Recent Blog Entries
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The Vineyard from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. I have always admired Amos, who was a shepherd in a field when the Lord told him to go and prophesy to King Jeroboam in Bethel. The priest Amaziah told him to prophesy somewhere else. They weren't interested in what the Lord had to say, but A... -
for a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. Proverbs 24:16 WEB.Once again, I was the one who promised he would never do it again, then went and did it again. I had slowly drifted away one more time. I have found that it's easy to make promises...
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Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven't you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth your hand now, and touch all t...
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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!
Crickets And Bill Collectors
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My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids. Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure. Job 16:16 WEB
Bills steadily piled up at our house, with no income to pay them. After a couple of months of the most intimate fellowship that I have ever spent with the Lord, our business dried up, I began to feel alone, and abandoned. When I tried to pray, I no longer got an answer. When I tried to worship, there was no presence. When we gave, we just had less. When we fasted, we were just hungry. I know that He will never leave you nor forsake you, but I could only hear crickets, and bill collectors.
During that season, I learned this: When a school teacher is teaching the class, they will answer any questions that you have. But when the test begins, there is silence. If you ask a question, then you will be ignored at best, possibly disciplined. You are supposed to use the knowledge that you recently learned to pass the test. The teacher is still there, but they do not speak until the test is over.
Job was a righteous man who went through a test. When everything fell apart, there was only silence. God showed up at the end of it and Job was restored. In my life, I went through a test. After several months of no work and intense pressure, we were packing to move out of our home. It ended abruptly and in twenty-four hours everything changed for us. The test was over, His presence returned, and like David and Job, we recovered all.
If all that you hear are crickets and bill collectors, know that this is just a test. Keep the faith, do not give up today. Keep praying, and try to stay positive. It will soon pass and you will be taken to a new level. As Job sat there on the ground having lost everything, he probably did not see the blessings that were soon coming, for the Lord blessed the latter part of Job's life, more than the beginning (Job 42:12).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You and ask for mercy. Please bring the things that You have taught me back to my remembrance. Give me the grace to pass the tests that I face. Fulfill Your will in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: Good morning! For those who may have gotten behind on our weekly Bible Study, you can catch up at any time. Here is the link to the chapters in order: RHM Bible Study> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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Amen! :)
Amen!
Yes I hear bill collectors and this test I like it to be over but standing on Jeremiah 29:11 and trusting God despite the fear I feel.
praying for you...
Thank you Richard I needed all prayer I could get yesterday a hour half after you prayed I was in a serious car accident. I am ok just in alot pain right now but dosen't seem to be any real damage as of now all the tests they gave me came out clear just a case whip lash from the car accident and all muscles are in lot pain right now very sore.Btw how are you doing ? Anything I can pray for you about ? Thanks again for your prayers.
Chris I feel so sad you're going through that. The first thing that came to my mind was "Why did God allow that to happen?". I'm glad you weren't hurt worse and sorry that you're dealing with having whip lash. I've been through the same thing so many times I've lost count. I feel so bad that this was such a coincidense since I had just prayed for you. I was sincere. I hope and pray for healing and a speedy recovery for you, in Jesus name.
Thank you Richard again for your prayers. I don't understand why God allowed it to happen but still just got to trust God he working it all out for good.The good thing is I started working right away well 2 days after the car accident at my new job.I was thinking oh no now my new company not gonna want me but the opposite was they were totally on board with me still working for them and it's another driving job ! My new bosses are so supportive been able to tell them the truth on still recoving from the accident and still not at my best in many ways because of the accident but they said it's ok we know your a professional driver and you will get throught this.
God is so great! He opens doors that no man can shut and is working all out for your good! God is blessing you Chris and that is awesome! Keep pressing on trusting God and God will help you fulfill your job duties in spite of your injury. I also pray that Father God will place a hedge of protection around you,in Jesus name Amen.
Amen.
Please end this test with my daughter. Allow her to return home. Please God. Thank you for your many blessings. Amen.
praying for you...
Amen! I have heard these stories over and over. They are part of what keeps me going forward. I know that my redeemer lives, but this is the longest, hardest test I am aware of! Heavenly Father, I pray that I am able to pass this test!
Amen!!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I come to You and ask for mercy. Please bring the things that You have taught me back to my remembrance. Give me the grace to pass the tests that I face. Fulfill Your will in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.
,Amen!!
Give the grace, wisdom and strength to pass this test!! Thank You Father, Amen.
Thank you!
AMEN
Dear Father, I trust in You always. Amen.
Amen!
♥️
Thank You Pastor Dion for this Devotional. Lord knows I am going through so much now and I pray to God and there is silence. I am left with myself and my thoughts. I have been burdened and worried about my next steps in life. A debt collector called me yesterday for money to pay a bill that I did not have. When I told him that I could not afford the bill. He told me that well the cost of your bill just doubled and the harassing phone calls will continue. Lord I just felt so helpless. I felt bad. But even still I went back to God and asked him to show me favor. I love God and I believe Jesus lead and guide me. Everything happen for a reason. Some say for a season. I thank God for his help.
praying for you...
Thank You
Amen! Thanks for the reminder!
Amen Lord Jesus, amen
Heavenly Father, I come to You and ask for mercy. Please bring the things that You have taught me back to my remembrance. Give me the grace to pass the tests that I face. Fulfill Your will in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen! <3
Thank you Pastor Dion for todays devotion and all of the other days I read each day. Thank You! :-)
Amen!
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father, I come to You and ask for mercy. Please bring the things that You have taught me back to my remembrance. Give me the grace to pass the tests that I face. Fulfill Your will in my life, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Give me the Grace to pass the tests I face My Lord. Amen!
Thanks Pastor! very encouraging n reassuring!