Recent Blog Entries

  • 8 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Yahweh said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face like that?" Joshua 7:10 WEB.Joshua lay prostrate before the ark of the Lord all that evening. Yesterday, he had been a mighty warrior. Now Israel had lost the battle at Ai, all because one of the men with him had become greedy and brok...
  • Wed at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Don't fight with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel." When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "It is the king of Israel!" Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshap...
  • Tue at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    But Naaman was angry, and went away and said, "Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper' " 2 Kings 5:11 WEB.Naaman stared at his new skin with amazement when he came up from the muddy wa...
View All
  • March 25, 2022 - led by Lynn Brown
    This is a group for RHM sponsored events like corporate fasts. Everyone is welcome to join and participate in things currently going on in the ministry. We love you and thank you for being a part of Refreshing Hope!
View All

The Key Master

  • To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: 'He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things: 'I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name.' Revelation 3:7 WEB

    I grew up as an outcast, the lowest of the low, the least of the least. After mom left, my older brother Randy quit school to take care of my other brother, Ken, and me while Dad worked. Randy was ten years old, Ken was four, I was one. The department of social services then stepped in and tried take us away from Dad to adopt us out.

    Dad would do anything to keep his three sons, anything. He needed a wife, and quick. He had recently begun dating a woman and soon they were married. This woman had married at thirteen and had thirteen children, three did not make it which left her an even ten, five boys and five girls. Her first husband had died in an asylum. When she and Dad married, it was thirteen children again, of which I was the youngest, and an unwanted stepchild at that.

    It was a freakish nightmare that would take a book to contain, but here are a couple of highlights. After Dad left for work, she would put my brother Ken and me out in the yard, bring her children and grandchildren in the house, lock the door, and fix them breakfast. The cereal boxes were kept locked in a cabinet with a padlock. The telephone had a padlock on it. I was the definition of white trailer trash with no more status than the hogs that we raised.

    One day my brother Randy took Ken and me to a revival at a Baptist church and at the end, they gave an altar call. Many people went forward, and I went with them. I was only about six years old, but I wanted to know this loving God they talked about, and if there was a rapture, I certainly wanted to be a part of it. For the first time in my life, there was hope.

    Something in me cried out for help, and said: 'Take me to heaven now!' But the people at the altar turned me away and told me that I was too young to be saved. I was crushed. I still remember that night, going home and thinking that I could not be saved.

    I may have been too young in their eyes, but God followed me home that night. I began to pray every night from that day forward in my life. After a few summers passed, a preacher drove up in our yard one Sunday afternoon and talked with my Dad. He owned a farm about forty minutes away and wanted to take me on as a helper. I could live with him and his wife and they would bring me home on the weekends. Surprisingly, Dad said yes.

    So when school got out that summer, I spent the weeks living with a preacher and working in the tobacco fields. It was hard work, getting up by 5AM and were still checking barns at 11PM. His wife was the best cook, and I had my own room. I got to go to church and see a glimpse of a real family. Though I was still an outsider or servant, it was a big step up for me.

    It was years later in my life before I really got serious about God, and even now I work to make stubborn areas of my life submit to His will. But out of thirteen children, God set me apart that year and began wooing me. When I finally came to the Lord, it was with open arms and wholeheartedly. I still wrestle with baggage, and He still faithfully corrects my course as it is needed.

    Here are some things that I have learned along the way:

    * You do not need anyone's approval or acceptance on this earth. God is able to raise you up outside of their circle. Seek a relationship with Him and the doors that you need will open. He is the Key Master, and He will open doors for you that no man can shut.

    * No one can stop your destiny, except you. As long as you will continue to follow God and keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will overcome.

    * Never give up. This life is not over until you are dead and in the grave. When you fall, get back up and take another step. When you stop getting up, then your journey stalls.

    * It is always you that walks away from Him, and never once will it be Him walking away from you. God will never leave you, nor forsake you, nor imprison you against your will. You are free to leave His house just as the prodigal son left His father's house, if it is your will to do so.

    * God is never mad at you. You can perform the most grievous of sins and break all ten commandments, but when you turn back to Him, He will welcome you back with wide open arms.

