The Refuge Church

Our selfish nature tricks us into thinking that we can and should solve our own issues. There are some mountains that no matter how hard you try, only God can move them! The good news is, God has grace for you.

It is not natural for us to want to lay down our lives and serve others, but it is the direct answer to the problem of selfishness. Serving gives us the opportunity to prioritize the kingdom. God placed this calling on every one of us. When you’re willing to do the things that others reject, you get to be the first one to witness the miracle that God is doing in the lives of others. The more you g...

True worship is more than a song—it’s the fragrance of our lives rising before God. Looking at Abraham’s sacrifice in Genesis 22, we see that worship requires movement, preparation, and a willingness to lay everything before Him. What is the aroma of your life? Are you ready to love Him well with all your heart, soul, and mind?

It takes broken things to establish an altar. Again and again throughout the Old Testament, God's people marked transition and remembrance by the building of an altar as a foundation of obedience and submission to their Creator. God called this as a place where people could encounter Him and we now know this place as Jesus.

David chose to provide for the next generation’s success by gathering for the building of the temple and by sowing into its completion. As his son, Solomon dedicated the temple and prayed that God would give attention to the prayers lifted there.

Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving and rejoicing to God for deliverance, strength, and provision exemplifies seeing a dream fulfilled, and giving it back to God. Her bitter cry persisted, and when it came to fulfillment she committed her blessing back to him. Our prayer must always come back to nearness with him. If we see it answered, or if it delays, that nearness is always the reward.

James 5:16 tells us that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” A vital part of this is praying the right thing. Reminding ourselves of the promises of God, of what the word of God says, guides us in prayer to advance his kingdom and correctly frames our lives with his sovereignty.

We talked with Giann Quijano about a dream to create that brought him deeper into relationship with God.

We sat down with Pastor Nathan to discuss a few dreams that God placed on his heart, and how they came to fruition in different seasons.

Jabez, whose name means ‘caused pain’, decided his destiny would not be defined by someone’s label. Our issues cannot become our identity, when Jesus defines us as more than conquerors. His purpose for our lives can never be fully realized without his presence.

The world will constantly encourage you to prioritize yourself, yet the grand challenge of the Gospel is to lay our lives down for others. As we go into the new year, consider how you can serve others first.

He is Immanuel, God with us. As we celebrate this season and in every season of our lives the most precious gift we can give him is our obedience and gratitude.