REFRESH: To cheer, to enliven, to cool, to revive, to invigorate, to relieve from fatigue.

Attendance at church and church functions is an opportunity for us to refresh each other. Of course, we are refreshed by the singing and preaching; but the Bible also speaks of the refreshing that fellowship with other Christians brings. Others can be refreshed by you. A handshake, a welcoming smile, a listening ear – many things that we consider small might be just what someone else needs. 

If you hurry into church as the congregation begins to sing, then go straight to your car as soon as the invitation ends, then you probably didn’t get a chance refresh someone else. It’s great to see the number of people who arrive early and stay after church fellowshipping with one another. 

For example, our past HOPE Ministry class filled up the classroom this past Friday night. Many of the students had had busy days before coming to class; however, even after class ended they were not in a hurry to leave. It was a blessing to me to see and hear the encouragement that the students were giving to each other during group time and after class. Most were refreshed spiritually and physically!

Paul speaks to being refreshed:

·       Rom 15:32  That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

·       1Co 16:18  For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

·       2Co 7:13  Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

·       2Ti 1:16  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

·       Phm 1:7  For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

·       Phm 1:20  Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

Pray that you can be a refreshing presence to others!



Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry