Recent Blog Entries
-
The Day of Small Things from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. As with many of my messages, this was a word for me, but I will share it with you as I found it encouraging. I have been building a new social media website for Refreshing Hope behind the scenes for months. It is a massive undertak... -
Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send ou...
-
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...
-
- 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!
Beach Balls
-
The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52 WEB.
While at the beach one day, I watched some kids playing with a beach ball. They would hit the ball, and it would soar high into the air, but then gradually drift back down to Earth.
Without some form of lift, the ball always falls to the ground. Yet, if you fill a ball or balloon with helium, then it will begin to float on its own. The ball will rise because of what it contains inside. Its natural state will be modified, and floating will become the new normal.
My walk with God has often been a lot like that beach ball. I can fast, pray, worship, study, and try to walk closely with the Lord, but the moment I let up, the world pulls me right back down to it. Up and then down, I am working hard to breathe my own air into that ball. It can become exhausting.
We are supposed to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) like the Apostles were (Acts 13:52). Because when you are filled with the Spirit, you will soar like a balloon filled with helium. You won't have to exhaust yourself just trying to stay afloat. Of course, it also involves prayer and such. Yet, instead of trying to earn something, we are building ourselves up in the Spirit (Jude 20).
It's a relationship with the Lord. Yet, maintaining a steadfast life-giving relationship with Him is often more difficult than it needs to be. For we tend to create a list of things we should do to measure up. In the meantime, God says, "I never told you to do all those things. Just be filled with My Spirit, and you will do the important things naturally." When you are filled with His Spirit, you will please Him, for the Spirit will guide you.
You can huff and puff and try to do it all yourself, or you can take His advice: Be filled with His Spirit and joy like the Apostles. Let go of the to-do list and instead seek to be filled with the very presence of God. Ask Him to fill you with His Spirit! You will find that the things that have been holding you back will suddenly flee. The impossible will become complete, and the closed-door will open.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit just as You did the Apostles. I want to live for You today. I choose to let You help me from this day forth. Come into my heart and guide me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!
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 presence 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 <
Tip: You must be logged into the website to leave comments.
Amen!!
I surrender all. Amen! Dear Lord Jesus.
Amen. Heavenly Father, Fill my life with more of you. I am lifted by the Holy Spirit!! Amen
Heavenly Father please fill us with your Holy Spirit and guide us. Amen
Thank you for your many blessings Amen
Amen!!
Amen, Thank you Holy Spirit!
In Lord Yeshua's name I ask this, Cleanse me oh Lord of all unrighteousness. In Lord Yeshua's name I ask, Amen.
Amen. God I feel I am in dire straights in my life, spiritually. I really need the fortification of the Holy Spirit.
Amen Good Morning Everyone
I want to live for You today Jesus, Amen!
Praise God in jesus name
Without my ever-present "to do" list, I seem to flounder aimlessly. I'll lay this at the Lord's feet, Pastor Dion, and listen. Lord, come into my heart and guide me. Thank you! In Jesus' name, Amen
Heavenly Father help us to become more closer to You by having Your Holy Spirit leading us today and always, forgive us from all wrong doing and to forget those who have wronged us. Thank You Lord, we need You, in Jesus Christ name we pray, Amen.
Hallelujah...Thank you and Sylvia for all you both do for us, God bless you.
Amen
Amen!! God speak to me in a way that I can understand and lead me in your righteousness!
Dear Lord please show me how to walk so I can stay afloat and guide me where you want me to be. Thank you.
Amen Lord Jesus amen
Holy Spirit fill me again and again, amen!