use to role around on the floor and play with, only now they need to talk a little more and play a little less, but never stop playing. Kids need that too (even the adult ones)! You never know what great things may come out of some alone time with family.

Well this is just my way of saying how thankful to God I am for my family. They are awesome! We will be busy the next few days pouring out of ourselves into the lives of those we minister to in S.C. (we are expecting God to do great things). But I plan on "Chillin with my Peeps" again on the trip home and frankly I cant wait.

PS. Our nephew James is traveling with us. We are enjoying having him along. I guess you could say he's an extended peep. Our hope is that we get to speak a prophetic Word from God into his life this week. He is going off to University this Fall and I believe God has a great plan for his life.

Sunday Service

2007-06-25T12:44:00.000-04:00

Yesterday was a great day in Christ Jesus! Those of us at ROL were blessed by the music and ministry of Brent Walker. You can here a sampling of his music at www.brent-walker.net . I think this music with a message will bless and inspire you.

I particularly enjoyed a song entitled "Disciples". It talks about how God used ordinary men like you and I and gave them the "Keys to the Kingdom" and there must be hope for us. God desires to use you. I want to encourage you to let Him.

I am reminded of the lyrics to a song that says - "If you can use anything Lord, You can use me." Make that your prayer today and God will use ordinary you to do extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

I pray your week is filled with His love and power.

Peace and Help

2007-06-24T01:31:00.000-04:00

We recently moved into a new home about 15 minutes out of town on about 1.3 acres. God has blessed us and we love our new place. I have particularly enjoyed the early morning time on our front porch. I must be getting older because I find myself anticipating a morning cup of coffee while I sit rocking, watching birds and praying. Every morning I watch Humming birds, a Red Headed Wood Pecker, Finches, Mocking birds, Doves and many others I have not identified as of yet.

This morning I watched as a male and female Brown Thrasher diligently worked to build a nest. From what I read these birds are not often seen, but for now this young couple has moved into my yard. I watched for the longest as they meticulously sought for the perfect twigs to build their new home. At one point two Mocking birds came screaming into the tree where the Thrashers were building their nest and the Male Thrasher quickly chased them off. He was protecting his territory. The whole time all this was taking place there was a lone Dove walking around the ground at the base of the tree where the nest was being built. The Dove was never bothered by anything that happened and the Brown Thrashers seemed at ease with the Dove. This Dove just kept walking right where they were working and now living. This whole experience was fun for me as an casual bird watcher. I sat thinking how awesome God's creation is. He takes care of the birds, the trees, the grass of the fields, and how much more He cares for us. Then I saw that Dove again and a greater picture of God's presence and power became real to me.

The Dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit. He walks among us. Wherever we are. At work, at home, at play, etc. God has sent the Holy Spirit as our Comforter. He is always there bringing peace to any situation. The Holy Spirit empowers us when there are attacks from the enemy or just simple conflicts that arise. The Spirit is always present, always available and always ready for you and I to tap into His power, His presence and His peace.

I know God may reveal Himself to others in a more dramatic way, but this morning it was a few birds that painted a picture of the peace and power of God's Spirit and reminded me that He is always here no matter what I am facing. John 14:16 NLT says "He will never leave me."

If you need peace in a situation. If you need supernatural power for your life. Call on God. Ask Him to fill you with His Holy Spirit. He is faithful and He will fill you to overflowing. He will give you peace that passes all understanding.

Peace to you.

Read: John 14-16

ROL Celabration Day!

2007-05-01T01:06:00.000-04:00

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Day of Celebration! Pastor Jamie Jones, the Gateway Christian Center Choir, Pastor Ginny McDaniel and all the other guest helped to make the day special and complete. Thanks for coming.

Mostly I want to say thank you to the members and adherents of ROL. You are the one who gave everything to make this day perfect and worth celebrating. I love you all and appreciate your faithfulness and service to the work of the ministry. I think you are the greatest congregation any pastor could have. This is the dawning of a new day! Great things are ahead for ROL. Revival is coming! Praise God!

We had 134 in attendance and our celebration offering exceeded $7000.00. HALLELUJAH!!!!!
Get ready, get ready, get ready! We are moving forward in the power of God and for His Glory.

God Is So Faithful!

2007-04-05T02:05:00.000-04:00

Sorry it's been so long since I blogged last. I've had blogger's block, but I'm back. The truth is the Evans family has had some sickness and been just plain busy. I think things are settling down and returning to semi-normal. With all the crazy stuff going on God remains in control. Praise the Lord!

The big news is we closed on the new church building on Monday afternoon. Hallelujah! It hardly seems possible that we will have our first service on Easter Sunday, but that is exactly what we plan to do. WOW, I'm overwhelmed!

Someone said "Hind sight is 20/20." Looking back we can see God had a plan 4 1/2 years ago when He brought me, Bev, Sarah and Candace to River of Life in Alachua. He had a plan 3 years ago when we bought our first church property. He had a plan when we sold that property at the exact time He needed us to. And, He has a plan right now. He is taking us into that plan and we are going willingly and by faith. God is so faithful!

2 times last week it seemed like everything might fall through, but both times God came through just at the right time.

