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  • 5 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?" Balaam said to the donkey, "Because you have mocked me, I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would have killed you." The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not yo...
  • Thu at 3:01 AM
    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...
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  • 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!
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A Carrot on a Stick

  • But Samson said to his father, Get her for me, for she is right in my eyes. His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel. Judg. 14:3-4 ESV

    Samson wanted to marry a Philistine woman and it upset his parents terribly. What on earth is wrong with that kid? his parents must have thought. Yet this desire was given to him by the Lord. The She is right in my eyes that Samson felt came from the Lord. Samsons destiny was down this path and he was drawn to it just like a horse can be led by a carrot on a stick. His parents did not understand his passion, because it was not their calling. The Lord was leading him into his destiny while Samson thought that he was following his own desire.

    When I was growing up, I had such a strong desire to work with computers, even though I grew up on a farm and we did not own one. It seemed so impossible that I did not even pray about it and no one that I knew shared an interest in them. But that desire never left, and when I eventually gathered enough parts, I built my own computer that was housed in a cardboard box for a casing. Fast forward twenty years and I find myself spreading the gospel over the Internet, using computers. It was no accident; I was led here for such a time as this.

    That nagging desire that you have that will not go away may very well be from the Lord, and will one day be used for His purpose in a more distinct way. He respects our free will, but He will often lead us with something that we desire, just like He did with Samson. Like us, you may one day look back and find that your hobby, has become your ministry.

