Rivers of Living Water: A Devotional Journey to Intimacy with God

By Charlene S. Hughes

Author Charlene Hughes gives the reader glimpses into Gods heart through her journal entries and Scripture meditations. This daily devotional will inspire and encourage you to draw closer to God. Wherever you are in your journey to know Him, discover within these pages what is meant to be the greatest adventure of your life!

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Oct 23, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490852911

Charlene S. Hughes

Charlene is the founder and director of Restoration A.C.T.S., a ministry dedicated to seeing the body of Christ healed, restored, equipped, and released into their calling, all within the context of prayer and intimacy with God. She has been involved in various aspects of ministry for over twenty years. Her desire is to see the body of Christ become mature and wholehearted in love and service to Jesus. She and her husband Roger are the parents of four grown children and make their home in Columbus, Georgia.

Book preview

Day 1

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

—2 Corinthians 3:17—18

Thank You, Lord, for Your Spirit that brings freedom. Thank You that, as I spend time gazing upon Your face, You are setting me free, transforming me more into Your likeness. I want to be like You, to look like You, act like You, love like You. I want to say what You’re saying, to do what You’re doing. Thank You for changing me more every day.

I love you, My child, and it is truly My will for you to be like Me. Indeed, I already see you as perfect and complete in every way. In My eyes, the work is already finished and you’re just walking it out each day. So don’t give up because I will complete the good work I began in you! Your agreement empowers Me to accomplish all I desire to do, both in and through you, and it will be accomplished. In fact, there is nothing we can’t accomplish together, as long as we remain in agreement. That is why I said, All things are possible to him who believes, for nothing is impossible for God. If you believe Me, nothing is impossible for you.

Day 2

But He said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

–2 Corinthians 12:9

Lord, thank You that Your power is made perfect in my weakness. Thank You that, rather than fearing to appear weak, I can embrace my weaknesses, knowing that is when Your power is clearly seen. I thank You that when I am weak, I can rest in Your all-sufficient grace to be my strength.

My child, you may indeed rest and depend on My power and strength to be there for you when you feel weak. Did I not say you can do all things through Christ, who strengthens you? You never need to fear when you are faced with challenges you don’t know how to respond to, for I will always come through for you. When you struggle to know what to do, rest assured that I AM more than able to compensate for your inadequacies. Continue to rest and trust in Me; I will not let you down. I love you, and I AM for you always. Even to the very end.

Day 3

Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him.

–Daniel 2:20—22

Lord, thank You that You are the revealer of mysteries, that You give wisdom and knowledge to those who ask. Thank You for revealing deep and hidden things that lie in darkness. Thank You for wisdom in making decisions, and for revealing truth, direction, and clarity. You are faithful, and I love and praise You. I need Your wisdom and guidance every day.

My child, wisdom and guidance are always yours for the asking. I will give you precise direction as you continue to seek Me, and I will lead you in the way you should go. I have promised to be faithful to you always and that you will not be disappointed. I have appointed times and seasons, and everything will fall into place, just as I have planned. So do not fear or give place to worry or doubt; your future is secure in Me. Your part is to trust and obey My leadings. Rest in Me, and all will go as planned, for I hold you and your times in My hands.

Day 4

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

—Galatians 5:25

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for the life I have through Him, and thank You that He leads me day by day. I want to be led completely by You, Holy Spirit. Show me what my Father is saying and doing, and help me to say and do likewise. Thank You for Your constant help.

My child, I always hear your cries for help for I AM your faithful helper. You are becoming more and more like Me, and I AM greatly pleased with you. I know all that is in your heart, and I see your desire to please Me. I love you and am pleased with you, even as you struggle to believe Me and to believe that I AM helping you each day. You will not fall short of My plans for you, so do not fear. I AM working to perfect My will in you, and you will accomplish all I have destined for you. You will rejoice, and I will rejoice. Yes, we will rejoice together for all eternity!

Day 5

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us,…

—Ephesians 3:20

Father, thank You that You are able to do far beyond anything I can ask or imagine by Your power working through me. Thank You—that You have things in store for me that I’ve never seen, perceived, or even conceived in my mind. You are so great and limitless, and I want to know You more and more as the limitless One that continually leaves me in wonder and in awe! You fill me with amazement. You are so very, very good, and I thank You and praise You for revealing more of Yourself to me.