There was a misunderstanding about how closing cost would be paid. It looked impossible. It turned out all the funds were already pre-paid for closing and we did not have to pay a dime extra. That was a God thing because no one including the bank intended for it to work that way. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Then we had the shock of our lives when we received a quote for almost $8000.00 for insurance. We began to pray and do a lot of research and found out, that was a low quote. We received one as high as $15,000.00. I almost lost it when I heard that. We settled for the lower ~$8000 policy. Then out of nowhere we received a call and a quote from a national, "A" rated Insurance company at less than half of our lower quote. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

I should not be surprised. It has been this way for our entire time at ROL. God never ceases to amaze us! He is so faithful! Did I say that already? I will probably say it again. I know all this has happened because of the commitment ROL has had to prayer. That commitment must continue and even increase as we move forward. We are looking ahead to the many purposes God has for us in our new location and above all we are praying for a harvest of souls. I understand that with this new tool (building) comes greater responsibility for ROL. It is the prayer of ROL that we be found faithful as He is so faithful to us.

I want to say "Thank YOU" to all who call ROL their church home. Your faithfulness to God and to this ministry has made this all possible. I love and appreciate you more than I know how to express. Thanks also to many others outside of our local fellowship who have helped to make this possible through prayer and financial support. ROL loves and appreciates you. Thanks to my wife Beverly she is so supportive, encouraging, positive, and down right determined. She never quits. I would not have made it this far without her by my side. I love you Honey.

THANKS be unto God! HE is the reason we do what we do at ROL. HE is the provider that made everything possible. HE has been our source of strength when we have been weak. HE has been the rock we have stood on when everything around us seemed to be sinking. HE has been so FAITHFUL!

I thank God Almighty with all my heart, I love Him and praise Him with all that is within me!

Friends

2007-02-27T22:03:00.000-05:00

I thank God for a couple of other friends today. Pastor Russ and Don both helped me paint the sanctuary earlier today. I really appreciate you guys having a servants heart. I love you and praise God for you!

Friends

2007-02-27T21:43:00.000-05:00

Friend = “a person you know well and regard with affection and trust.”

I thank God for friends. He has blessed Bev and me with so many throughout our lives and ministry. Our friends and church family at ROL are among the dearest of all. Two such friends are relocating due to a job change. Reggie and Paula will be greatly missed in our church and in our daily lives. We have grown accustom to having them near us. It will feel strange not ministering alongside of them. We love and appreciate you Reggie and Paula more than we know how to express. May the Lord bless you throughout your lives and ministry. Although separated by miles our hearts are knit together in Christ. As time goes on I know we will have many opportunities to fellowship and minister together again. I am looking forward to those times.

This thought on friends would be incomplete without thanking God for all my friends.

My best friend and awesome wife, Beverly Rose. I love you honey!
Our wonderful family - Parents, sisters, etc. & our extended family. Bev and I love you all.
Our church family – We are all in this together. We love you!
Our Pastor and minister friends. You know who you are. Thanks for being there for us.
Above all, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He truly is a “Friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Jesus has been a dear friend to me; I pray I will be a faithful friend to him. It is awesome to think that I am a friend of God!

If you need a friend today just turn your life over to Jesus. He is all you need.

Jeremiah 33:3

2007-02-21T23:50:00.000-05:00

I like the way the New Living Translation records Jeremiah 33:3 (NLT) - Ask me and I will tell you some remarkable secrets about what is going to happen here.

I think Jer. 33:3 happened tonight at our ROL (River of Life) service. It's amazing how simply true God is to His word. There was not a scheduled prayer meeting nor a world renown prophet present. It was just a group of ROLers (River of Life folk) seeking and asking God to reveal Himself and His will to us as we began our midweek service. He showed up in an awesome way and preformed Jeremiah 33:3 in us. God sort of began to unfold a fresh vision for us right before our eyes. When I got home I tried to go to bed, but I couldn't sleep. I was just overwhelmed by His power and presence we experienced earlier this evening. So instead I'm up blogging.

The study notes in my Life Application Bible for Jer. 33:3 say - "When we ask, we must humble ourselves, lay aside our willfulness and worry, and determine to obey him." God spoke to us tonight! The way He spoke through the whole body was amazing. The vision He laid before us seemed bigger than we are. Yet, I am determined to lay aside my willfulness and worry and follow Him. I heard some "remarkable secrets about what is going to happen here" and I am more excited than ever about our future. Lets continue to take this journey together and fully follow the Lord.

God's Promises

2007-02-16T23:21:00.000-05:00

Wow! Six weeks ago I would have said someone was crazy if they told me we would have a ready to occupy church facility in only a couple of months. It looks like that is exactly what may take place. The story is far too long to share in this forum, but it seems God is providing an answer to our prayers. It is quite likely within 45 days River of Life A/G will be the inhabitants and owners of this beautiful facility shown in the picture. Praise God!

God's ways are far above our ways and His timing is perfect. We are purchasing this building from another church (Christ Central Ministries) in Alachua. They have been a blessing to us and are a strategic part of the Body of Christ in our community. They have outgrown this facility and we are growing into it. God promised us provision in our building program, but we could not see (until now) how He would bring it about.

I gave someone a word from the Lord last week, but did not realize until later how much it applied to this church. The word was simply this: "God's promises do not have an expiration date." If He says it, He will do it! I know it seems simple, but how often do we give up because we become weary of waiting. I know I have. You may be reading this and have a promise God gave to you years ago or maybe you have been believing for a child to be saved, etc. Don't quit now. He is doing something great in you and in other people as you wait on Him to bring fulfillment to His Word in your life.

I can tell you that He has worked out some things in my life while we tried to build a building. I also know He has done great things in the Ministry of Christ Central over the past 4 1/2 years. Just wait and see what He will do in you! His promises are Yes and Amen. 2 Cor. 1:18-20 (NLT) - As surely as God is true,...Jesus Christ, the Son of God, never wavers between yes and no...and he is the divine Yes—God's affirmation. 20For all of God's promises have been fulfilled in him. That is why we say "Amen" when we give glory to God through Christ.