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  • 16 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time!" When he saw that, he arose ...
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  • Mar 26
    Posted by Dion Todd
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  • March 25, 2022 - led by Dion Todd
    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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A Wonderful Life

  • Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2'4 WEB.

    My Dad was born during the great depression of the early 1930s. They had no electricity or running water in the rural areas where he grew up. There was no refrigeration, so they carried large blocks of ice from the ice house to keep things cool in a cellar. Money was scarce. No one in the area had a telephone. There was no indoor plumbing. The family shared an outhouse in the backyard. They had none of what most of us take for granted. Yet, they were happy.

    It was a hard life. Yet, there was an incredible generation of people who came out of that era. When times become hard, people adapt and become tough. The other side of the coin is that, just like children, when life becomes too easy, we tend to become spoiled, unthankful, and unhappy. Bored.

    We often think that if we had such and such, then we would really be happy. The reality is that seventy percent of the people who win the lottery end badly. Many commit suicide, and their divorce rate is four times that of the national average. That doesn't sound that happy.

    Many people are having it tough today and are going through so much just to live. Yet, these trials will only make you better. You will be wiser, stronger, and better when you reach the other side. Eventually, you will. We need to learn to be content wherever we are, as Paul wrote about in Philippians 4:12.

    We watched a documentary recently on happiness. After a careful study, the researchers found that your circumstances only account for ten percent of your total happiness level. After your basic needs were met, like food, water, and shelter, adding more belongings made little difference. Possessions have diminishing returns.

    Their studies showed that people who lived in poverty in third-world countries were often happier than people living in mansions. Pursuing happiness directly only made it more elusive. While simple things like helping others resulted in a considerable happiness boost. For it is better to give than to receive. When people focused less on themselves and their own needs, it actually caused them to be happier in life.

    The documentary went right along with the teachings of Jesus. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Give, and it will be given unto you. Pray for others, and your own circumstances will change. So seek to improve the lives of others, and your own happiness will increase. Isn't that amazing?

    When your faith is stretched, it will come back stronger. Just like you have to stress a muscle to make it grow, so does your faith. Don't get too stressed out in the hard times. Pace yourself. When you burn a candle at both ends, it won't last very long. Learn to be content where you are, for God has given you a wonderful life.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You today for the wonderful life that You have given me. I appreciate all that You have blessed me with. Please help me see through Your eyes and impress on me what really matters. Make what is important to You important to me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen!

    Note: For those following the Creation Photography weekly challenges, group leader, Dianna Wyles: Revelation 4:11 'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.' ~ Our next fun-inspired theme choices will be 'Fur Babies and so Much More' or 'The Lord of All Creation'. Our themes are always open wide for creative interpretation so have some fun and get creative. Be sure to post anything else that inspires you as well. Can't wait to see your fur babies and so much more. Have an amazingly blessed week, everyone! Here is the link: Creation Photographers


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20 comments
  • 2
Debi Burton
Debi Burton Heavenly Father, I thank You today for the wonderful life that You have given me. I appreciate all that You have blessed me with. Please help me see through Your eyes and impress on me what really matters. Make what is important to You important to me. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen! ❤️
Jan 24
  • 4
John Smith
John Smith

Amen.  "Don't know what you got til it's gone" so appreciate all the people and things you still have.  

Jan 24
  • 2
Kay Collinsworth
Kay Collinsworth

Amen 

Jan 24
  • 2
Celeste Strenn
Celeste Strenn

Amen 

Jan 24
  • 2
Dana Rozell
Dana Rozell

Yes Amen.

Jan 24
  • 2
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer

Yes, amen Lord. 

Jan 24
  • 3
Patricia Walker
Patricia Walkeredited: Jan 24

AMEN. Heavenly Father, Thank You for a wonderful life. With you by My side.  AMEN

Jan 24
  • 2
Kevin J. Eck
Kevin J. Eck

Amen!

Jan 24
  • 3
Yvette York
Yvette York

Amen Good Morning Everyone 

Jan 24
  • 2
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson

Amen!!

Jan 24
  • 3
Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann

Thank you God for my many blessings. Help me be able to help my Grandchildren. In the name of Jesus Amen 

Jan 24
  • 1
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello

Thank You and praise You Father Yahweh!

Jan 24
  • 1
Wanda Pennington
Wanda Pennington

Amen 

Jan 24
  • 2
Cathy Webb
Cathy Webb

This is such a precious insight, Pastor Dion! It's relationships not stuff that are treasures. Lord, find me willing to see and serve. Thank you. Amen

Jan 24
  • 2
Lynn Brown
Lynn Brown

Thank You Father for all my blessings! May I never take them or You for granted! Amen.

Jan 24
  • 2
David Krull
David Krull

Amen. Thankyou Father for this day and for the life you have given me. Even though I'm suffering today.   I praise Your Holy Name Lord Jesus. For this is the day Youhave made...I will rejoice and be glad in it... he,p me Jesus keep my eyes on You as I seek Yourwill in my life.. guide my ever step Father in Jesus Christ Name. I live You Lord.

Jan 24
  • 1
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann

Thank you Father for everything I am, it's all because of our relationship not my circumstances I want to know you even better this year I love you thank you for this time with you

Jan 24
  • 1
Brenda F
Brenda F

Amen 

Jan 25
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen! 

Jan 25
  • 1
Sherry McCosh
Sherry McCosh

Amen! Praise you God! Everything I need I receive from the hand of God, without God I would have nothing and be nothing. I owe everything to God!

Jan 28