Recent Blog Entries
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Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth dea... -
By faith Noah, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared a ship for the saving of his house, through which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out to the place which ...
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Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers; But his delight is in Yahweh's law; On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That brings forth its fruit in its se...
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- led by Lynn BrownThis is a group for RHM sponsored events like corporate fasts. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in things currently going on in the ministry. We love you and thank you for being a part of Refreshing Hope!
This Place Stinks
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Then the king was exceedingly glad, and commanded that Daniel be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no kind of harm was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. Daniel 6:22 ESV
Daniel had spent a long night in a den of lions and the stench of rotted meat and lion poo had to be pretty pungent. He had done nothing wrong and was just trying to serve God as best as he could in a foreign land. When the sun came up the next day, the king set Daniel free and fed his enemies to the hungry lions. Daniel then prospered greatly.
Once I had a personal revival where I was zealously serving God and I fasted and prayed daily for Him to remove anything holding me back from Him. Well that didn't take long and within weeks, my great paying job as a foreman was gone. After unemployment ran out, I had to take the worst job that I ever had as a laborer in a brass polishing plant for one third of the pay. Every day I went home as black as smut.
I served faithfully there, though at first it required serious humbling on my part. I started out sweeping the floor. In time I was the manager. There was a mini-revival that broke out in the plant and several people got saved. Then, ever so gently, the Lord closed that down and placed me in my own business, using some of the skills that He had been teaching me along the way.
You will not always be in a place that stinks. If you humble yourself and serve faithfully where God has placed you, He will raise you up. You are not forgotten or unseen. In fact your attitude in the stinky place is being watched closely by a great cloud of witnesses. Keep the best attitude that you can and keep thanking God for He has not forgotten about you.
Prayer: Father, I know that you have not forgotten about me! I know that you see where I am. Please give me the grace to get through this day and work your perfect will in my life, in the name of Jesus.
Note: For those who missed the Sunday service, the video, text and scriptures are now available! The message "What Time Is it?" is the first part in a series on world events as they relate to the end times. We encourage you to view it and look forward to your comments. To see the message, go to the Watch page on the site menu and click on "Watch Previous Services". ALSO, the Creation Photographers group fun theme of the week is "An Attitude of Gratitude" - what gives YOU a grateful heart? As always, feel free to post any other photos, too!
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This devotional made me stop and be thankful for the job I have even though I may dislike it more than not. But I also know it could be a whole lot worse or no job at all. Thank you Father for being so gracious and merciful.
Father, thank you for blessing Mark with a job, and I pray that when your time is right, you lead him to a job that not only provides for his needs, but also fits with his temperament, gifts and strengths, in the name of Jesus, amen!
Hey there, Mark. I felt exactly the same way. You can read my post reply to Dianna. Hang in there, my friend. You are right--it could be worse. God has big plans for all of us. I pray He will put you where He wants you to be. I would thank God everyday on my way in to work and providing me with a wonderful and understanding boss.
Amen.
Prayer: Father, I know that you have not forgotten about me! I know that you see where I am. Please give me the grace to get through this day and work your perfect will in my life, in the name of Jesus. Amen! It is hard sometimes in that waiting place, to fully trust God is taking care of things... but I assure you he is working everything out for our best interest. I spent 11 months unemployed.... after 6 months unemployment ran out and yet God still provided for us! He touched the hearts of beautiful people here at RHM as well as others and had them send us gifts of love, he touched the heart of our Landlord>> we are still behind like 4 months but our Landlord is kind and patient, he put dreams and desires on my heart and made the dream of publishing a children's book come true ( My second children's book will be out by Dec. 1st I hope) In the 11 months that I spent unemployed I grew so much closer to our Father! It was hard on us financially but so worth the growth and closeness my husband and I both got to God. We praised and worshiped through it, asked for prayers and recieved them... we are now climbing back out of that financial mess and I am more than confident the Lord will provide the way as he has so awesomely provided before! Did I give in to dispair? Yes... I did let my anxiety get the better of me sometimes through it all but each time I caved to anxiety>> I was met with Father's love & grace, people here praying, usually an answer to whatever caused the anxiety to rise in the first palce, and angel hugs to calm me <3 I don't ever feel alone anymore, sometimes I still feel in a dark place, but I now know I am not alone! God is with me always! And he's with each and every one of you too! Don't give up! God has your back <3 God bless
Dianna, I am so happy for the time that He gave you and David to draw closer to Him, and for the time now, when He is leading you into exciting new things!
