1. Sir, please could you throw some light on the theme, Times of Refreshing?

The word Refreshing only has meaning when you think about the fact that there has been some heat or thirst; just like a glass of cold water refreshes you after you have been under the hot sun. The theme, Times of Refreshing is to guide and lead us to understand that after we have been through a difficult period, God has a promise of refreshing and renewal for us. The word of God says, in Acts 3:19, that, when we repent, we will receive times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. This month, we will be looking at how to make a comeback after you’ve been through a difficult time, or how to experience a turnaround when you have been through delays or denials,

2. In what practical ways can we achieve times of refreshing?

The first thing is, which is straight from scripture, is that if I, for example, find myself in a desert place, I need to ask myself “how did I get here?”. The challenge with many people is that they blame others and circumstances, without asking themselves, “how did I get here?”

A good example in the Bible, will be Jonah, who found himself in a dark place; the belly of the whale. He was wise enough to ask “how did I get myself here and what do I need to do?”. He remembered he had been in disobedience to God, and he repented. One of the most essentials acts to get refreshing is through repentance, as the word of God says.

This month, we want to look at, how we can do things differently so we can get different results.

Another good example is King Nebuchadnezzar. He also found himself in a dark place, after being exalted, he was humbled beyond measure. He also repented and decided to praise God rather than continuing in his arrogant ways. To the glory of God, once he repented, God rescued him, and gave him a second chance.

Repentance, Humility and Retracing your Steps are some practical ways that you can do things differently so you can get a different and refreshing experience from God.

3. Last month, we talked extensively on living at 360o which is all round prosperity being God’s mind towards us. How can we in the light of last month’s teaching, enter into our season of refreshing?

Last month, when we talked about being blessed all round, many of us will certainly take a look at our lives, and realise we are far from being blessed all round. The whole idea this month, is to give us a way out of that situation of not seeing God’s hands in areas of our lives.

I have learnt and built up my faith knowing that God can bless me all round, but when I look at my life, and realise I am not even blessed 90o, let alone 360o. So, I need to ask myself, “what do I need to do to actually access this 360o blessing?”. One of the ways is repentance and humility. In order to enter into this season of refreshing in life, you need to retrace your steps, after you come to terms with the fact that you are not prospering as much as the word of God says. There certainly is something I need to do. There is no denying the fact that there are areas of our lives that need improvement.

It will be a season of self-reflection, introspection and action planning. For example, let’s look at health. If I realise I am not enjoying the health that the word of God promises, following from the things that I have learnt, I know that I need to repent of my gluttony or lack of exercise. I will then discover that my health is renewed, just because I decided to do a different thing.

4. In these last five months of the year, what would be your advice for us to end this year on a high note instead of on a low?

That is precisely the central focus of this month’s theme. Many people who had expectations in January can tend to get discouraged when it stares everybody in the face that, we literally have less than 5months in the year.

The very essence of this, is to assess ourselves and ask, ‘what do I need to do differently so that I receive whatever it is that I am trusting God for this year?’. For instance, if you are travelling a long distance, and your GPS says you are 4 miles away, and then you notice your fuel tank is empty. If you want to get to that destination that you see, you need to stop at a fuelling station, and buy fuel. You will then use the convenience and grab a snack to refuel, so that you can get to your destination safely.

As end of the year draws closer, we must stop and ask ourselves, what must we do differently under a sense of urgency so that achieve all our dreams and desires for this year.

Closing Notes

For some people, the one thing they need to do is to return back to God in repentance and ask Him for mercy. Once you take that decision, God has promised to release times of refreshing into your life.

Decide today to know and follow God’s word, and He will bless you in all areas of your life in Jesus’ name! You can make that decision by praying as follows:

‘Lord Jesus, I want to know you personally. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life to ask you to come in as my Saviour and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal. Make me the kind of person you want to be.’

If you’d like prayer and counselling in any area of your walk with God, we invite you to visit our website www.rccgnewsprings.org. We’d also to invite you to worship with us.

Olusola is the Senior Pastor of RCCG NewSprings, a passionate teacher of the word of God and an accomplished Human Resources Consultant.