H4J – The Homes for Jesus Network of Global Frontiers Institute

Intentional Refreshing…

Devotional Reading: Refreshing Hearts in Christ

Devotional Reading: Refreshing Hearts in Christ

Theme: Intentional Refreshment

Scripture: Philemon 1:20 (NIV) – “I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.”

Introduction

Today, we reflect on the importance of intentionally refreshing and encouraging one another through our words and actions, inspired by Paul’s letter to Philemon. As members of the H4J and DCN300 communities, we are called to deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our connections with each other. Let us focus on how we can be instruments of God’s love, bringing comfort and renewal to all we encounter.

Reflection

Paul’s desire for Philemon to refresh his heart in Christ highlights the proactive role we should take in uplifting those around us, offering support, and sharing God’s love. This aligns with the call in “47 Days of Transformation” to deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our community bonds. Paul’s message is clear: “Let’s intentionally refresh one another’s hearts in Christ!”

Additional Scriptures

  • Proverbs 11:25 (NIV): “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
  • Isaiah 58:11 (NIV): “The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
  • 2 Corinthians 7:13 (NIV): “Besides our own comfort, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you.”

Connecting with Fundamental Beliefs

Our focus on refreshing hearts in Christ aligns with several of the 28 Fundamental Beliefs:

  • Belief 11: Growing in Christ – Refreshing others is a tangible way to demonstrate Christ’s love and contribute to their spiritual growth.
  • Belief 12: The Church – The church should be a community where members actively seek to refresh and encourage one another.
  • Belief 20: Christian Behavior – Intentionally refreshing others through our words and actions exemplifies Christian behavior.

Practical Application for H4J Community

  1. Identify Opportunities for Refreshment: Be intentional about identifying opportunities to refresh those around you. This could involve offering a word of encouragement, providing practical assistance, or simply lending a listening ear.

    Story: Sister Emily noticed that a member of her church was feeling overwhelmed with her responsibilities. She offered to help her with childcare, giving her some much-needed time to rest and recharge.

  2. Offer Words of Encouragement and Affirmation: Make a conscious effort to offer words of encouragement and affirmation to those around you. Remind them of their strengths, talents, and value in God’s eyes.

    Story: Brother David knew that a member of his small group was struggling with self-doubt. He made a point to affirm his gifts and talents, reminding him that God had a purpose for his life.

  3. Perform Acts of Service: Look for ways to perform acts of service that can refresh the hearts of others. This could involve bringing a meal to someone who is sick, helping with a household chore, or running errands.

    Story: A group of young adults from Homes for Jesus organized a car wash to raise money for a family in the church who was struggling financially. Their act of service not only provided financial relief but also refreshed the family’s spirits.

  4. Create a Positive and Uplifting Environment: Strive to create a positive and uplifting environment within the Homes for Jesus community. Avoid gossip, negativity, and criticism. Instead, focus on building one another up and celebrating each other’s successes.

    Story: Homes for Jesus implemented a “gratitude board” where members could post notes of appreciation for one another. This helped to create a culture of gratitude and encouragement within the church.

  5. Pray for Opportunities to Refresh Others: Ask God to give you a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others and to open your eyes to opportunities to refresh them. Pray that He will use you to be a source of encouragement and blessing in their lives.

    Story: Sister Maria began each day by praying for opportunities to refresh others. She asked God to show her how she could make a positive impact in the lives of those she encountered. This prayer led her to be more attentive to the needs of others and more willing to offer her help and support.

Conclusion

Let us commit to intentionally seeking ways to bring refreshment and encouragement to others through our words and actions. By identifying opportunities, offering encouragement, performing acts of service, creating a positive environment, and praying for guidance, we can be instruments of God’s love and grace. Following Paul’s example, let’s strengthen our connection within the H4J and DCN300 communities, refreshing hearts in Christ.