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32 comments
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Pastor, Todd, you remind me of my son! He is a computer geek as well, and we don't have a lot of money, so HE builds his own computers! Now he's attending a 9-month computer school while working TWO jobs! But I digress; I can relate to today's devotional, as always. I always loved to write. Most of my English teachers encouraged me; however, I distinctly recall Mrs R in 10th Grade, who marked my essay with a big fat ? She refused to grade it, because she didn't believe I had written it myself! So from that day on, my dream of becoming a writer was permanently thwarted. Yesterday, I was chastised AGAIN, at my new doctors' office. When I confessed I am writing a book, he promptly dismissed me as delusional and refused to listen to another word I uttered. I was depressed the entire afternoon because of him! Blessings, Kathy
March 24, 2015
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Leslie McLea
Leslie McLea Thank You for bringing light to an old story. Your explanation's help me to see more clearly those things that God wants me to see. (It was no accident; I was led here for such a time as this.)
March 24, 2015
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Jeff Roman
Jeff Roman Hobby- the outdoors . Just started the Highlife Outdoor Ministry. www.highlife-outdoor-ministry.com
March 24, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome Glory Hallelujah praise be the king for he lives in me today. I shall trust him and obey his word amen
March 24, 2015
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Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields Kathy don't let the devil steal your JOY! What God has for you it is just that...FOR YOU....No one can take what GOD has for you.  If HE has placed the desire in your heart to become a writer then so be it...that's what you will be..He shall give you the desires of your heart.  Don't ever give up on your dream!!! Go forth my sister and STAY ENCOURAGED!
March 24, 2015
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Uwalaka Dorathy
Uwalaka Dorathy Father, am ready let your will be done in me, in Jesus Name, Amen.
March 24, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd Love it, we have a lot in common  :)
March 24, 2015
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Lisa Paige
Lisa Paige Father, show me your purpose for me so that I may do your will and not my own.  Amen.
March 24, 2015
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Illamay Parsons
Illamay Parsons Hallelujah Jesus...Thank You for that message. God Bless.
March 24, 2015
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Pam Ivins
Pam Ivins Awesome word, that you for sharing.
March 24, 2015
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Jessie Spriggs
Jessie Spriggs Father God show me your purpose and not my will . Thank you Lord!
March 24, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Your so right! My passion for writing was put on hold until my children were grown. Now my books are my ministry! 
March 24, 2015
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Beatrice "Raye" Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth So true; follow your passion; as the Lord put it in you!  Mine was a sewing machine; I asked for one at 12 and have never stopped sewing; it was a gift I'm forever thankful for as it created friends; and I've enjoyed sharing it with others.
March 24, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you for the message!
March 24, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Yvette Cantrell Good morning and thank you 
March 24, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Yvette Cantrell Listen for The Lord's guidance and be willing even when I lack understanding.  Have a fantabulous day, All Day Long 
March 24, 2015
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Loriann Riley
Loriann Riley Amen
March 24, 2015
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J D  Williams
J D Williams TRULY THE LORD LEADS....
March 24, 2015
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Liesel  aka  Lisa Wardle
Liesel aka Lisa Wardle "For such a time like this" - looking back, I can see the Lord's leading! We are to bloom where we are planted! I was born in Germany, raised and reared in the Roman Catholic Church, (I'm not trying to come down on denominations, this is my story), praying to Mary, etc., trying to do things to earn my way into heaven ... By chance, so I thought, I met my husband to be, who had just turned from Viet Nam, and was doing badly. very very sad, some physical problems, but especially emotional problems. I was trying to help him cope and get better, and my Dad was upset and asked me if I was trying to save the whole world ... Eventually, we got married, left for the States and I had a rude awakening. Life wasn't easy including for our daughter. But I got saved by the Lord's grace, my husband got saved, our daughter and grandson got saved, and whenever I went overseas I witnessed to my Mom & Dad & Siblings. My Mom went to be with the Lord in the year 2013, my Dad, who has Colon Cancer is becoming more and more sensitive and receptive to the word (will be leaving for over there on Easter Sunday) and staying for a few weeks, and I know that HIS word will not return void! The oldest one of my siblings, my brother Ludwig is starting to listen more and more, which is due to the mighty power of the Hl. Spirit! I used to be a banker, before I retired, but when I went overseas so many times to help take care of our Mother, which changed my total focus and outlook. Now I'm a caregiver to some one who is Jewish, who is extremely ill, I believe the Lord put me there, to be a servant and a silent witness! Silent, because I cannot verbally witness, but it says, "by their works you shall know them", and the Lord will provide a way, that much I know! Thank you for your message, Pastor Dion!
March 24, 2015
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Liesel  aka  Lisa Wardle
Liesel aka Lisa Wardle Meant to say "returned from Viet Nam", fifth line, prev. paragraph.
March 24, 2015
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Randy Dodge
Randy Dodge Sometimes we just have to wait and go through the trials  before the ministry materializes and the blessings come.  Hold on our best life is just around the bend in life’s road. “Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”Hebrews 12:2b NLT We often miss out on God’s best but we don’t have to if we are willing to go through the pain and sorrows, as He strengthens us to work through the trails we all will face (Job 5:7: John 16:33). The problem is not the blessings coming from God but our unwillingness to do His will to pick up our cross daily and face our trials and endure the pain as mature adults. We give up on God and go our own way because we want the pain to stop, we want out so we get deceived to go our own way thinking it will stop the pain, end the sorrows, by skirting the trials. In the verses below Jesus knew the horrible anguish of the cross He was about to face and though He was 100% God and 100% man, His human side did not want to face the pain but He chose to suffer more than any person so our penalty could be paid in full if we believe in Him! “He told them,   “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” He went on a little farther and fell to the ground. He prayed that, if it were possible, the awful hour awaiting him might pass him by.   “Abba, Father,” He cried out, “everything is possible for you. Please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want your will to be done, not Mine.” Mark 13:34-36 NLT
March 24, 2015
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Tiffany  Polisoto
Tiffany Polisoto Sometimes I feel him around me and other times, I don't. I have seen him work in people's lives. So, this message just reconfirms everything for me. Thank you.
March 24, 2015
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kylie dempsey
kylie dempsey That still small voice...which is so insistent at times! He has faith in me....He see's who I can be...I just need to obedient and follow those desires He has put on my heart....no matter how unattainable they seem.
March 24, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery I have been like you Pastor Todd...spreading the gospel over the internet for about 2-1/2 years.  But God is telling me to start getting out now that it is Spring and try to start sharing the gospel.  I have gotten out twice...the Saturday before Spring and yesterday.  My hobby is my ministry 24/7, but I am still a "rookie," learning as a student and serving God.  My eye is on Jesus, and I'm looking up instead of back or down...moving forward!  Thank you for your words!
March 24, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery that is very well put.  I am 58 and have waited.  I just need to count my blessings among other things.  If my faith is hindered, I am able to recognize and lean on God to keep me with faith, hope and love.
March 24, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I am continually amazed in the way God has gifted you so & as you say here it is being for the help of us all "on-line" CHURCH!!
March 24, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler PS thank all of you for prayers for my dog named Pumpkin.  At the dog hospital they found a benign growth along her right shoulder area.  No pain, no need for meds and she may look different & even walk a little off but her very very friendly spirit is with her.  Her day is made when a neighbor or stranger pets her & she loves them back with licks & kisses.  Kids say "look she's washing my face"!  I say stay there and she will climb all over you even high schoolers for we live near a very large school complex with all grades.  Thanks again to you...my heart is lifted up to Him in all Praise & my husband's where her paw print lies:)
March 24, 2015
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Rosemary  Sambrano
Rosemary Sambrano Amen! Thank you Pastor Dion Todd for your message! I needed this reminder! May GOD continue to use you in such a mighty way! GOD bless you always!
March 25, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!
March 25, 2015
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Evan Force
Evan Force This makes me stop and look at my life and consider the thing(s) that I enjoy and desire :)
March 25, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander This comment us the Truth
March 25, 2015
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Ruth Martin
Ruth Martin Four messages in a row that I have read, all pointing me to maintaining my desire and ability to do that job. . .wow. Thank you, Pastor Todd, for such wonderful reaffirmations!
March 29, 2015