Recent Blog Entries
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I See You from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. When I was young in the Lord, I felt insignificant in His eyes. I had been beaten down by life pretty good and often the clothes I wore had as well. When I started going to church, I was often surrounded by people wearing suits and driving cars ... -
David said to Saul, Your servant was keeping his father's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after him, and struck him, and delivered it out of his mouth; and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and struck him, and killed him. ...
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If He comes suddenly, do not let Him find you sleeping. Mark 13:36 NIVThere was a time in our life when our business started failing and our income got less, and less, and then stopped. As the bills started piling up, we tried everything, but nothing seemed to help. We gave more, prayed more, fasted...
One Step at a Time
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By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 ESV
The Lord told Abram to leave his fathers house and country and travel to a land that He would show him in Genesis, Chapter 12. After this it simply says, "So Abram went as the Lord had told him." What a step of faith it was for Abram to leave his country and his family, without even knowing where he was going.At this point God had not done anything for Abram yet, except to tell him to leave his home. Yet he stayed positive, completely convinced that God was able to do what He had told him. Abram did not have to leave his country at all if he had chosen not to. He made a choice to do what God told him and now we read about Abraham, the father of nations. If Abram had chosen not to go, God would have used someone else and we might be reading about someone named Mathez - the father of nations.
Only the first step of Gods plan was revealed to him: leave this place. Later after Abram obeyed, God gave him the next step. He walked with God one step at a time, often not understanding why or where. When God tested Abram by asking him to sacrifice Issac, do you think that he wondered why? I would have.
Many times in my life I did not understand what the Lord was doing or why. I just had to take that next step and trust that the problem was going to work itself out, and it did, time after time after time. If you hold onto what God has told you and walk through the doors that He opens for you, things will work out. Though it is a narrow path lined with thorns, He has cleared the way in front of you. Stop looking to the left or the right, and focus on Jesus. Trust Him and do not let fear and unbelief hold you back. You do not have to understand where this is going or why, because He does.
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Lissy Verghese
Thank you for the message!
March 25, 2015
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Don Jensen
"One step at a time, one day at a time! God's got this!" became my family's mantra this past summer. Our 13 year old son suffered an ischemic stroke on August 6 followed by a hemorrhagic transformation of the stroke on August 15. We were scared and anxious bing three hours away, but by the time we left home to go to the hospital, I had prayed and had an OVERWHELMING sense of peace the entire trip. It broke my heart to see my so again lying unresponsive in a hospital bed as he had during his younger years. He was born with a severe congenital heart defect and has undergone several surgeries and procedures. Knowing there was really nothing we could physically do, we prayed and gave it all to God! His plans are unseen to us, but the steps we need to take come one at a time! Thank you for this great message!
March 25, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Oh YES1 I agree and can relate; I really think there are certain aspects of life God will not reveal to us while we remain sojourners here.God's ways are, indeed, higher than ours!
March 25, 2015
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Lisa Paige
God has not revealed his purpose for me or if he has I just am not getting it. I pray and pray for him to show me the path which he wants me to follow but I am not seeing that door open. I wish he would use me in a way that would not only fulfill his purposes for me but to bring me purpose as well. What am I missing?
March 25, 2015
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Valerie King
Amen! So true
March 25, 2015
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Rosemary Sambrano
Amen! Thank YOU JESUS because I know that YOU have everything under control! Thank you Pastor Dion Todd for another great message! Thank you also for letting GOD lead you! GOD bless you always!
March 25, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
I have come a long hard road but God has brought me through it all. Hallelujah Glory Praise you Jesus. Amen
March 25, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Yes, Amen Thank you Pastor Todd
March 25, 2015
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Chinye Kwentua
I have asked the question a lot . Thanks.
March 25, 2015
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Joda Hisle
I keep asking this. I have to take a comp exam on April 21 and pass it in order to graduate. I keep failing my pre-tests and am struggling to pass the class. This would be the only thing holding me back from graduating with my masters in social work.
