Recent Blog Entries
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Sacrifice from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. When Jesus came walking past the disciples in their fishing boat late one night, Peter called out to Him and asked if he could join Him and walk on the water. (Matthew 14:28–31 NKJV) And Peter answered Him and said, "Lord, if ... -
Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." He said, "Teacher, say on." A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they couldn't pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?" Simon answered, "He, I suppose, ...
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For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a demon.' The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Luke 7:33'34 WEB.A gloomy feeling settled over you when you...
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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 Thorn
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By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:7 WEB
Paul the converted Christian hunter wrote a lot of the New Testament, but had a thorn in the flesh. He does not say what it was. It may have been lust, or a critical spirit, or headaches, or bad eyes (Galatians 4:15). Whatever it was, it bothered him and he wanted to be free of it. Paul asked the Lord three times to take it away but the Lord told him 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.' Paul continued to minister while the thorn was still there.
The grace of God is like oil that smooths the gears of life. It makes things fall into place and can make you be at the right place, at the right time, saying the right things and knowing all the right answers. When the Lord herded me into my own computer repair business, it seemed like they almost fixed themselves. Often when I touched them, they suddenly started working correctly.
Grace can make things seem easy, but when the grace lifts, things become difficult and it can be a sign to move on. Later, when the Lord decided to put me in the ministry, the computer business dried completely up and became a living nightmare. It seemed like trivial things like burning a disk could take half a day, where it used to take a few minutes. The grace was gone, and it was time to move on.
Having problems and thorns will not stop God from using you. If you are walking with something today that will not leave, and you cry out to the Lord repeatedly, but still it is there, don't give up. Know that His grace is sufficient to get you through this day, and He will still use the imperfect and weak to show His power, with all their flaws, just as He continued to use Paul.
Prayer: Father I thank You for Your grace. Forgive me of my sins and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Lead me into all that You have for me here, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
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Amen!
Prayer: Father I thank You for Your grace. Forgive me of my sins and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Lead me into all that You have for me here, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen! Thank you for this reminder to stay focused no matter what thorn may be in my side. His grace is more than sufficient for me when I keep my focus where it needs to be... both eyes on God and his goodness, knowing his plans are better. Father thank you for Pastor Dion and Sylvia for all they to for your Kingdom. Please keep them always in your favor and under your protection. In Jesus name Amen
amen
Amen
thank you father for your mercy and grace it is welcome always thank you for this day and all that is amen
This is the most important message most mordern day Christians can hear! God does not always make us perfect, but He can even speak through a donkey. Too many church goers need to stop being so critical.
Amen
Amen!!!! Thank you Jesus.
A blessing in this word...Amen ♡
MY LORD GOD thank you for the graces and blessings you have given me today. They are sufficient to get me through the day. Please let me know how can I be of service to you today. I love you and trust you MY LORD GOD WITH ALL MY HEART. iN THE NAME OF jesus christ I pray Amen
Amen
1 Corinthians 1:27New Life Version (NLV)
27 But God has chosen what the world calls foolish to shame the wise. He has chosen what the world calls weak to shame what is strong.
God enables who He chooses, it is not how "perfect" we are, He uses the imperfect to do amazing things.
He uses us as we are.
Amen
AMEN
I really liked reading your description of GRACE. I read it a few times to absorb it; getting better and gaining the wisdom. Lord, put me in the right place at the right time today. Great words, Pastor.
Amen
Amen thank you so much for this devotional it really spoked to my heart, It answered some questions I had on my mind thank you again pastor Dion! Ps I pray for your ministry everyday and I hope its growing in the love and grace of Jesus Christ, Have a super great day God Bless you and yours!! sincerely Scott Riegelmann your brother in Jesus.
Amen! Thank you Father for your Grace is sufficient and perfect. Thank you for loving me always! Show yourself Strong in my life. So that I can always do your will and always fight the good fight in Jesus name Amen!
I have a thorn or two; I'm trusting God to use me even with the thorns , so that I can do God's will and show the world God's Glory!!
Amen, brother!
thank you great devotion .
Another inspiring message. Thank you Pastor Dion.What a blessing to know that God can use anybody !! even me !!Thank you Father for your grace and love. Amen
Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
Amne!! Thank you Pastor Dion for your daily devotion. :-)
Amen. Praise God! Thank you Pastor Todd! Father I thank You for Your grace. Forgive me of my sins and help me live a life that is pleasing to You. Lead me into all that You have for me here, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Yes and Amen.
Thank you for your words today Pastor Dion. Blessings to you and Sylvia.
Amen, your Grace is all I need my Lord. Thank you pastor Todd for this wonderful inspirational devotion, Gid bless you sir
Amen.Thank you Father for showing me your Grace when I have cried out to you,and needed you so much,and at all time when I call upon you. Forgive me for the times I have tried to do things my way and in my own strength.Help me to listen to you clearly and to do the things you are leading and guiding me to do.To do your will. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Thank you Pastor reminding me of Gods word.