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Sometimes the best thing we can do is to use a filter or even better, hit the mute button for all the voices around us telling us we can’t, we don’t have what it takes or we’re just too late. Instead, we should listen solely to Holy Spirit whispering to us reminding us: -We are children of the Most High God. -We are fearfully & wonderfully made. -We are blessed. -We are chosen. -We are gifted. -We are called. -We are forgiven, and -We are loved.

The Bible tells us that faith is evidence of things not seen or even felt. It is the ability to look beyond life’s anxious moments and focus on all that is good and from the Lord. Faith is that assurance that comes when we know the Waymaker is on the scene straightening our crooked paths and making the way straight. Faith is stepping out of our ‘boats’ of life’s anxious moments and stressful decisions and looking to Jesus to guide us away from the fear that tries to grip us. Faith is saying to that fear-“Get lost. I am a child of the Most High God, and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil 4:13). God didn’t give me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7). You have no hold on me and no permission to stay”   May you look back this summer and be encouraged as you see your faith has grown and fear disappeared. For more encouraging verses & resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

Perhaps Millie, the Aussiedoodle is giving us a hint of what that verse truly means. Being still and looking for Godwinks throughout our day can give us fresh revelation into who He is and what our Heavenly Father longs to give His children. He tells us to taste & see that the Lord is good (Ps 34:8) and to find rest beside still waters (Ps 23:2). He also reminds us that His living water quenches us not only physically but spiritually as well (John 7:37-38). So, this summer, take a moment to soak in the goodness of God and find refreshment just in His presence.   For more encouraging words from Millie, visit us at iRefresh.net or catch us on dozens of uplifting podcasts on YouTube and several other platforms.

This is true not only physically but spiritually as well. If we don’t take time to eat right, get regular exercise and a good night’s sleep, our bodies often tell us to stop and make some adjustments.   Likewise, this holds true for our spiritual well being that needs to be fed daily by the Living Word,  engaging in spiritual exercises of attending church, reaching out in ministry and doing life with a community of believers. We also need regular vitamins of worship, prayer and fasting to keep our hearts strong & linked to our power source-Jesus. And finally, we cannot forget the importance to rest spiritually. Being too busy doing even good things can take away from time just listening and getting fresh revelations and downloads from God, Himself. So remember—take time to stay healthy—both physically AND spiritually For more encouraging words and resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

You really can’t put a price -on friendship, -on protection, -on peace and especially -on the goodness of God. He goes before us to make sure to straighten the crooked paths (Isa 45:2). He watches over us to keep us safe and guide our steps (Ps 32:8). He even watches from behind (Isa 53:12) to assure nothing can harm us. We truly are rich in the care and love given by our Heavenly Father. For more encouraging verses & resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

Okay maybe Millie, the Aussie doodle has taken the verse found in Psalm 34:8 too literally…but she’s not too far off the path. The Lord really does have exceedingly, abundantly good things in store for His children (Eph 3:20) and when David wrote that passage in Psalm, he was reflecting on taking refuge and running to Him when the storms of life come. And that is where we find the goodness of the Lord, His protection, His provision, His peace and ohhh His Presence.  May we each learn from Millie to truly taste & see that the Lord is good! For more encouraging scriptures & resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

Lessons from the Garden: Putting on our armour to protect us and to shield us

Even when we get out of bed in the middle of the night, we don’t often see where our steps are leading but have a sense of where we are going. It’s similar to walking by Faith, we can’t always see around the next corner or know where the road is leading up ahead, but if our eyes are on Jesus, and we listen for the Master’s voice while sensing Holy Spirit’s  leading, we can have confidence of the road ahead, the decisions we are making and the promise of reaching our destiny. For more encouraging scriptures & resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

Millie, the Aussie doodle reminds us that God’s got an aerial view that surrounds us like a cloud. He sees our every step, knows every turn and longs to guide each of us into greener pastures along still waters. May we be encouraged even today that His love is chasing us down to protect us, to direct us and to simply care for us.   For more encouraging words & resources, visit us at iRefresh.net