March 25, 2015
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Audry Reddy
When our house was foreclosed I knew it was God's hand cuz I'd been praying to Him to get us out of the city. I told my husband that God had something for us and I would search until I found it! Every door He opened I went thru but nothing fit. Then one night, after looking at a 4 room apartment with no closets, I was ready to give up. Then I saw a letter on top of my mail pile from a pastor friend and he told me don't give up, all I need is faith! So, the next day I picked up the local paper ,went to my church's gazebo, and prayed I find OUR house. We've been in our beautiful house for 5 years now and it's in a quaint little town where people are nice and friendly and I watch the deer in our yard and the birds at my feeder! I thank God every day for our dream house!! :)
March 25, 2015
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Joan Joseph
Sometimes I would question God and ask, why Lord are these things happening to me? He tells me, my thoughts are not your thoughts nor my ways are your ways. He knows whats best for me. To God be the glory.
March 25, 2015
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Marisa Barnett
We recently adopted our niece she was abandoned with us with only the clothes on her back in September. I was in my third trimester and had our first child in November. Financially we started to struggle as we now have to pay two child care amounts and lawyer fees. We asked God to relieve us if any debt which even consists of our current house.we searched for months to find a home in our nieces school district to keep her in the same school and God provided us the perfect house, now, we are believing God to provide us with the money for the deposit and first months rent which is both due in the same week. We know God can do it!!! We are stepping out in faith. This is going to help improve our lives so greatly we just have to rely on Him. Thank you for today's devotional.
March 25, 2015
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Sheri Stewart
you do not have to understand where you are being led. we are to listen,trust, believe follow and love God...thats it
March 25, 2015
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Sunnie McPhetres
My daughter is a senior in high school and really does not know what path she would like to take through life. A very wise counselor told her, "You don't need to know what you will do for a life time, you just have to figure out what you want to do next." One day at a time, Sweet Jesus!
March 25, 2015
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Dion Todd
There are times when we are waiting, and there is no way to explain it. It happens to everyone in seasons. Keep your chin up, it will happen :)
March 25, 2015
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Shawntel Guillory
Refreshing Hope Ministries has been such a blessing. I am grateful how I stumbled upon these devotionals. I am in awe of how God will get our attention if only we take the time to seek & listen. Todays devotional "checked" me for my lack of focus on Jesus. I will lean not to my own understanding & trust God to continue to lead me where I need to be. Glory to God for this word, & thank you for allowing Him to use you to bless others with it.
March 25, 2015
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Shawntel Guillory
Stay encouraged! God didn't have you work this hard & bring you this far to have you fail. You will pass it & go on to do great things because you did!
March 25, 2015
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BECKY SULLIVAN
I needed this this morning. Feels like the doors are closing and I don't know what he wants me todo. I don't know if I am headed the right way. I want things to be easier. I want things back the way they were. I don't understand why things happened and I am hurt and I am struggling. Each day I feel as though I will never understand this process and how much it hurts. The thorns seem so thick.
March 25, 2015
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Cynthia Crosby
Becky Sullivan, keep pushing forward. I know how hard it is to believe that God can fix our problems. We just have to believe so we can come out on the other side. Jesus, loves You!! He, is right beside you. Listening to you. I know one time, when this guy I loved beyond anything I could imagine, left me. I was at a loss. I cried myself to sleep every night and cried everyday. It sounds ridiculous, now to me. I remember falling on my knees in the front yard crying out to Jesus and then this amazing calm came over me. I know He was there. I know, He loves me like no other could. I know, Jesus will never leave my side or yours. Everything will be okay, even if you can't see it.
March 25, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Hello...
Amen Amen Amen! God I Trust and Need You! Have Your Way.
Enjoy this day you all.
March 25, 2015
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Sonya Stanley
Life is so overwhelming, we as humans don't know how to slow down .We run instead of taking steps and this leads to an early death. Lord, help us to do thing your way, in your time, and at your pace....Amen. Thanks Pastor Todd
March 25, 2015
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Cynthia Crosby
March 25, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
Good morning, Becky. God is preparing you for your next level. Things never stay the same, thus we would not grow.
We have a mission to complete.
Keep your hands in God's hand while keeping an Opened mind and Willing spirit for God to have His Way in your life. To GOD be The Glory.
