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The Joy of opening God’s Word

Lessons from the Garden #garden #summer #iRefresh #Christian

Millie, the Aussie doodle, really is wise for her puppy days. Knowing that life is not all sunshine and rainbows is a lesson even us humans can learn from. It’s really all about perspective and where we focus our eyes. If they are on Jesus, the Waymaker and Storm Calmer, then we come to realize that the rain and even the puddles have a purpose in our lives. They can hydrate our souls and encourage us to laugh at things that used to bring us down. And even if life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, a good portion surely is when God is on our side. All 4 gospels in the New Testament tell the story of Jesus simply speaking to the storm & all was made calm (Matt 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25 and John 6:16-21). So next time, rain is in the forecast either physically or spiritually, be encouraged knowing God will shelter you from the storm and  may even splash a bit of joy on you in the process. For more encouraging verses & resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

Doing life with God was never meant to be in fear of an All-Mighty God who sits on a throne waiting for us to mess up. No, life with God was never meant to feel like an obligation or a guilt trip if we didn’t go to church enough or follow countless rules to stay in His good graces. Life with God IS getting to know the Creator of all things who can daily reveal Himself if you only stop to look or listen. It’s being guided by our Loving Father who longs to teach us, provide for us and protect us from all harm. It’s spending time with God who loves you so much that He gave the ultimate gift and sacrificed His son on the Cross to assure our debt for sin was paid in full. Life with God is full of excitement, anticipation, abounding love and tender moments when you sense His presence. We, here at iRefresh, challenge you to look for Him today, maybe in places you had not thought of before or in ways not experienced. He truly longs for the presence of YOUR company.  Seek Him and you WILL find Him (Matt 6:33). For more encouragement and resources, visit us at iRefresh.net

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