Recent Blog Entries
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My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27'29 WEB.The hero of t... -
When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. When they had finish...
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A Living Sacrifice from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. Various sacrifices were required under the old covenant. Some of the sacrifices helped feed the priests and those who worked at the temple, but a burnt offering was placed on the altar and completely consumed by fire. You can read about...
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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!
The Marathon
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For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness' 2 Timothy 4:6 WEB
It was late evening and we were having dinner with some friends of our family, who happened to be avid runners. I had never met them before, but I understood the need for speed as I love racing anything. They told us about the marathons they had competed in across the country. After telling us about their last 26 mile run, I learned how to make the husband very angry by using only three words: 'Did you win?'
Apparently that is a question that you don't ask a marathon runner. The husband took it as a serious insult and looked at me as if I had slapped him across the face. He was Chinese, and after uttering some language that I didn't understand, and probably didn't want to, he explained that finishing a marathon at all is your win.
You are competing against your own body, fatigue, the weather, and the clock. Everyone there has different bodies, skills, strengths, strides, and finishing a 26-mile marathon at all is considered a victory. When he finished his thirty-minute speech, I agreed.
As Christians we are all in a marathon. Some people move faster than others, while some hold a slower pace. It does not matter how fast you move along, the goal is staying the course and completing 'your' race.
You are competing against your own body, its desires, weariness, and not against others. Take your time, set goals, and most importantly, if you fall, get back up. No one finishes a marathon by laying on their face. Get up and keep putting one foot in front of the other one, and you will finish this marathon well just as Paul did. He fought the good fight, he finished the course.
'Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us' (Hebrews 12:1).
Prayer: Heavenly Father please strengthen me today and make me steadfast in this race of life. Help me see the big picture and to be in tune with what You are doing during my generation. Help me finish my race well, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen!
Note: Happy Sunday :)! For those who would like to join us, we will be hosting our RHM Live Online church service. This is a special time of worship, prayer, fellowship and an inspiring message. All are welcome! Here is the link to join: RHM Live> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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Amen. I choose you Lord as my running partner. I will win with you in my life. Amen
Amen
Jesus please give us stgrenth to run our race for you and your glory. Amen
Amen Father give me strength for my race with You
Amen thank you Father
Amen! Thank You Lord!
Yes Amen. Thank you Jesus.
Thank you Pastor.
Amen!!
Heavenly Father I thank You for being with me on this race,I need the strength to keep going and if I fall help me to get up and keep the running for Your glory. Teach us Lord to stay on tune with You, in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
What an awesome message Pastor, God bless you and Sylvia.
In Jesus name I ask Amen.
God help me to stay the race and not become so discouraged. I know better but I still get dragged down. Strengthen me and make me fearless. Inthe name of Jesus Amen
Amen!
Amen Amen