Recent Blog Entries
-
Anchor of the Soul from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. When people lose hope, they lie down and die. They lose the will to live and fight any longer. Hopelessness is utter despair, the belief that nothing good will happen. When you begin to think like this, it will bring a desire to die. A ... -
The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?" He answered them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honors me with their lips, But their heart is far f...
-
Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; Isaiah 46:9'10 WEB.During a sci-fi n...
-
- 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!
Sisters
-
As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, 'Lord, don't you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.' Jesus answered her, 'Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.' Luke 10:38 WEB
Martha and Mary were sisters but very different people. Martha invited Jesus into their home, but then became busy and distracted with all the work. The visitation of Jesus soon became a chore and the joy of serving was gone. Martha was worried and troubled about many things. She became so busy that she missed the most important part, a chance to spend time with Jesus while He was there.
Mary delighted in listening to the teachings of Jesus and put Him first by sitting at His feet a while and listening as He spoke. When Martha got upset with all the serving, she finally approached Jesus and said, 'tell Mary to help me', but He said, 'No.' For Mary had chosen best and it would not be taken from her.
When you get busy, under pressure, and a lot of people are depending on you, it is easy to start feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. You can feel as if you do not get this done it will be the most horrible thing in the world, but it won't.
You begin to lose focus on the Lord and what is actually important, and start to focus on your performance, or lack thereof. We flatter ourselves by thinking that we are so important. When you are dead, the world will continue on just as it has because it does not revolve around you.
Don't get so busy that you no longer enjoy your life because there is coming a time when it will be gone. God is the one that makes the sun rise in the morning, not us. Keep your priorities straight. Make God a part of your life and set aside time for Him intentionally. Don't make your relationship with God into work, and then blame Him for it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to see the big picture and not get so caught up in the details of serving You. Please bring the joy of the Lord back into my life and refresh my spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Tip: You must be logged into the website to leave comments.
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to see the big picture and not get so caught up in the details of serving You. Please bring the joy of the Lord back into my life and refresh my spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.Amen! Thank you:) God bless
How interesting! Hit it right on the nogan! Yep Thanks Pastor
thank you lord for this wonderful word today amen
I struggle with this. Not that I think the "world revolves around me", but the fact that there is work that needs to be done and no one else is going to do it. At home there is a lot of work to be done on the house. It's old. Almost 130 years old. It's never ending. and we don't want to go into debt to hire someone else to come in and do it. At work the other guy stands around talking to everybody all day long. So guess who gets stuck doing all the work never getting a chance to converse with others. So I feel guilty for not enjoying life more with my wife and family. And I want too. But who is going to take care of the responsibilities that I have before me? If I let the house go it will look like a dump eventually. If I don't do the work at work, it's just going to pile up and I'm still going to be the one that ends up doing it. I think Martha was trying to do the best for Jesus, making sure everything was perfect for Him because she loved Him so. I guess Martha and I have a disorder. Not sure what is called or what it is. All I know is that I try to do my part in this world that we live. Try to leave it better than you find it as the scouting saying goes. What say you? Thanks Pastor for the stimulating devotional this morning. :)
It's a hard word to hear when you work so hard to do the right thing. But I have found as long as you keep stepping up to the plate, people will let you. When you let a few things go other people will step up or at least question why. Then you can say you already have too much to do, someone else needs to take responsibility.
Thanks Roseanne for your reply. Your right, if I would just step away once in a while maybe someone else would see what gets done and what doesn't and start questioning it. But I know that's not me. I can only go a couple of days or hours and my personality won't allow for it to go on any longer. I too was the oldest in my family and always had a ton of chores to do. And if I didn't do it right, well I would have to do it all over again or be grounded. But at the same time I am also appreciative that I was taught or it was drilled into me a work ethic. I don't know, I'm just caught between a rock and a hard place.
Mark and Roseanne, I don't think the story of Martha means that we don't do anything. Clearly, Jesus had a lot to do in the short time that He had. I believe it's a story about discerning the time. For instance, have you seen the movie "Click"? The lead in the story was all about his work, which of course did have to be done, but it was to the neglect of his parents, wife and kids. He tried to "fast forward" what turned out to be the most meaningful times with his loved ones so he could get his work done, and looked back bitterly at the end result. That doesn't mean he should have been a bum and not done anything, just that there is a time for work, and a time for rest, for loved ones, and most of all, time to just spend time alone with Him.
