Category Archives: River of life

Church Sermon in Alton: the Mississippi River flows

“A Divine Call in Alton: Rising in Faith and Fire

Introduction: In the heart of Alton, where the Mississippi River flows with power and purpose, God has called us to rise up with a fire that cannot be quenched. Just as Alton is a place of adventure—where people hike, bike, and explore the great outdoors—so too is our journey with Christ one of discovery, endurance, and triumph. Today, I, Camila, stand before you to declare that the Lord is moving mightily in this season. There may be trials, but there is also overwhelming joy bubbling in the core of God’s people. A fire is being kindled, and it is decreeing: “I WAS CREATED FOR THIS!”

Chapter 1: Trials, Temptations, and Triumph There is no victory without a battle. We see in the Word that even Peter, who once denied Jesus, stood up boldly in faith. He commanded the lame man to rise and walk in the name of Jesus, and the miraculous happened. Today, God is calling us to step into boldness, to declare His truth, and to trust that He is working, even when we cannot see it.

Satan’s greatest tool is doubt. He will tempt us to question, rationalize, and allow fear to overshadow faith. But let me tell you, church, we were not made to walk in fear! His Word is truth (John 17:17). The enemy seeks to keep us bound, but Jesus came to set us free. In the same way that visitors to Alton’s Haunted Trolley Tour may experience fear for a moment, we must remember that fear is temporary, but faith is eternal.

I recall a woman in my own church—a faithful believer for forty years—who saw a move of God unlike anything she had ever witnessed before. Revival had come, and God was pouring out His Spirit in power. In this season, God is performing a divine overhaul. He is calling us to higher places, preparing us for new assignments, new visions, and new territory. The Lord is saying, “Expect the UNEXPECTED ESTABLISHING!” What once seemed impossible is now being made possible by His mighty hand.

Chapter 2: A New Fire, A New Commissioning As I prayed for this gathering, I heard the Lord say: “I am sending forth My trailblazing sons and daughters! What I am releasing in this hour will bring forth the greatest shifts you have ever seen. You will step into what you never imagined possible, and through you, My revival fire will be released in power!”

Some of you have walked through intense battles. You have been wounded, weary, and unsure of how to continue. But the Lord says, “The fruitfulness that is coming will FAR OUTWEIGH the wounds of the past!” Just as Alton’s rolling hills and beautiful vistas offer a place of rest and renewal, so too does the Lord provide times of refreshing for His people. He is redeeming the time, redeeming the season, and He is restoring everything that was lost.

The book of Revelation declares that Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, is the only One worthy to take the scroll and loose its seals. Today, the Lord is unlocking new doors, new assignments, and new levels of anointing over His people. The dry and parched places of your heart—where you have felt empty and abandoned—are about to receive an outpouring of His Spirit. His fire is not only falling to reignite your passion but to bring forth multiple births of destiny in your life.

A Call to Action: It is time to stand, church. It is time to rise in faith. The Lord is saying, “My hand of favor, provision, and vindication is upon you.” The strategies and blueprints of Heaven are being released, and as you align yourself with His will, supernatural doors will open before you. The Bride of Christ is being purified, and He is uprooting all that hinders unity in His body. We are called to be ONE in Him, walking in love, walking in power, and walking in victory.

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly. Speak life, sing psalms, and declare His goodness. For this is the season of divine outpouring. The promises He has spoken over your life are now SUDDENLY MANIFESTING! You are not alone. You are chosen, commissioned, and set apart for such a time as this.

Conclusion: As I close, I want you to lift your hands and receive this prayer:

“Father, I thank You for every person here today. You have called them by name, and You have set them apart for Your glory. I pray that You would ignite their hearts with fresh fire, remove every hindrance, and open new doors before them. Let the joy of the Lord be their strength, and let faith rise within them. May they walk boldly in their calling, knowing that they were CREATED FOR THIS! In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!”

Church, go forth in victory. The fire has been kindled, the commissioning has begun, and the time for revival is NOW!

Evangelistic Meeting Led by Orla in Wilton

It was a cool evening in Wilton, a peaceful rural town just a few miles from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Despite its proximity to the city, Wilton’s slower pace provided a perfect setting for reflection, connection, and quiet gatherings. On this particular evening, a young lady named Orla led an evangelistic meeting in the heart of the town, drawing people from the surrounding areas. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the community gathered, eager to hear the good news of Jesus Christ.

