Recent Blog Entries
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The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things wer... -
When David and his men came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters were taken captive. Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more power to weep. David's two wives were taken captive, Ahinoa...
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The Sword from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. We often get emails and comments about how timely a particular devotional is for them. Sometimes, they feel as if it was written especially for them. One man told me that the Word was so relevant for a week that it was like I had a microphone in...
Blessings and Curses
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I have been young, and now am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, Nor his children begging for bread. All day long he deals graciously, and lends. His seed is blessed. Psalms 37:25 WEB
Today is the tomorrow that you were so worried about yesterday, and it is not as bad as you thought. So many times over the course of my life I have been worried about what was coming, but when it arrived, so did God.
An unexpected bill comes due, and then an unexpected way to pay it, all in God's perfect timing. Year, after year, after year, He has proven to me that you can trust Him. His help never comes early, but appears at the appropriate time. I found that the times of lack were when God was trying to steer me into something else, or get my attention.
God's help arrives on time and yes, He does care for us. God loves everyone of us unconditionally, but if you want to walk in the goodness of God, then love Him back unconditionally. Salvation is a free gift because we could never obtain it anyway, but God's blessings have always been conditional on our behavior.
Yes, I know that many have a problem with this and would have you believe that you can walk in the fullness of God's blessings, while living like you do not even know Him, but scripture leads me to believe otherwise. Here are a few that come to mind:
'Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: the blessing, if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day; and the curse, if you shall not listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God' (Deuteronomy 11:26).
'Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you' (Exodus 20:12).
'Also delight yourself in Yahweh, And He will give you the desires of your heart' (Psalms 37:4).
'If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land' (Isaiah 1:19).
'Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God's Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well' (Matthew 6:31).
'Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you' (Luke 6:38).
Obedience to God's word is imperative to His blessings. In each of these scriptures, we have a choice to make that determines what will happen in our life. Jesus bore our sin on the cross, but we are to take up our own cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). We still have an active part in this, and if we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. Who will eat the good of the land? The willing and obedient.
Summary: If we will not live by His word, then we will not live under His blessing (Haggai 1:9). The prodigal son left his Father, went out on his own, and nearly starved to death (Luke 15:17).
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You so much for all that You have blessed me with. Teach me Your word and give me the grace to live it daily. I want to be obedient and to eat the good of the land. Teach me how and show what I need to change in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: Ladies, today is Thankful Thursday at the "Ladies in Distress" group (our RHM women's group)! You are welcome to join in our weekly sharing of thankfulness for the Lord's presences and any blessings you may have experienced, big or small! "Ladies in Distress" is a private group, so if you have any problems joining, just post anywhere and we will help you :). Here is the link: Ladies in Distress> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You so much for all that You have blessed me with. Teach me Your word and give me the grace to live it daily. I want to be obedient and to eat the good of the land. Teach me how and show what I need to change in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. LOrd I am listening!! I am keenly aware and seeking you!! I see your blessings all around and I thank you for all you do in our lives and for our lands. Thank you for the beauty my eyes behold! Thank you for the healing I see happening! Thank you for the light and love you surround us with daily (L) In Jesus name ~ Amen ~ Thank
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You so much for all that You have blessed me with. Teach me Your word and give me the grace to live it daily. I want to be obedient and to eat the good of the land. Teach me how and show what I need to change in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. - Amen. Thank you Father for blessing me with your love.
Amen
Amen
Thank you God for your many blessings. Hallelujah Amen
Thank you Jesus, teach me your word!
Amen
Amen!
Amen
Amen! I know that I have said this before, but it bears saying again. Far too many think of God as Santa Clause, He is not nor has He ever been. If you truly believe in God and learn and live out His ways, the blessings are yours, He is more faithful than most will ever imagine.
Amen, brother, that is the truth <3! Hope you & Joanne had a lovely Christmas :)!
We truly did, I hope you and Dion enjoyed the time also!
We had a very fun time too, Jim, thank ye :)!
Amen!
Amen, thank you Jesus for all our wonderful blessings.
Amen
Father, give me the grace I need to be obedient to Your commands, Amen.
Amen! Love God for who he is, not for what he gives us, He Loves us unconditionaly, we should love him unconditionally. :)
Amen!
Dear Father I thank Your for all the blessings You have provided me, help me to understand Your message. I need Your grace to be obedient to Your designs, show me the way I need You. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. Lord hear my prayers.
Thank you Pastor for this message. God bless.
Amen!!
This is a timely message as I reflect over the year and changes I need to make for the future. God is so faithful and loving in His care for me! Teach me Your word, Lord, and give me the grace to live it daily. Teach me how and show what I need to change in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Thank you, Pastor Dion, for bringing His Word in your daily devotion. It’s a blessing to start my day with these insights and challenges!
Awesome devotion today! Thank you and God bless you and Refreshing Hope Minitries!!
Amen!
Amen and Amen!