My child, it is My great pleasure to fill you, to show you the great depths of My love for you, for I greatly desire to make Myself known to you. I AM so pleased as you learn to trust Me more, and your seeking after Me thrills Me beyond measure. I want you to know how long and wide and high and deep is My love for you. I AM for you, with you, and in you, so do not fear, because all that concerns you is safe in My hands. My eye is ever upon you.

Day 6

See, it is I who created the blacksmith who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. And it is I who have created the destroyer to work havoc; no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from Me, declares the Lord.

—Isaiah 54:16—17

Thank You, Lord, that even the difficult situations, difficult people, and opposition from the Enemy serve to bring me closer to You, to make me more like You by killing those parts of me that need to die. Therefore, nothing and no one can be against me, because You use it all for my good. You are truly amazing!

Yes, My child, I continually work all things together for your good. One day, you will look back and see all I have done, and you will be amazed. You will see I have good things in store, for My plans for you are always for good. Even the hard times you will learn to embrace and value, because you will learn there are great treasures waiting to be found in the dark places. As you dig and search for them like gold, you will find them and you will not be disappointed. So take heart. Be strong and very courageous, for I AM leading and guiding your steps.

Day 7

I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.

—John 15:1—2

Thank You, Father, for joining me to Jesus, the true Vine. I desire to bear much fruit for Your glory, to satisfy the longings of Your heart. Thank You that You are the master gardener and for the pruning times in my life that have brought me to this place in You. Thank You for Your tender care and concern as I go through the process of growing in You.

My child, your love for Me, which flows from My love for you, satisfies My longings like nothing else can. This is why I created you, to be My beloved and to love Me in return. Know that all that I do in you is designed to bring forth more life, for abundant life is My promise to you. I will fulfill that promise to the extent you stay connected to Me. There is no life apart from Me, no peace, no joy, no fulfillment, if you are not in daily, even constant, communion with Me. As you rest in Me, we will find mutual enjoyment in the fellowship we share. Do this each day, and the fruit will come. You will be satisfied and have great joy, because of the glory and pleasure you bring to Me.

Day 8

You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.

—John 15:3

Thank You, Lord, for Your Word. You are the living Word that is alive in me, pruning those areas in my life that are unproductive so that I can bring forth more fruit for Your glory. Teach me more about Your Word. Give me a greater understanding of how to apply it to my life each day. Thank You for teaching and leading me into all truth, Holy Spirit.

My child, it is good that you are seeking understanding of My Word and My ways. This desire is from Me for I have much that I long to show and reveal to you. You will understand what I show you for I have given you wisdom to understand the secrets and mysteries you have been asking and longing to see. Hold on and do not give up. Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking, and it will be given and shown to you very soon, My love.

Day 9

Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

—John 15:4

Lord, I love Your Word! Thank You for the promise of bearing much fruit if I stay connected to You. This is my continual desire and prayer, to be totally one with You in every way so that I can bear the most fruit possible for Your pleasure and glory. Thank You for the awesome privilege of co-laboring with You in the establishing of Your kingdom here on earth.

My child, I AM always with you and will continually be in you. Your part is to keep your eyes and heart fixed on Me above all other things. The fruit will come in My perfect way and time as you rest in Me and My sufficiency. Take heart, for all of My promises to you are sure and will come to pass; do not grow weary in the waiting, for it will come when you least expect it. Prepare yourself, even as I have been preparing you, by being in My presence and seeking to know Me through My Word. Trust Me; I know exactly what I AM doing and how it will come. You will be both surprised and amazed at what I have in store for you.

Day 10

I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.

—John 15:5

Lord, my desire is to never attempt to do anything apart from You, knowingly or unknowingly. I long to bear much fruit for Your glory, so keep me always close to You. Thank You that You use the trials of life as a tool to keep me in the place of dependency and union with You. I love and need You desperately.

My child, you are indeed joined to Me eternally; you are also continually learning of your dependency and need of Me. My design for you is to have you close to Me always, for that is where true life comes from. I AM passionate for you, with having your love, and keeping you as close to Me as possible. I will keep you from falling and will present you as blameless and without fault. You will be full of joy on that day when we see each other face to face.

Day 11

If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.

—John 15:6

Lord, thank You that You promise to keep me from falling away from You. Thank You that as I draw near to You, You will draw near to me. You will never leave or forsake me. I love and thank You!

My child, yes, My promises are faithful and true and you can put your confidence, trust, and hope in Me. Those who put their hope and trust in Me will never be disappointed. Keep drawing near to Me and I will draw near to you, for I love your presence even more than you have come to love Mine. Nothing can separate you from My great love, and no one can snatch you from My big, strong hand. You are safe and secure in Me.

