Recent Blog Entries
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The Vineyard from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. I have always admired Amos, who was a shepherd in a field when the Lord told him to go and prophesy to King Jeroboam in Bethel. The priest Amaziah told him to prophesy somewhere else. They weren't interested in what the Lord had to say, but A... -
for a righteous man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked are overthrown by calamity. Proverbs 24:16 WEB.Once again, I was the one who promised he would never do it again, then went and did it again. I had slowly drifted away one more time. I have found that it's easy to make promises...
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Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? Haven't you made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth your hand now, and touch all t...
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- led by Lynn BrownThis 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!
Fly Like an Eagle
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As an eagle that stirs up her nest, that flutters over her young, he spread abroad his wings, he took them, he bore them on his feathers. Deuteronomy 32:11 WEB
When an eagle has its young, it lines the inside of its nest with feathers, fur and other soft material to make the little ones comfortable in the nest. The parents hunt and bring food to feed them. Basically they wait on the little ones hand and foot and try their best to make them comfortable in the nest.
Later, when the little ones grow and get mature enough to fly on their own, the parents start pulling the fur out of the nest, exposing the sticks and making them uncomfortable. They also stop bringing food, or bring food but place it on a limb outside of the nest so the eaglets have to come out of the nest to get it. Then they place it further and further away and the delays between eating become longer each day. Finally the little eagle will take flight and leave the nest to find food on their own.
We went through a season where our business was dying and no amount of advertising, giving, praying, or fasting could change it. When we advertised, it was like throwing money in the trash. When we gave, we just had less. When we prayed, we got cold silence. When we fasted, we were only hungry. We held on as long as could, paying our bills with credit cards. Finally, we had to close it and began looking for other work. That was when our life suddenly changed for the better. Soon afterwards we found ourself in ministry and writing this devotional. The end result was great, but getting here was rough.
Sometimes the Lord will make your situation uncomfortable. No matter where you turn, no matter how hard you pray, the sticks are still there and you are starving. When this happens, it is time to fly. Everything that you see is temporary (2 Corinthians 4:18). Jobs end, and new opportunities begin. There is a season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1), and an important thing to know is that seasons change. Don't be afraid to let go. He will catch you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please guide me today and give me a clear direction. I want to follow You, but to be honest, sometimes I don't know what to focus on. Give me clarity and speak to me in a way that I understand. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
Note: Good morning! The Creation Photographers fun theme for the week is "The Many Colors of Love", based on 1 Cor 13:4-8! As always, you are free to post anything else that inspires you, too! ALSO, the latest Bible Study covering Luke Chapter Twenty-One is now available! For links to these areas and more, please see the Announcements at the top of our home page here: Announcements> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
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So awesome ,Pastor
Since my accident at college in 2011, my life changed so drastically. I was only 8 credits away from Associate Degree in Office Technology. It took several years, but I thank God for revealing part of His plan for me. As I drive from one place to another (In my lil pick-up truck that God gave me) Taking food and warm clothes that I have collected to the homeless and less fortunate; I realize that I wasn't meant to work in the corporate world, instead serving others to let them know that they're not forgotten and that they are loved so very much...well it's so amazing.I cannot express in words how much it warms my heart to see a smile from a small child who is trying on a used coat that she thinks is worth a thousand dollars; a mother and father in tears as they get boxes full of food from the back of mine and God's little truck. The father telling me he recently lost a job of. 19yrs and that they will be losing their home the next week, having absolutely no idea where they are going to go. He humbly says that for this week, they will have food because of my church. That, through all of this, he is not afraid because "GOD has him covered". I'm so thankful that I fell down those steps in 2011. I am poor, but I am happy. Praise the Lord for another day.
Thank you and Sylvia for all that you do and for helping me to get through the last few years.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I have plans for you
Rebecca
What a beautiful ministry He has brought you, Rebecca, praise God! I pray that He guides you every day and provides for all that is needed to do His work <3!
Thank you so much , Sylvia. While on my fast last month,one thing I really prayed for was for me to expand my help to others by doing more than delivering food. I have been sick a few weeks and just know that the devil is trying to hold me back. Well, he just has to hit the road because I'm not giving in and giving up. I'm just starting, but I have a vision and with God on my side, I can't go wrong. During the middle of the night a few weeks ago, I kept trying to sleep, but kept getting woke up by a still small voice giving me new ideas, New steps. A name for my ministry. I filled several pages out half asleep and was so amazed at what I had written down when I did wake up. "KEEPING WARM & OTHER STUFF TOO" It's a small start. I'm reminded that each day I read RHM, it's such an encouraging time for me as I have watched this ministry grow more and more. The Sky is the Limit.