March 25, 2015
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Carol Pady
I have had many doors close in my life and my children's lives. Sometimes they were slammed shut ,leaving us in shock and causing us to feel like a rug was pulled out from under our feet. When all seemed lost there was God listening to our fervent prayers. His answer was the opening of a new door and the faith to walk through it not knowing where it may lead. He always provided for our every need, physically, mentally,emotionally and spiritually! Abba Father is always good!
March 25, 2015
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Randy Dodge
Amen God does not need to tell us the second step until we have taken the first. God bless
March 25, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Look to Right: Jesus...He is Right. No more for me of what, when, who, where, how I have left all of these years. I have moved many times in my life, not always listening to God. I moved here to Texas in 2013 to marry a retired pastor, but that was a brief marriage when he said he listened to the flesh and not the Spirit. I thought God had finally blessed me with a happily ever after, but He told me to wait and I will send you the best. In 2014, after a very long separation, the divorce was final on Dec. 3, and I lost a car that he gave to me as a wedding present shortly after we married. The lease was in his name, and at the divorce hearing, he said I would need $600 to put it in my name. The judge asked me if I wanted to postpone the divorce to go do that, but I didn't have that much money at the time, and I was finally ready for the divorce to be final. During the year-long separation, he helped me with transportation because I had an expired driver's license, but I started to enjoy walking in my new area. I had my license renewed in August 2014, and he let me have the car for a month. He took it back after I drove to Louisiana in September to visit family and friends by telling me I abused the car. He did not want me to have a car if there was a possibility that I would move back to LA, my home state. Now I know there is an unconditional love with Jesus Christ...walking doesn't cost anything...Jesus did it...walking is better for my health, so God has sent me my happily ever after. I may not have all the best yet, but God is enough. I will work til Jesus comes, and I will walk til Jesus comes unless a miracle happens. I finally saw the "Giving" at the top of the page, so I know where to go when I get my check at the beginning of April. I have not had a decent family visit in almost 3 years except when my daughter and her infant son lived with me for 3 months from Sept. to Oct. I keep in touch with all close family and friends. They know where I am so they can come see me! On my bucket list is to get a bicycle and a back pack in Jesus' name, Amen
March 25, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Pastor Todd and everyone else who may read this. I just now wrote a long testimony since 2013 to present. I don't want to talk about anything that happened before that time...I have let, let God; forgiven and trying to forget. :-)
March 25, 2015
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Marilyn DeJongh
It seems like each time I stumble, God's there to pick me up, even tho' I often fail to consult Him in my decisions. He doesn't give up on me and lets me know, I'm not alone on the journey. "You do not have t understand where this is going or why, because He does." Thanks for the reminder, Pastor Todd.
March 25, 2015
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Kelli Lane
Amen this post really spoke to me this morning I'm going through so much right now and don't know what to think or which way to go but reading this was right on time I know God got me and has things under control. I trust you Jesus
March 25, 2015
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Dion Todd
It will get better in the name of Jesus.
March 25, 2015
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J D Williams
THANK YOU LORD JESUS FOR LEADING AND GUIDING ME.....
March 25, 2015
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Loriann Riley
Pastor Todd I really need to hear this message cause I might be going through changes in my life soon I don't know what God has in store for me but I am trusting and believing in him thank you
March 25, 2015
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Joy Soriano
I so needed this right now - I know God has a Plan for all of us - alone, now, I pray I'm able to hear what The Lord is telling me - where I should be or go, what to give up or keep - and how to help others when I'm now more incapacitated. Dear Lord hear my prayer!
March 25, 2015
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Linda Porter
Often, I question why certain things don't work out for me. Other times I let it all up to HIM. I guess we have to be faithful that when the correct time comes we'll find out or know. God time and not ours!
March 25, 2015
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LaShanda Conyers
Amen, we must trust Gods plan for our lives no matter the situations ir cirmunstances bc God is greater than them all and knows whats best for us.
March 25, 2015
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Lorene Allman Mars
I love your daily posts, but today I must disagree.. you state "When God tested Abram by asking him to sacrifice Issac, do you think that he wondered why? I would have.
At this point God had not done anything for Abram yet..."
But God had given him Issac.. that was a BIG something that God had ALREADY done..