Day 12

If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

—John 15:7

Lord, open the eyes of my understanding and enable me to grasp all You are saying in this verse so I can walk in it for Your glory.

My child, even now I AM teaching and training you in ways that you do not always see or recognize. I have indeed chosen you and ordained that you should bear much fruit for My glory. As you continually seek to bring Me glory, rest in knowing that it is already finished, for I will complete the good work I began in you. Therefore, do not worry or fear, for I will give you the desires of your heart as you delight yourself in Me. I AM faithful, am I not? I love and am pleased with you and the progress you are making. Be of good cheer, all is well.

Day 13

This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.

—John 15:8

Father, I want to walk in the truth and power of this passage, so as to bring You the glory You deserve and desire. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for Your wisdom, counsel, and revelation as I continue to search out Your Word and Your ways.

My child, I will always lead you in the way you should go; your part is to continue asking, seeking, and knocking. I do not say this because I AM reluctant to give to you, but because I created you to depend upon Me fully. Even My Son Jesus had to come to Me and ask for that which He needed. You will become more sensitive to My voice and the many different ways I love to speak to you. I will bring the clarity and understanding you seek and desire. I AM constantly working to accomplish My purposes in and through you. Even if you don’t get it now, one day you will know that all I have planned is good, and you will be satisfied with all that I AM doing.

Day 14

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love.

—John 15:9

Lord, thank You for loving me, for demonstrating the love of the Father, for helping me to stay in Your love. Thank You for the desire You have created in me for Your love. I want more of You! Help me to set the same example for those I encounter each day that You set for me. Help me to love them as You have loved me. I desire to represent You accurately to everyone I meet.

My child, you are learning the value of and constant need you have for My love. You will long more and more to give away all I have been giving to you in our times together. I will strengthen and help you do this for it is not something you can work up within yourself. You must let Me do it through you, and in time, it will become so natural that it will feel like you are doing it. Continue to rest and soak in My love for that is the only way it will happen. You are altogether beautiful, My love, and there is no blemish in you.

Day 15

If you obey My commands, you will remain in My love, just as I have obeyed My Father’s commands and remain in His love.

—John 15:10

Thank You, Lord, for helping me to obey You and to stay in Your love every day. Your love is better than life and I cannot live without it.

My child, you will experience more and more of My love and you will not only long for more of Me, but you will also long to give away that which I have given you so that others can know Me as you do. My heart indeed aches for those who do not yet know Me and as I pour My love into you, you will be compelled to seek out and search for those whom I long for. They too, are longing for Me, though they are unaware of who I AM. Continue to soak in and receive My love for you, for it is My good pleasure to pour it out upon you and to satisfy your desire. It is for this you were created, to be My beloved. You are and always will be.

Day 16

I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

—John 15:11

Thank You for Your Word, Lord, for it gives life, and keeping your Word keeps me in the midst of Your love. In the midst of Your loving presence there is fullness of joy and eternal pleasures at Your right hand. I love You, I love being loved by You and I love loving You; it is my greatest pleasure and joy!

My child, you are learning that the greatest reason you exist and for which I created you is to love Me and be loved by Me. You are discovering that you must first learn how to receive My love. In order to do that, you must allow Me to deal with those hindrances that would keep you from doing so, such as shame, guilt, and condemnation. Once you have received My love, only then can you truly love Me the way I intend. The more of My love you receive and begin to give away to others, the more you will receive from Me. Even as you ache for Me right now, so will you long to give away to others what you have received from Me. I will do a work in your heart that will bring you to that place as you continue seeking My face, receiving My love, and loving Me in return.

Day 17

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

—John 15:12

Lord, I desire to truly love others as You have loved me, but as You know, it is not always easy to do, so please help me. Help me to give away to others what You have so freely poured into me so I might truly look like You in every way.

My child, I hear the cries and longings of your heart to be like Me. Do not fear, I promise that as you continue seeking My face and gazing upon My beauty you will indeed become like Me in every way. This is both My will and desire for you as well, so you can rest assured that it will come to pass. In fact, I have placed this longing within you because it is My intention to fulfill it, for it is I who works in you, both to will and to do according to My good purpose. As you continue to delight yourself in Me, you can know with certainty that I will give you the desires of your heart.