    * God is always right in what He says and does. There were so many times when I wanted something to happen a certain way, and it did not. Most of the time, the way that it did happen was better. When it did not happen, it was for my own good and it may have led me away from Him.

    * God never says: 'I told you so.' He will wash you as white as snow, just as if it never happened and never bring your past up again. He will remove your sins. It is satan that constantly brings up your past, not God.

    * It is never too late to get started, but the sooner the better. Just like a wise investment plan, the earlier that you begin, the more fruit that it can bear. Invest your time, money, talents and resources in the kingdom of God and it will have a long term return that can hardly be measured.

    This is our time. We were brought into this world for such a time as this. Let us make our lives count for Jesus. No fear, no turning back, no breaking down. We will hold it together and press forward, following Him one day at a time. Though hell breaks loose around us, we will stay the course and see this through to the end.

    Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want more of You in my life today. More of You Lord is the cry of my heart. Fill the empty places inside of me with Your glorious presence. Let me feel what You feel, and see what You see, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Happy Friday! Just a reminder that if you need prayer, we are here for you! Just go to the Prayer link on the site menu, where you can post private requests that will be lifted up by us and our prayer team. We would be honored and blessed to pray for you!

Tip: You must be logged into the website to leave comments.

 

Social Sharing

25 comments
  • 3
Chris Decker
Chris Decker

This is beautful story of redemption God is so good.I work for DCF the department of children and families with children who are in foster homes and hear some really sad stories of abuse.Your story gives me hope for children who has suffered abuse in one form or another.Thank you again for posting about this. God Bless, Chris Ps wanna write more in regards to all this but need to leave for work.

April 7, 2017
  • 2
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello

10-4 on the struggling with baggage and course correction from God. Been going through it too. Thank you Holy Spirit for speaking these words of encouragement through Pastor Dion. Thank you Pastor Dion,this is a great reminder and encouragement for me this morning. God bless.....

April 7, 2017
  • 2
Kay Collinsworth
Kay Collinsworth

Amen,Thank you God and thank you Pastor Dion for your words.

April 7, 2017
  • 3
Lasheika Simmons
Lasheika Simmons

Thanks so much for sharing this Pastor Todd. Lately, i have been struggling trying to get back to God and I feel like I'm not good enough because of my past. Like you said the enemy reminds us of the past so I've decided to push on. God bless you:)

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Melissa-Peter Busse
Melissa-Peter Busse

God is biased toward you! 

April 7, 2017
  • 3
Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider

This is a wonderful devotion and spoke to me on so many levels! I will reread this over and over. Thank you so much!

I too feel that i came to know God at an early age....which most dont understand. I was on fire for the Lord and "preached" and sang to my grandfathers cows!  I am pretty sure i saved several bovine souls! I have felt God's presence since that time and am so thankful.

April 7, 2017
  • 2
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin

I boo-hooed through this entire devo! God is moving! He is so awesome! He spoke directly to me concerning some things that I have been battling in my mind. Thank you again, Pastor Dion. This is right on time!

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Linda Clark
Linda Clark

Praise God for the word l love this site l read it every morning praise God for his love God bless 

 

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady

Amen!

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Christine Duszka
Christine Duszka

Things we all need to be reminded of during our journey. Once again, Pastor Dion, you hit the nail on the head!  I look forward to meeting all you blessed children of God when  our journey here on earth is complete. In the meantime, we press on toward the mark and then we will receive our promised reward. He who promised is faithful and eager to perform His Word in our lives! 

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt

Pastor Dion, Thank you for sharing Gods purpose for your life, What a awesome testimony that God never waist anything.

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Loriann Riley
Loriann Riley

Good morning Pastor Dion thanks for sharing your life story.  Yes God can turn around bad situation into pearls.  With man all things are impossible but with God all things are possible.  You give me and others hope thank you  

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Lynn Brown
Lynn Brown

I  really enjoy these devotionals, they are such a great start to my day! Thank you pastor! As your song says "more of you Jesus, I want more of you" Amen.

