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<\/a>Now the weather has changed again. Mid to upper 70\u2019s are in the forecast with high chances of rain each day. I think they may want to tweak their percentages. It has rained the past two days and it\u2019s been pretty steady. And torrential in some places. Flash flooding advisories are posted for quite a bit of our state.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
We have had some unique weather this summer, but I love how rain changes our perspective. When the first rain storm came through on Monday, I opened my office window and enjoyed the downpour. It lifted my spirit.<\/p>\n
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That\u2019s exactly how it is when we allow God\u2019s refreshing rain to pour over us. We receive a boost. Our spirits are lifted. We find the strength we need.<\/p>\n
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We find refreshment through different circumstances in our lives. In Acts 3:19 (NIV), Peter tells the crowd how to be refreshed. \u201cRepent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes there is sin in our lives that keeps us from experiencing refreshment from God. Peter\u2019s solution is to repent and turn to God. I think that\u2019s a good solution.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We find refreshment through other believers. That simple word of encouragement can make all the difference to some people. Take a look at these passages to see how Paul was refreshed by others. Romans 15:32; 1 Corinthians 16:18; 2 Timothy 1:16; and Philemon 1:20.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We can be refreshment to others. We find in these passages that hearts were lifted by others. Refreshment was found because of what others did. We can be that same refreshment. 2 Corinthians 7:13; Philemon 1:7; and 2 Peter 1:13.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n We know that refreshment is welcomed. Why not plan today to be refreshment? Get rid of the attitudes that scorch. Get rid of the words that burn. Bring joy and life to those you come in contact with. You may find great refreshment yourself in this little experiment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n But know this. The important piece of this refreshment project is that it must come from God. It must be His refreshment you offer to others. Remember that living water that the woman at the well asked Jesus for? That\u2019s the refreshment others long for. That\u2019s what has changed us. It\u2019s what we have to offer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grace and peace be yours in abundance,<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Donna<\/p>\n <\/p>\n