Day 18

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

—John 15:13

Lord, I know this is what You have called me to do and because of the love for You that You have given me, I am willing to give all that I am and have to do it. Even that willingness, I know, is from You and by Your grace. Thank You for choosing me and enabling me to do what is humanly impossible. I choose, by Your grace, to lay down my life for You and for others. I pray not my will but Yours be done, O Lord.

My child, I have seen your unwavering commitment to obey Me no matter what, even when you have been tired, discouraged, and tempted to give up completely. I have seen you, time after time, get back up and set your face like flint once again to be and to do that for which l I have called you. I AM well pleased with you. You shall see the fruit of your labor and you will be glad and rejoice in that day. All the pain, heartache, and frustration will seem as nothing. It will be worth it all when you look upon what has been accomplished, and hear the words that you long to hear, Well done, My good and faithful servant.

Day 19

You are My friends if you do what I command.

—John 15:14

Lord, if loving others makes me Your friend, then I ask You for more love for others. I cannot love You or anyone else unless You pour Your love into me first, so I need more of Your love to give away. Holy Spirit, baptize me afresh in Your holy love, and empower me to freely pour it upon all that I meet. Thank You for Your awesome, incredible love.

My child, you have asked a good thing, a God thing, and I will give it to you. It is My command and great desire that My children walk in love toward each other, but My love is not like your human love which is weak and self-centered. I AM not as concerned with whether people love Me as I AM with what is best for them. Love always seeks the best for the beloved and as you are learning, that is not always easy or pleasant, but it is My highest and best order. The more you walk with Me and talk with Me, the more you will come to understand the ways of My love. They are often hidden to all but those who are truly looking to see Me. Keep seeking My face and I will be found by you.

Day 20

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.

—John 15:15

Lord, forgive me for all the times I have struggled with seeing myself as You see me and as You have called me. Help me see myself and others through Your eyes and to call them up to that place in You. Thank You for the privilege of being Your friend. Thank You for revealing all the Father is doing in the earth right now.

My child, truly I have called you friend, bride, and beloved. You are My chosen one, the apple of My eye, and My beloved child in whom I AM well pleased. As you grow more like Me, you will see yourself through My eyes more clearly, and realize it is not prideful to see yourself in these ways. On the contrary, it is agreeing with what I have said and what our Father has declared you to be. You are His, and He determines who you are, not you or others around you. Be at rest and peace with who you are in Me. You will walk in the fullness of your calling with great confidence in Me and not in yourself. Just as Paul said he put no confidence in his flesh, neither will you. For you will continue to learn that you can do nothing apart from Me. Realize that each day’s accomplishments are the result of My Spirit working through you. Deep humility will form in your heart when you see what I will do through your obedience, and our fellowship and friendship. You will take great joy and delight in all that we achieve together.

Day 21

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit— fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in My name.

—John 15:16

Lord, I thank You for such awesome promises. I stand on them, believing in Your Word and Your great faithfulness to keep it. My desire is to bear much fruit. Thank You for the privilege of being chosen to co-labor with You to see Your kingdom come, and Your will be done here on earth as it is in heaven.

My child, you will bear much fruit, lasting fruit, because of your union with Me. Indeed, I chose you from before creation and we are one. You are in Me, and I AM in you, so you cannot do anything but bear fruit. You have treasured, cherished, and pondered My words in your heart, and I tell you that whatever you ask Me for is yours. Just ask, believing you have received it already, and you will. I AM teaching and training you to walk by faith and not by sight, and I AM committed to completing the good work I have begun in you. Do not give up even on those days it is difficult and faith seems to elude you. It is growing steadily day by day, and I AM pleased with you and the fruit you are bearing.

Day 22

This is My command: Love each other.

—John 15:17

Lord, help me to love others more fully, as You have loved me. Thank You that You make it possible for I cannot do it without You. Thank You for loving me first and for loving me so lavishly and extravagantly. I want to love others that same way, and I thank You for enabling me to do that more each day.

My child, I love you more than you can comprehend, and My desire is for you to love others as I have loved you. You are making progress each day and I will complete the work and the process I have begun in you, for you also desire it. I want you to know that I AM well pleased with you in this journey you are on to know Me, and you will yet know Me even more as time goes on. Keep loving Me and allowing Me to love you, and it will happen with no effort on your part. My love will flow from you as easily and as effortlessly as it flows downstream in a river. It will bring life and refreshing to all those who come near and it will draw many to Me.

Day 23

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

—Psalm 91:1

Lord, thank You that You are the covering, the