By cutting and pasting the Bible to make it fit our theme for the day we rob the audience of God's miraculous power. Reading what you have written today, if I didn't understand the significance of Issac's birth, I would think how could this be? I would feel as though my faith was not as strong as Abrams. But he had already experienced God's miraculous power so it gave him the faith he needed to follow God's directives.
March 25, 2015
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Gary Brown
Sometimes God speaks to us through that still small voice; sometimes He speaks to us through others. I think the latter is the case today. I've been praying for just enough light to see the next step for some time, and your devotional today has helped to reaffirm those actions. Thank you Bro Todd. Hope you and yours are happy and blessed. . .
March 25, 2015
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Doris Timmins-Swinford
I am singing "One day at a time Sweet Jesus!" and "Time after Time!" Just needed this reminder for each of these today! Thank you
March 25, 2015
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Cheryl Wilson
Thanks Pastor Todd because I need to be reminded sometimes........not my will and timing but His!
March 25, 2015
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Dion Todd
Those paragraphs should be reversed. The paragraph that you mention is speaking about the original verse. When God told Abram to leave his country he did NOT yet have Isaac or a promise of him. The Bible does not mention that the Lord had done anything for Abram before that. The point of the story is that Abram obeyed though he did not know where he was going or why.
I will reverse the order of paragraphs to clear that up. Thanks for pointing it out. I could see where it could be read wrong. :)
March 25, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Yes, what a question & why....what is the teaching? I saw it was o see if God was first in Abram's life. I always wondered if I was Issac what would I be thinking about My Father is going to kill me & I need to obey. The lamb provide at a timely moment was such I believe if I was the son. Did Issac think over the years on it or was quicken in his Spirit to understand? Next is God sharing a piece of His heart..his son for all ourselves. Obedience is key no matter which way. Wait to hear others comments:)
March 25, 2015
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Tina G
I traded in my crystal ball for Gods plan. Released to me in His time. What a relief!
March 25, 2015
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Kevin Cosse
Yes, and Amen! Very recently, I stepped out of something big, to start small with something again. The only Lord is certainly having it grow, and very peacefully. :)
March 25, 2015
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Susan Shane
Opportunities multiply as they are seized. Sun Tzu pic: Japanese Kano/ Phila Art Museum
March 25, 2015
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Linda Leeke
so true.. I am listening and trying to learn not to run ahead of God... His plan is perfect and I keep trying to make my will.. no longer... I wait and Pray... blessings
March 25, 2015
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Mary Rivera
I'm trying to listen and hear what God is saying I'm still learning to be obedient. Praying for God to move in my life and in the lives of my children.
March 26, 2015
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Lucas Napo
A M E N
March 26, 2015
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Anna Eriksdotter
Thank you!!!
March 26, 2015
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BECKY SULLIVAN
thank you Cynthia I have hit my knees crying every day for 7 weeks I just want it to get easier. I thank you for your words.
March 26, 2015
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BECKY SULLIVAN
thank you I needed this
March 26, 2015
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Mahlet Tsegaye
God bless you Pastor ! I need today's message because I have so many questions in my mind , why this is happening ?
Oh help me God to hear your voice to see your plan.
March 26, 2015
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Rachel Bueno
What an awesome message. I truly believe in what God has for me. I moved 700 miles back home, gave up a great job, sold my house to care for my dad. I felt God gave me this job and although it is a roller coaster I will see this through. I had so many people tell me I was crazy to make my dad move in with me. He is happy in his home. Most of all I gave up a position in church to teach preschool children. I just pray I will have this opportunity again thank you for today's word. Blessings to you all.
March 27, 2015
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Irene Burgon
Great message! Many times I used to find myself doubting God because things were not going my way. Today I leave it in God's hands and it has changed my stress and my life.
March 29, 2015
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Ruth Martin
Wow. I have mentioned that my Husband and I are being considered for driving jobs. Everyone who knows me, for the most part, keeps telling me to go for it because I have always wanted to do this kind of work. But there are still a couple of people, my Mom included, that keep worrying that my "illness" will keep me from being able to do this job. I do suffer from panic and anxiety attacks. Have for years. Getting meds for that and counseling has helped so much, but they still treat me as if the illness controls me instead of the other way around. This writing just makes me feel that much better about having applied for this job.
March 29, 2015
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Mayra Prado
I love this!
March 29, 2015