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Beverly Hagar-Schmerse
Beverly Hagar-Schmerseedited: April 7, 2017

Learning to "Be Jesus for others.  And recognize him IN others as well."  Walking the Walk; Talking the Talk; til' at last we can Walk the Talk; and Talk the Walk comfortably.

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Melissa-Peter Busse
Melissa-Peter Busse

Praise God! 

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Debbie Bible
Debbie Bible

What an amazing life you've had so far! Prayers for God to continue to bless you.

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer

Amen Lord Jesus. 

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Rebecca Adkins
Rebecca Adkins

Thank you for sharing your awesome testimony. Praises to our Heavenly Father!

April 7, 2017
  • 2
K K
K K

I loved this message, Pastor. I think more of us come from some very dismal childhoods then others might think. I could relate to this, but none of my life long friends had such childhoods, so they have a hard time relating.  My mother walked out on us too. Dad didn't come home more than 2 or 3 nights a week after that. My older brother bailed on us too not long after mom left he moved in with his best friends family. He was 17 & I was 15. I had to be Mom to my 13 & 10 year old younger brothers. Long story but we did what we had to do to survive including me begging a neighbor lady not to call CPS & have us broken up and taken away. She felt sorry for me and agreed not to.  I was determined to care for and keep my younger brothers together, as a little family.

Thanks to a loving Christian grandma who by then lived far away, I had a base for faith that if I prayed hard enough we'd survive somehow. It was very hard, not a pretty story but we eventually grew up and built lives for ourselves with no real parental guidance on the earth, but love from ABOVE. 

Thank you for sharing. 

God bless and Amen 

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Diane Symborski✝
Diane Symborski✝

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want more of You in my life today. More of You Lord is the cry of my heart. Fill the empty places inside of me with Your glorious presence. Let me feel what You feel, and see what You see, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen. <3

 

Thank you Pastor for todays devotion. You know I always dislike when you call you self white trash. You was a child of God and that women was not a very nice person. What she did to children as a grown adult it was very low and not kind at all. Shame on her for not having a heart that God wanted her to have to protect it and to love with sll of her heart. She had a heart of stone ad very cold. God wa watching over you and you brother when she locked you both out. I would have pushed her in the pantry with the locked food and yelled enjoy all that's in there because that all your getting. I would have told my dad what she was doing so he knew when he came home why she was locked up.. That's just my thoughts and you know what my family went through so anyone that treats children bad in my eyes. I see them as not good people they are what I call toxic people. God, don't make trash or junk. :-) 

April 7, 2017
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams

Praise God!  Thanks Pastor Todd!  Heavenly Father, I want more of You in my life today. More of You Lord is the cry of my heart. Fill the empty places inside of me with Your glorious presence. Let me feel what You feel, and see what You see, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray.  Amen.

April 8, 2017
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus

Amen! Pastors prayer, Heavenly Father, I want more of you in my life today. More of you Lord is the Cry of my heart. Fill the empty places inside of me with your glorious presence. Let me feel what you feel, and see what you see, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray Amen!!

April 8, 2017
  • 2
Michelle  Muff
Michelle Muff

Dear pastor Todd,  

Today you wrote "You do not need anyone's approval or acceptance on this earth. God is able to raise you up outside of their circle. Seek a relationship with Him and the doors that you need will open. He is the Key Master, and He will open doors for you that no man can shut." I needed to hear this so much.  

My heart goes out to the one year old boy in you that was isolated and abused.  If I, sinful as I am feel compassionate towards your situation, imagine the love and concern God had for you.  He has shown His love over and over to you praise God.  

I love what you have learned and need to reread the those truths over and over again.  

Thank you.  

April 9, 2017
  • 2
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh

Amen.Heaven Father thank you that you can change things in our lives for the better and what you want for us,and yet you can use the sad and difficult times we go through as an opportunity to help and reach out to others.Thank you for your love and compassion.Help us to be filled with that same love and compassion towards others even those that we find difficult to love at times.In The Name of Jesus Christ I pray.

April 9, 2017
  • 1
Ida Ruth Rodriguez
Ida Ruth Rodriguez

Amen! I needed this reminder!

April 14, 2017