Dianna, Your story sounds so much like mine over the last five years. There isn't enough room here for me to thank Him for all He has done in my life. My suffering was so worth it. I used to go into work in so much pain, with a smile on my face. I looked forward to talking with my regular guests; some of which I got really close to. I have actually prayed for and with them....right there at work, on the clock and nothing was ever said to me by my bosses. I am blessed to have been able to work there almost two years. I really had to humble myself, as well, since it had been so long for me to work for much less money than I had been used to. I also had to do my job which included keeping the dining room clean, as well as the bathrooms. I would thank God at times when I had to clean the toilets. It hurt my back when I would be scrubbing the bottom and backs of them. There were times...many times at work, that I had to ask God to carry me. He did!! You know part of my story and that I just recently getting my disability checks; I finally did have to leave work for awhile because I kept getting sick. That was one week ago. It has been amazing just this last week; getting used to just being at home relaxing and I have discovered my pain isn't nearly the level it was when I had to work. I have two surgeries upcoming. Both of my wrists, for pinched nerves; Nov. 7th for the right one and Dec for the left. I'm okay though, because of GOD's Perfect Timing--I am not stressed. I am so blessed to have my friends here at RFM. I keep you all in my prayers each day. Have a great day!. Rebecca
Rebecca, I am so sorry for all you have gone through, but praise God for the gift of faith and peace He has blessed you with and for the healing He has already done! Praying for a complete healing and recovery <3!
Thank you so much, Sylvia. I have been so blessed. There have been times that I have been in such pain, that I would remind myself that my pain is nothing compared to hanging on a cross. I know God would not put more on me than I could handle. Yes, I would have my weak moments of anger and frustration, but realize that is part of being human. I will not have to pay a dime for the next two surgeries because I have met c0-pay. A lot is going to change for me concerning insurance because I am eligible for Medicare in March. I am trying to get as much as possible done before the end of December. I hate the fact that I will have to just read and "finger peck" with you all a few months..ha ha. I am so thankful for RFM and what you all stand for.
That's ok, we will be happy to hear from you, even if it is just a short note :). Will keep you in prayer, my sister <3!
Here in Canada we do not have to pay for anything for our surgery. Our insurance premium is also paid by our provincial goverment. (We go by provinces not by states) It is a waiting though but not that long. We have a good health care here in Canada and I am so proud of it. And OUR LORD GOD provides and takes care of all our needs.
but Deng, it's so cold up there :D!
i thank you lord for this day amen
Amen. He will place us in uncomfortable surroundings or situations. In these places of testing we must look beyond what we see and hear and ask for God to use us well. It is by no mistake that we are put in these places, it is to use us to bear witness of Christ in our lives. We are to be light in this dark broken world. In order to be the light we are led into dark places. This is God's will. We must be willing to take up the Cross and go into these dark places and exhibit the love of Jesus, so all may see our light.
THANK YOU!!
I began to panick a bit when I didn't see the email but to God's glory I saved the link. Be blessed and have a great day everyone!!
Glad you had the link, Samantha :)! Dion is trying to figure out why the email didn't sent, so, Lord willing, it will be fine again for tomorrow :)
For all those who received the devotional email late, sorry about that! There was apparently a little hiccup with the email server, which Dion is looking at now :).
Hiya Sylvia,
I just sent you a message saying that I didn't get the devotional for today and now I see your post LOL I'm grateful everything is OK! God bless
Hi Tracy! Oh I don't think I see the message, but I see ou here :)! Yes, Dion is not sure exactly what caused it, though he did find an error notification, but we think it is resolved. We shall check tomorrow to be sure, but Lord willing, all will be fine!
Amen, God give the grace to go through whatever situation I'm in now . Thank you Lord
A M E N
Amen
Thanks Pastor Todd this devotional blessed me and gave me confirmation regarding my current situation. Blessings to you and this ministry.
Thank you Pastor Dion for this devotional which made many things clear to me. Some years ago I worked in a book shop and one of the jobs I had to do was dusting all the books!! It was very tedious... I remember someone saying to me. Do the dusting as if you're doing it for Jesus. Do the best you can do for Him! I've never forgotten that and over the years when I've had some nasty jobs to do in the nursing field and in other places, its helped me get through the difficult times. Blessings to all connected to and at RHM . Amen.
Thank you Pastor !
Great message of hope--thanks so much, Pastor Dion!
Thank you for your message Pastor Dion so many times we feel that we are trapped at those times are faith is truly tested God is always aware of our situation and has our best interest at heart!
Thank You Pastor Dionn for this Devotional. It is a source of guidance on being grateful for what we have. I did not have a job for 5 years. Then 7 months ago I finally found work. I am still getting used to the work atmosphere and I have some source of income. I am glad to have employment even though some days I am tired or experience anxiety. Everyone have a blessed week.
Amne!! Thank you Pastor Dion for your devotion about the brass company. :-) It was nice to hear how things did a complete turn around for you. God is awesome. <3
Our God is so faithful and just. He shall bring a change at His right own time. Thank you Pst. Dion. I relate so muchwit this devotional. Staying and serving faithfully in a stinky place until the Lord moved me. Praise the Lord and be blessed.
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Father, I know that You have not forgotten about me! I know that You see where I am. Please give me the grace to get through this day and work Your Perfect Will in my life, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
Amen, brother! Lord, please bless Ticardo, guide him and keep him on your path, in the name of Jesus, amen <3!
Always so on time! Timely Word from the Lord! Thanks, Pastor Dion!