The Blessings of God.

Several years ago, I found myself, one Saturday morning sitting in a café perusing through the advertisements for, accommodation, in a local newspaper. “Lord” I said, “I know you like us to have faith, but it is Saturday today and I am moving next Tuesday”!

There was a private ad and viewing was that morning. I attended and found the unit to be exactly what I wanted and even envisioned; the only set back was the price. I hadn’t even been looking at rentals in that price range. I sensed that it was from the Lord and despite the pile of applicants on the managers desk, he said that if I paid the bond straight away, the unit was mine. I was thinking to myself beans on toast for the rest of my life! Well, I never looked back and God was forever Faithful in meeting the rent each week. The unit was a most beautiful place to live and such a rich Blessing. When I left 5 years later, the rent was about half of that which others were paying, as my rent had barely increased.

And so it was, concerning the trip to the Cook Islands, (I am a slow learner)! Earlier in the year, I had looked at the cost and without even checking with the Lord, I put it into the ‘too hard basket’. I also had not yet joined the PIFA (Prophetic Intercessors for Australia), meetings. A few weeks before the conference start, one night at a PIFA meeting I had a vision of an ocean and fish and the following morning I had so much joy about going to the Cook Islands and felt that my spirit was already there.

I hadn’t realised that the accommodation was on a Lagoon and the Lord knows how excited I get about snorkelling.

When it came to the booking, again, I hesitated due to the cost. Whilst dithering, the booking site displayed “no availability”, I then realised my disappointment, if I wasn’t able to go. I repented and asked the Lord to give me another chance. The following morning there were rooms available again. I knew that for God to Bless me I had to step out in faith and it’s the Lord’s money anyway.

Somehow the effort and the cost, contributed to my appreciation of the whole experience and my immense gratitude to God.

Rarotonga is an unspoilt paradise and such a contrast to the Gold Coast. Getting to know the other members of PIFA in a greater way, was probably my greatest joy. One day whilst sitting on the beach a member of the group, signalled for me to join them. We ended up chatting away in that beautiful lagoon, finding out a bit more about each other’s lives. One night, we went to a ‘Tapas grill’, overlooking the ocean, in a resort where a participant was staying. We had just met her at the conference and we are still now, keeping in touch. That night sensing the Lord’s presence, I said to Him, “this memory is priceless, sharing a meal with my fellow brothers and sisters, in this beautiful setting”.

I am always awestruck by Gods manifest beauty in nature. Coming from the UK, I am still overcome with emotion when I look at God’s heavenly firework display of coloured fish, whilst snorkelling. How good is God to put on such a Divine show for us.?

During one of the conference sessions, I thought about taking notes which is unusual for me, as I like to be immersed and “feel” what is being said. That night I felt the Lord saying to put a summary of the notes on to the What’s App chat for the people back home. Gods heart is to include everyone. I was quite surprised at this and the next day I thought that I had better be more focused in case the Lord asked me to do this again! During this conference my listening became more intentional.

The host church, provided wonderful lunches for us and were so considerate in attending to our every need. There were many prophecies released by the speakers, over the Cook Islands and encouragement for the pastors, there. We truly had come to the “Ends of the Earth” according to Psalm 22:27-28.

I was able to have a much-needed holiday and some days of relaxation. It was healing to be with such a group of caring people, who showed so much patience and dedication.

Quite often it is after, a conference, that I will get more revelation and understanding. Some of the themes spoken about during the conference, have already presented themselves again to me in different ways. Namely, the topics of, end time deception and discernment. A warning, to really know Jesus and Scripture, for ourselves.

At the PIFA meeting following the conference there was for me a tangible shift, more fire, unity, determination and a higher level of intercession.

I feel that a fire has been ignited in the Cook Islands and we are stoking it here in Australia.

For me the conference has been a catalyst for more unity and passion in winning this nation for The Lord Jesus Christ.

I bring to mind Psalm 133, “where there is unity, God commands a Blessing”.

Kathy Richards

Until next time

Stay in the Blessings

I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.

When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.

Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!

You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at The Refinery.

When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.

So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org

2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.

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