Orla, known for her passionate heart and deep faith, began the meeting with a simple invitation to open hearts and minds. She knew that the people of Wilton, accustomed to the beauty and tranquility of their rural surroundings, could easily relate to the simplicity and peace that Jesus offers. Wilton’s residents had a special appreciation for the beauty around them, whether it was in the rolling hills, the vibrant art culture at the Weir Farm National Historic Site, or the peaceful walking trails at Stonebridge Wildfowl Sanctuary. Orla spoke of how these places of peace reflected the deeper peace that only Jesus could offer, drawing comparisons between the calm found in nature and the calm found in a relationship with Christ.

As she began, Orla shared a story from the Scriptures about how Jesus reached out to those around Him, offering them a life of meaning and peace. Her message resonated with the crowd, many of whom were familiar with the area’s love for the arts and natural beauty. She encouraged them to consider the life-changing impact of Jesus’ message, a message that transforms not only the spirit but also the way we see the world around us.

“Much like J. Alden Weir,” she said, “Jesus invites us to see the world with new eyes. Just as the artist saw beauty in everyday life and captured it in his paintings, Jesus wants us to see the beauty of His creation and the world He has called us to love. His message is the ultimate masterpiece, designed to bring life, healing, and hope to all who embrace it.”

Many attendees nodded, understanding Orla’s connection to the local culture. She was speaking in terms they could easily relate to—the beauty of Weir’s artwork, the peace of the trails, and the nourishment of local food. She invited everyone to consider what their own lives could look like if they allowed the message of Jesus to transform them, just as Weir allowed his surroundings to inspire his creative works.

Orla continued, sharing that Jesus offered more than just an idea or a philosophy—He offered life itself. And just as the town of Wilton had a growing culinary scene, focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients at places like Baldanza at the Schoolhouse, Orla explained that the “ingredients” of a life with Christ were much more fulfilling than anything the world could offer.

“Christ offers nourishment for the soul,” Orla explained. “He is the bread of life, offering sustenance that satisfies in a way that no earthly meal ever could. But just like any meal, we must come to the table to partake. We must choose to taste and see the goodness He has for us.”

She went on to remind the group that just as we appreciate locally sourced food, we are called to appreciate the goodness of God in every part of our lives. Wilton’s vibrant farmers’ markets, full of fresh vegetables, meats, and goods, served as a metaphor for the spiritual nourishment that comes from drawing close to God. Orla emphasized that Jesus provides everything we need—not only for physical survival, but for spiritual thriving.

As the crowd listened intently, Orla invited them to reflect on the beauty and peace around them—whether they were walking the paths of Weir Farm, enjoying the serenity of Stonebridge Sanctuary, or savoring a delicious farm-to-table meal. “Just as nature reveals the hand of the Creator,” Orla said, “Jesus invites us to experience a deeper relationship with Him, one that leads to abundant life and peace.”

Orla’s words were not only compelling—they were relatable. She reminded the people that faith wasn’t about being perfect or having it all together. Just like the ever-changing seasons in Wilton—where winter brought cross-country skiers, and summer invited picnickers—the life of faith required moments of quiet reflection, but also active participation. It was about finding peace in Jesus, but also sharing that peace with others.

She spoke about the importance of sharing the message of Christ with others, much as Wilton’s local businesses and farmers shared their bounty with the community. Evangelism, Orla explained, was not about pushing people into faith but inviting them to experience the life that Jesus offers. “The invitation is simple,” she said, “Come, taste and see, just as we do with the food we enjoy in our homes and our town. Come and experience Jesus for yourself.”

Orla shared the hope that each individual who heard her message would leave with a renewed sense of peace and purpose. She prayed aloud, asking God to open hearts and minds, much like the calmness of the Weir Farm gardens had opened her own heart to creativity and beauty. “May we go from this place with new eyes to see Your love in everything,” Orla prayed.

As the meeting drew to a close, the people of Wilton felt a sense of connection—not only to the town they loved but to a deeper truth. The evening had brought them closer to understanding that Jesus was offering them peace, purpose, and fulfillment, just as the town had offered them peace in nature and beauty. Orla had led them to see that, much like the landscapes and artwork they cherished, their lives could be filled with the beauty of Christ’s love and His transformative power.

