The River

An excerpt from Chapter 2:

WHO IS JESUS
After having these two personal encounters with Jesus, the more prevalent questions from people have been: What did Jesus look like, and how did I know it was in fact Jesus that was in the river? The short answer: I just knew. I understand my response may be disappointing—being void of specifics to some, and perhaps unconvincing to others. But I honestly don’t believe that it was intended for me to recognize Him by His physical characteristics. We have all seen paintings or Biblical pictures depicting Jesus. Paul described Jesus in the book of Revelation. Others who have had similar visions have mentioned much more detailed features—such as His deep blue eyes etc. But not so with my encounters. All I can say is that Jesus looks like love. So, what does love look like? Like Jesus. Love (pure love) just permeated from Him, and when you see Him, all you can think of is love. I am convinced, this is how I will forever recognize Him. He is after-all the source of love—Jesus is Love.

“I knew it was Jesus! I got even closer to the river bank, and I felt incredibly warm and secure. There was such peace! He was wearing something white, like a robe. Although I could not see his face, I was somehow made aware of his warm, gentle smile.” (Excerpt from Vision 2-25-01)

I once read about a person who was completely blind. Their sense of awareness was so keen that they were able to distinguish certain people—those that they were intimately close with—so well that they could identify them as they entered into the same room. This closely describes my recognition of Jesus. It was as if my sense of awareness was amplified a thousand times.

You see, I had never physically seen Him before February 25, 2001—but I have known Him since January of 1983—when I turned my life over to Him and we started our relationship together. I am confident that His physical features were not what was meant for me to remember—nor is it what I really want to remember about Him. It was His presence! Being there with Him was absolutely incredible! That alone is how I identify Him. There is simply no other feeling like it!

“I was enjoying the peace and tranquility of the river, when suddenly I was aware that the Lord Jesus was there with me. I instantly remembered where he had been standing from my previous vision, and now I could feel His presence all over me. I looked to my left, and there He was—in the river—still smiling at me. Although I could not directly make-out His face, there was no question—once again—that this was Jesus” (Excerpt from Dream 1-25-2010)

THE WARMTH OF HIS LOVE
“I could literally feel the warmth of His love…it glowed, and it radiated from Him. There was no question, he was motioning to me that he was wanting to give me his very own heart. I felt at that time like my own heart was about to burst! I do not know of any time I have ever felt that way physically or emotionally before. I cannot describe the love that I felt at that moment. It was so intense!”

“Although I could not see his face, I was somehow made aware of His warm, gentle smile.” (Excerpt from Vision 2-25-01)

No matter who you are, or what you have done, God’s desire is that you would know His heart for you. Perhaps you are in a place in life where you think your sin is too bad, too ugly. You may think God is angry at you. Maybe He cares for others in that warm gentle way, but not for you. No friend, He absolutely loves you regardless of what you have done.

The Bible is full of examples where Jesus directed His attention to those who were living sinful lifestyles. One story speaks of a woman who was caught in the very act of adultery. She had Jesus’ full attention, and He immediately stretched out his hand of forgiveness to her (see John 8:1-11). In fact, Jesus pleaded for God to forgive the very ones who crucified Him.

There is nothing so terrible that He will not forgive. His love radiates for you! Jesus will bring peace to your heart and you too can experience the warmth of His love radiating for you. Without question, His love for you is absolutely amazing! In fact, He is crazy about you. Taking His heart while giving Him yours is truly the best exchange/deal anyone could ever receive.