Blog Post
Posted by Dion Todd June 29th, 2024 1,461 Views 32 Comments
Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary, the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8–9 WEB.
When lions hunt water buffalo, they follow them and watch. Then they pick a straggler off on its own or try to separate one from the rest of the herd. The lions aren't interested in a fight. They are just looking for an easy meal. They don't dare confront the entire group because they would be trampled to death. There is strength and protection in numbers.
Our enemy walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. As a Christian, this means the lone ranger becomes a lonely stranger. A prime choice for the enemy's lunch. So be sure that you have Christian friends in your life. You need people who will pray with you, help protect you from attacks, encourage you, and add happiness and strength. People who are still there when the others are gone.
Fellowship with one another is essential. During some very dark times in our life, we had friends who prayed for us every day when I no longer had the strength. Their prayers pulled me through, and eventually, I got back on my feet. At other times, they needed prayer, and we prayed with them.
Try to get involved in activities with other Christians. If you can, start serving at a local church and maybe join a life group. Participate in a Bible study or intercessory prayer. Soon you will have many friends. If you have no church to attend, participate in our online church here at www.refreshinghope.org. Make some friends. Know that our adversary seeks out those walking alone, and he loves an easy target.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to find my place in the body of Christ. Put the people in my life that should be there. Bring encouragement and hope back to my life and guide me to where I need to be. 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
Heavenly Father, please help me to find my place in the body of Christ. Put the people in my life that should be there. Bring encouragement and hope back to my life and guide me to where I need to be. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Help me to find a local church that I can get plugged into. After I lost my job about 6 years ago we had to sell our house and moved to a way smaller house that we could afford. I also wanted to be closer to my daughter and granddaughters so I could see them more and help to babysit them. Now we are in the middle of the two churches we used to attend and they are both 3o-40 minutes away. Since gas is so expensive here in California we have been watching church online and also reading all of the posts from refreshing Hope ministries. I am feeling like we need to get back to a physical church to have more fellowship with believers. I am praying that we will be led to a local church here in Anaheim, Ca where we live Amen! This online church as been such a blessing to me over the last 5 or so years that we have been a part of this church.
I noticed that you wrote help with attacks, I don't have the full story, however at my local church it's them who have attacked us, especially my husband by having a rumor that my husband, Arthur, is lazy. They have recently been corrected on that.
Honestly, I am seeing God's hand on this, He is working to correct the misunderstanding/slander that church leaders are believing, or have come up with their own assumptions.
So this is currently ongoing.
Comment from David Krull
4 months ago
I’m disabled but do t look like it. Iv been judged far worse by people in the church that non believers. Iv also had very few Christians step up and help me when I really could have used it. But am so very greatful for the times people have helped. Whatever I do, I do unto the Lord..that way it doesn’t matter what people say.
Amen Thank you Father for my Christian friends and the Love and support They give freely I Love you Jesus Thank you for bringing me to RHM all those years ago I wouldnt have made it this far without there prayers!
Comment from Theresa Bright
4 months ago
I agree with you Scott. This Ministry and their prayers helped me so much and gave me hope when I had cancer and was going through chemo. I thank you Father for your healing and blessings in my life.Amen
Thank you for this…my story about this kind of thing is way too long to even mention, but I have not given up on the body of Christ. I do have some people that seem to care about us, and that helps a lot. I do need this confirmation though. God knows. Thank you again for all you do! You have paid the price for the gifts you have and we are getting the answers we need because you and your wife care. Thank you so much!
Amen ... RHM is my friends i never really made close friends because my life was just work and home as i raised my children on my own . Now that they are grown and away it's just me., thank you all for your prayers. I have days i wake up like today and think I'm never going to get ahead and make it but then i come here to pray.
Comment from Lynn Brown
4 months ago
Continued prayers for you, Bill. Have a good day! 🙏🌞
Amen. Lord I need you. My thoughts betray me. Cleanse me with forgiveness and wash me white as snow. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Strengthen me by the power of Your Spirit. Nothing goes right these days..
But God.. You are worthy to be praised. Thank you for this day and for the life You have given me. I love you Jesus. In Your holy Name I pray.