As the crowd began to disperse, many lingered to chat, some asking questions and others simply reflecting on what they had heard. Orla knew that the seeds had been planted, and she trusted that the Holy Spirit would continue the work that had begun in their hearts that evening.

In Wilton, a town known for its tranquil beauty and creativity, the message of Jesus had taken root, and with it, the promise of a life transformed by the love and peace of Christ.

Distinguishing Tradition from Biblical Truth

Olivia sat across from her pastor in his office, a thoughtful expression on her face. She had been struggling with questions about faith, tradition, and the truth of God’s Word.

“Pastor, I’ve been thinking a lot about how people hold onto traditions without questioning whether they align with the Bible,” Olivia began. “I see it everywhere—people believe things just because they were taught that way. But how do we distinguish between tradition and truth?”

Her pastor nodded, leaning forward. “That’s a crucial question, Olivia. This issue has existed since the time of Jesus. He rebuked the religious leaders for allowing traditions to override God’s Word. Many people today unknowingly cling to man-made teachings instead of biblical truth.”

Olivia sighed. “I had a conversation with a friend recently. She objected to a preacher’s message by quoting a hymn rather than scripture. She truly believed that song was biblical, but it wasn’t.”

“That’s a common problem,” the pastor agreed. “People grow up hearing certain things in church and assume they’re scriptural. But the real test should always be: ‘Where is it in the Book?’ If a belief isn’t supported by multiple scriptures, then it’s likely a tradition rather than a biblical principle.”

Olivia nodded. “That makes sense. And speaking of scripture, I was reading Numbers 21:4 recently, where the Israelites complained and became discouraged. Their complaints led to serious consequences, didn’t they?”

“Yes,” her pastor affirmed. “Discouragement is dangerous. It leads to frustration, doubt, and even destruction. First Corinthians 10:10 warns us not to murmur because it opens the door to negative consequences. Gratitude, on the other hand, brings light and revelation.”

“That’s something I struggle with,” Olivia admitted. “Sometimes, when things don’t go my way, I find myself questioning God.”

“That’s not unusual,” her pastor assured her. “Many people develop a hidden resentment toward God when life seems unfair. But the truth is, God never fails us. It’s often our own disobedience or lack of understanding that blocks His blessings.”

Olivia thought for a moment. “Like the Israelites who complained about manna. They had a miraculous provision, but instead of being grateful, they grumbled. And that led to judgment.”

“Exactly,” her pastor agreed. “Their complaints removed God’s protection, and fiery serpents entered the camp. But what happened next is an important lesson. When they repented, God told Moses to make a bronze serpent and lift it up. Anyone who looked at it in faith was healed. That serpent symbolized Jesus, who was lifted on the cross for our salvation.”

“I’ve read that passage before,” Olivia said, “but I never connected it with Jesus until I saw John 3:14, where He refers to Himself being lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness.”

Her pastor smiled. “That’s the beauty of scripture—it all points to Jesus. The bronze serpent represented sin and judgment. When Jesus took on our sins, He bore the punishment so we could be free.”

Olivia hesitated before speaking. “I know Jesus paid for my sins, but sometimes I still feel guilty about my past. It’s hard to have faith when I don’t feel worthy.”

Her pastor nodded. “That’s a tactic of the enemy—using guilt to suppress your faith. Condemnation makes it difficult to receive from God. Remember the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through the roof to see Jesus? Before healing him, Jesus first told him, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’ Why? Because faith can’t operate under guilt. Once the man knew he was forgiven, he had the confidence to receive his healing.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “That’s powerful. I guess I’ve been holding onto guilt without realizing how it affects my faith.”

“It happens to many believers,” her pastor said gently. “But John 3:17 tells us that Jesus didn’t come to condemn the world, but to save it. If He doesn’t condemn you, then you shouldn’t condemn yourself. The blood of Jesus cleanses completely.”

Olivia exhaled slowly. “So, if I let go of guilt and embrace my redemption, I can walk in faith more confidently?”

“Absolutely,” her pastor affirmed. “That’s the key to receiving God’s promises. When you truly believe you are forgiven and made righteous through Christ, your faith will rise, and you’ll experience His blessings.”

Olivia smiled. “Thank you, Pastor. I see now how important it is to question traditions, embrace gratitude, and walk in the confidence of redemption.”

Her pastor nodded. “I’m glad, Olivia. The truth of God’s Word sets us free. Keep seeking Him, and He will continue to guide you.”