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Elijah said to her, Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your son. For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day th... -
In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid." Peter answered him and said...
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Anchor of the Soul from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. When people lose hope, they lie down and die. They lose the will to live and fight any longer. Hopelessness is utter despair, the belief that nothing good will happen. When you begin to think like this, it will bring a desire to die. A ...
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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!
A Grimy Sponge
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For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:16 WEB
Just as a sponge filled with liquid is our heart within us. It absorbs all the hurts and pains in our life. Usually when we come to the Lord, it is filled with yucky things like poison and bitterness. We invite Jesus into our heart and He comes into our life, but this is only the beginning. Often the bad things that were in our life the week before our conversion, are still there. We just try to hide them better.
Yes, I know that we are a new creation in Christ, but we are to renew our mind (Romans 12:2) and put on the new man (Ephesians 4:24). I have been around church people long enough to notice that some of us have not done that.
Over time, the Lord purifies us and removes the bad. It will usually involve pressure of some kind that squeezes us, much like a sponge. The Lord replaces our selfishness, bitterness, jealousy, and strife with His love, gentleness, compassion, and kindness if we let Him. It does not instantly happen. This is a lifelong process, so there is no need to get in a hurry. He will work on something a while, give you a rest, and then start the next one. If you look back over your life, you should see some progress.
Some call it mountains and valleys, though in my experience, it is more like being held under water for a while, squeezed, and then pulled up for air at the very last minute, much like a sponge. There have been times that I really did not think that I was going to make it and then in 24 hours, things suddenly changed. Our God is faithful, but when He is after something in your life, He is relentless.
'If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness' 1 John 1:9.
Tests don't last forever and you will not actually drown, it just feels that way when you are going through it. Small children cry and whine a lot to get their way, but a weaned child is content to wait (Psalm 131:2). The sooner that you submit, the sooner that you will have relief. Working against Him will only prolong it. Take heart, when you do get to come up for air it will be great and you will be better than before!
Prayer: Heavenly Father please draw my heart to You in a deeper way and let me find all that You have in store for me. Give me hope, touch me with Your presence and walk with me today, in the name of Jesus Christ.> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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Amen
Funny how true!!! I'm a GI! I know all about pain , anguish all that!!! Its a boy becoming a man from great Guidance that becomes a great Warrior! Whose the best Teach??? Love it-Amen!! On a roll again.. Yep Basic training again! I love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am willing, Amen.
Amen!
It was very helpful devotional today and opens up a lot of thought in my mind Thank you Pastor Todd it was a blessing to read this today amen amen
Prayer: Heavenly Father please draw my heart to You in a deeper way and let me find all that You have in store for me. Give me hope, touch me with Your presence and walk with me today, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. Thank you Pastor Dion. This devotion and prayer align with my prayers today.
Amen
Amen that was a very good meesages PRAISE God for you always say the right thing God bless
Pastor Dion
Thank you. This is so encouraging and inspirational. You have such a gift in helping me to understand the meaning of certain verses in the word.
Thank you for this post it hit home in so many ways i'm glad there is no secrets between me & God
Heavenly Father You know I'm a sinner, draw my heart close to You. Thank You Lord for all Your help. Amen.
Thanks Pastor Dion. I got to keep this verse handy by my side. It's not money the root of all evil. It is jealousy and selfish ambition. But wisdom from above is pure, peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits. Praise the Lord.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please draw my heart to You in a deeper way and let me find all that You have in store for me. Give me hope, touch me with Your presence and walk with me today, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen Thank you for always keeping above water even when it feels like I'm drowning!
Amen! Oh Lord I need Thee, every hour and every second and every breath I take, thank You for everything that You have done in my past and that You will do as I go on! May Your holy name be praised!!! And, when I no longer have words, may Thy Holy Spirit take over and utter the things which I'm unable to verbalize! Please give me patience and strength and what ever else I'm lacking to wait on You and Your will for my life, in the name of Jesus I ask and pray, Amen!
Amen
Amen
Good afternoon, All!
Just wanted to say I read your daily devotion email every day and am always blessed for doing so. Thank you for sharing the word in such a positive, hopeful message that lifts you up! Continue to be Blessed!!
Amen!!
Good devotional Pastor....thank you. God Bless!
Thank you! So good!
Amen !
Amen Lord, amen
Heavenly Father please draw my heart to You in a deeper way and let me find all that You have in store for me. Give me hope, touch me with Your presence and walk with me today, in the name of Jesus Amen <3
Thank you Pastor Dion for todays devotion and all the other daily devotions that I read always. <3
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father please draw my heart to You in a deeper way and let me find all that You have in store for me. Give me hope, touch me with Your presence and walk with me today, in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.