God bless you.
There are several coins on God's Kingdom on Earth, for different purposes. One coin in one of its sides says Hebrews 13:16., in the other side says Luke 6:38. Rebecca, you are rich. Yes, giving with joy bring more joy. Bless you sister.
Thank you, Maria. I will ponder on these verses tonight. May God Bless you, my friend.
Rebecca
GOD Bless you Rebecca. Whatever you do, do it all for the GLORY OF GOD. PRAISE THE LORD AND GIVE THANKS TO OUR GREAT GOD
That's awesome! You're doing the work God has given you,being His hands and feet! He has made you to be a vessel of honor to do His will! God bless!
Richard, Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm so grateful for the path I feel God is paving for my journey.
Yes Lord Jesus, amen
Amen!!
Amen!
Amen! Father please let us know when it is time for a change, your ways are so much higher than our ways!
Thank you Jesus for all you have done in our lives.We are retired now and still loving Gods blessings. Amen
Thank you Pastor for that great message! Amen.
OH Dear God. We are facing new challenges and I pray you show me which way to turn. I am not alone as I should be, I have grandchildren and great grandchildren to consider. My wonderful husband now deceased. Please God show me the way. Whatever way I go God please go with us and guide us. Continue to provide for us please. In the name of Jesus Amen.
praying for you.....
"Sometimes the Lord will make your situation uncomfortable. No matter where you turn, no matter how hard you pray, the sticks are still there" - This is me! I've experienced so much anger with God and so much disappointment in Him this past week, but He's so awesome. He gently reminded me a couple of days ago that He is the same God who gave me victory after victory. He is the same God who has blessed me so abundantly. He has always been there... healing, providing, blessing, saving, restoring. So although I absolutely dislike the circumstances that I am currently experiencing, I am reassured that God is good ALL the time... in the good and the bad. As the devo says, "seasons change", so I am encouraged that it won't be this way always. In the meantime, I can use this time to draw closer to my Father. I'm sure there are many things that He longs to speak to my heart as I spend more and more time with Him. Thought someone else might be able to glean from this. Blessings, everyone.
Absolutely. He will never leave us or forsake us.I'm really learning to accept: Lean not on your own understanding, but mine. GOD'S ways are not ours,...His Will, not mine. Stacie, I hope the storm calms down for You soon.
We read the Bible during our Christian life, but for each season there are some situations that shake us so hard that we don't understand if it is because we did something wrong, or if it is a devil's work, or what. Certainly we are in God's hands & helped by His Holy Spirit, but when in the middle of a shake we don't see the way, nor understand why is happening "that", and over all looks like God's answer do not come, at one point His Word is going to be sent to us, as a key to open the enlightment room. THANKS PASTOR DION FOR DELIVER THAT KEY WORD, CERTAINLY GOD USE YOU HELPING US IN OUR PATH TO KEEP GOING AHEAD, BLESS YOU, YOUR MINISTRY, YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FINANCES.
Amen
When I realized that He directs my steps, I learned to just trust Him, He knows where I will be ten years from now, so my struggling against divine providence is beyond futile. It's best to just learn no matter how difficult change can be to just enjoy the ride. Life can be a roller coaster, so sometimes we just have to ride it, screaming all the way until it comes to an end.
A great way to look at it, Carol.
Amen, thank You Father for all Your blessings. I know You are leading me through the right path and I trust You. Talk to me in a way I understand and follow Your designs,in Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Thank you Pastor for these words.
Amen
Thank you Pastor Dion Todd for this on time message
Amen!
Heavenly Father please guide me today and give me a clear direction. I want to follow You, but to be honest, sometimes I don't know what to focus on. Give me clarity and speak to me in a way that I understand. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen <3
I agree and pray this prayers over me, I pray in Jesus, name. Amen <3
Thank You Pastor Dion for todays devotion. :-)
Amen❤
I don’t know how but almost every time I read your blog, I feel your blogs are written just for me. Thank you pastor Todd!!
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! This is just where I am right now! Heavenly Father please guide me today and give me a clear direction. I want to follow You, but to be honest, sometimes I don't know what to focus on. Give me clarity and speak to me in a way that I understand. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.
Yes Lord....give me clarity and speak to me in ways that I can understand. Amen!