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!
Stoned
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But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. Acts 14:19 WEB
After Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man and preached the good news in the city of Lystra, the people were so impressed that they wanted to make sacrifices to them. They said 'The gods have come down among us in human form!' They called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes.
Then Jews who disliked Paul, came from other cities and stirred up the crowd against him. They formed a mob, stoned Paul, dragged him outside of the city and left him for dead. He may have actually been dead as they were really good at stoning in those days. When the disciples gathered around his body later to mourn, Paul suddenly got up and went back into the city and spent the night. Then he traveled to Derbe and continued to preach the good news of Jesus, with signs following.
The stoning at Lystra became a part of Paul's testimony. He added a lot more to his list and in 2 Corinthians 11:23 wrote: 'with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea.'
Many times in life we get knocked down, especially when we are trying our hardest to live right, but it will not stop us. You will get back up and take the next step. You are not beaten. You will continue on and what you suffer will become a part of your testimony just as Paul. Getting back up after being knocked down is a time-honored tradition for followers of Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for being there for me. Please help me pull my life together and turn this test, into a testimony. I look to You Lord, for my help comes from above. Walk with me today and show Yourself strong in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: For those who are participating in our Creation Photographers theme of the week: Proverbs 8:30-31 "Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind." - This week's fun theme will be 'Summer Delights' and is open wide for some creative interpretation! Show us what delights you about summer!! You are also encouraged to post anything else that inspires you as well. My photos this week (in the group) reflect some of our delightful summer fun. Have a blessed and fabulous week, and may you always rejoice and delight in the Lord! Here is the link: Creation Photographers> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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Amen!! When we are knocked down, the Lord helps us by lifting us up so we can stand in His Glory!
Amen! I can relate to some of what Paul went through. It's so amazing that God brought Paul through all those things to send us a message through him and Paul didn't stop until his death. Thank you Lord Jesus! Thank you pastor Dion for another encouraging message.
Amen
Amen Lord, amen
Amen! Dear Lord thank you dear Lord being my strong tower!
Amen! I can not find where the Bible ever promises us a Rose Garden. There are far too many who think of God as Santa Clause!
Amen
Amen!!!
Amen!!
Amen,please walk with us Jesus.
Thank you Pastor. Every morning after I pray I read your message and the words are there with guidance about what I asked in prayers. Thank you.
Amen dear God.
Dear Father, I know that You are always with us and that You are there to help us to get up every time we fall. Give us the strength to sin no more and to follow Your designs, in Jesus name I pray. Amen. The armor of the Lord is our shield.
Great message Pastor, God bless you.
Thank you Father for always being with me and lifting me back up, Amen! Thank you Pastor Dion for this message :)
Amen! Thank you Lord God ALMIGHTY for being my strength and shield, my stronghold! I'll praise you forever and ever! Glory, praise, honor and worship to Thee, in the most holy name under heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!
Amen!
Amen