Thank you Sylvia, this is a reading I have often struggled with. When I was quite young almost all of the chores (cooking, cleaning, laundry and babysitting) where my responsibility. My father told me I was the only one he could count on (I see now that was manipulative) and my mom told me I was not allowed to get mad. I was to be the peace keeper. I always felt a lot of things were not fair and then this reading would feel like a slap in the face. Even after I married, for many years everyone in the family called on me for a favor and if I dared to say no or say I was too busy or didn't have time people would actually say, what's her problem, what does she have to do that keeps her so busy. Anyhow, sorry this is so long.
I understand, Roseanne, and a firstborn child, much of that kind of thing fell on me, as well. It sounds though, that there are some who are trying to take advantage of you, which is different and you need stand up to that. There will always be people in the world who will use to whatever extent you let them :-/.
Thanks Sylvia for your reply. I get what your saying and I'm not saying Mary was a bum or that Martha should be. And yes your right there is a time for everything. I truly believe it's just an issue that I have that I need to try to over come. Believe me, I want to relax and enjoy life with loved ones and friends just like the next guy. I almost feel that there is something in my life that needs to change or I am paying the price for something I have done in the past that isn't allowing me to enjoy all that He has put before us. Praying that it will eventually change.
I get that, Mark, we first born are often raised to have the weight of the world on us :). While my family, as with yours, didn't punish me if I did it wrong, my dad was handicapped and my mom was at work from an early age, so there was no one really to turn to. I agree, as you mentioned to Roseanne, that there are benefits - the work ethic you mentioned, a leadership instinct, a solution mentality, stem from that origin. Still, out of proportion, it makes what we do too big, and diminishes our faith in God's work, not to mention time with Him. Praying for you and all of us to find the right balance in Him <3!
Thanks Sylvia for talking with me about this issue. I hope you don't think I'm being argumentive about the subject. I know your right and that what your saying is absolutely true. It's nice to have brothers and sisters talk about things that trouble you. May you guys continue to be blessed in all that you do.
I don't think that at all, Mark :)! It's a great thing to be able to be transparent, and I enjoy a good discussion as well! Certainly, argumentative attitudes are not conducive to an open discussion, but that is not you :-). Have a blessed day, brother!
I too struggle with concern and worry over family.Please give me stregenth for this day.Blessings to all.
Amen we all do struggle with doing the right thing.
Amen! Putting God time first everyday helps me to do everything that is necessary for that day. As I let His Holy Spirit work through me, He prioritizes what is important for the moment and what is not. This way even when I have a lot on my plate, I finish the main course. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Amen
Amen.
This is an issue that God keeps returning me to in so many ways. This morning He is using you, Pastor Dion, to spur my reflection and resolve to put Jesus first in my busyness. Thank you for your wisdom and prayer.
There is a time for everything. But put GOD first in your life. When you wake up, say your thank you and prayers and every now and then, even when you are working, take a moment to talk to OUR LORD GOD ALMIGHTY AND PRAISE HIM AND GIVE HIM THANKS FOR HE IS A LOVING AND FAITHFUL GOD. HE will alwyas listen to us no matter what time of the day we are praying.
Amen, Deng!
Amen
Amen♡
Amen!! Thank you Pastor Dion for your daily devotion. :-) I cliam this prayer over me in Jesus name I pray. Amen. <3
Prayer: Heavenly Father help me to see the big picture and not get so caught up in the details of serving You. Please bring the joy of the Lord back into my life and refresh my spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Thank you pastor for another great devotional and pastors prayer they sure touched my heart today Amen thanks again
Thank you Pastor Dion for another special devotional.This really spoke to me. I pray your prayer.... In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Amen. Praise God! Thank you Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father help me to see the big picture and not get so caught up in the details of serving You. Please bring the joy of the Lord back into my life and refresh my spirit. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Amen
Amen, I'm asking you Lord to take anything away , that will want to distract my attention from you