Swimming Upstream

Dion Todd

Recent Blog Entries

Home Is On The Other Side

4 hours ago

Posted by Dion Todd

"Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you." Isaiah 43:1'2 WEB...
The Day of Small Things

Oct 1

Posted by Dion Todd

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...
Laboring in the Field

Oct 1

Posted by Dion Todd

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...

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Ministry Events

March 25, 2022 - led by Lynn Brown

This 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!

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Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd January 29, 2022 - Filed in Devotional - 4,606 views

You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience. We also all once lived among them in the lusts of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. Ephesians 2:1'3 WEB.

Salmon have to fight their way upstream and swim against the current to reach their spawning ground. It's a long and difficult journey for them. While dead fish simply float wherever the water carries them. Any fish can drift with the current, but it takes a live one with a purpose to swim against it.

It takes guts to be different. You want to do right but find the world pulling at you like a tug of war. The current is going against you. Most of the world goes with the flow, follows the masses, and worships the idols.

When you submit your life to God, He will often take you in the opposite direction. You may need new friends that are swimming instead of drifting. If all of your friends are spiritually dead, floating downstream, going the way of the world, then when you change course, you will probably have to change your friends. My friends scattered like bugs at the first mention of Jesus Christ.

God takes full responsibility for the life totally committed to Him. It may take you upstream and against the flow, but you will be productive. The journey will become exciting along the way. He will give your life new meaning and purpose. Submit your life to God, follow His promptings, resist peer pressure, and be willing to swim against the current.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me stand strong for You and resist temptation. Wash me over with Your presence. Holy Spirit, please come and live inside me. Let my walk align with my talk. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

Note: 'Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.' (Philippians 4:6-7). If you have a prayer need, we are here for you! We and the prayer team are ready to lift you up at our private prayer page: RHM Prayer Network

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