Recent Blog Entries
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The Way Maker from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. The Israelites had lived in Egypt for centuries when the Lord sent Moses to free them from slavery. A hundred years may seem like a long time to us, but to the Lord, it's merely a dramatic pause. The Lord had told Abram what was coming long ... -
Because he has set his love on me, therefore I will deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him, and honor him. I will satisfy him with long life, and show him my salvation.' Psalm 91...
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For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Don't be afraid; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13 WEB.We have a proverb we live by when performing live music: "If you hit a bad note, hit it good." Yes, it should be "hit it well," but that's the phrase I grew up hearing in South Caroli...
From The Inside Out
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When they arrived, Samuel saw Eliab and thought, Surely the LORDS anointed stands here before the LORD. But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:6 NIV
King Saul was chosen to be the king of Israel, the most handsome and tallest man in the land (1Sam. 9:2). Yet despite these "assets", when the Lord told him to destroy the Amalekites, he was afraid of the people and disobeyed the Lord (1 Sam 15:24). He looked strong on the outside, but was weak within.
God chose a new king and told Samuel to go to Bethlehem and anoint him. When Samuel arrived there and saw Jesses son Eliab standing tall and strong, he was ready to anoint him, but the Lord told him this is not the one. Seven of Jesses sons passed before Samuel and the Lord said no, no, no, no, no, no, no.
Finally the line of would-be kings reached the end. Samuel was confused and asked Jesse if this was all of his sons. Jesse reluctantly admitted that the youngest one was tending the sheep. The word that Jesse used for David was the same word that we use for "runt", meaning insignificant, lesser, or small. Samuel told Jesse to bring him and when little David walked up, the Lord said, This is the one. Anoint him.
We see people from the outside in and often judge them by their attractiveness, talent, or wealth. God sees us from the inside out. Who you are when no one is looking is who you really are. The unseen things that you do, are seen by the only One who matters, so make it count.
David, the little shepherd boy, was anointed and went on to become the greatest king ever. God saw more inside of David than anyone else did. God knows your heart. Though you may be the least and not in a position of power yet, though you take care of smelly things that others are too good to do, God sees you and there will be a reward.
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Leslie McLea
Just Awesome !
April 29, 2015
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J D Williams
JUST AS DAVID SAID IN PSALMS 139 LORD SEARCH AND KNOW MY HEART IF THERE BE ANY THING THATS NOT PLEASEING TO YOU TAKE IT AWAY FROM ME.....
April 29, 2015
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Celeste Strenn
Thank You Lord :)! After being bullied in school, and abused from an ex-husband, it was easy for me to believe that all that mattered was outside, thank God so much!! That He wants , He sees only my heart!!!!!
April 29, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
I can relate! I was bullied and ridiculed by classmates, tormented at work, bullied by my parents and then, my ex husband.Right now, my ex still lives with me, but he can be the nastiest man alive, also, he is NOT a believer! He claims the Bible is "fantasy", or fairy tales. What we women put up with sometimes--LOL!
April 29, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
AMEN!! No wonder Bathsheba didn't say no!
April 29, 2015
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Jessie Spriggs
Amen. I feel like this sometimes, But I know God is able. Thank you Lord
April 29, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Thank you Lord it is wonderful to be alive today
April 29, 2015
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Deb Cooke
I am so GLAD that God sees my heart... even when it's full of sin! No one knows me like My God and that is SO comforting!
April 29, 2015
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Marisa Jackson
Amen, Amen, Amen!!!!
April 29, 2015
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Marilyn Salter
This passage is something I have always believed. And I have instilled it in my children. We have a saying, beauty is only skin deep and ugly goes straight to the bone.
April 29, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
So True, Amen
April 29, 2015
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Tonya Jones
Amen.. So true.. You can't always judge a book by its cover.. Looks can be deceiving
April 29, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
I love this, God does look on the heart. I pray that God will show me , the hearts of others, and that I will love like Christ loved. God takes the runt's and makes something so special out of them. The world today puts so much attention on the outward appearance. I thank God that He sees my heart.
April 29, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
Amen..
April 29, 2015
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Alane Grosz
This message was written for me, as I struggle to walk with Jesus at all times.
April 29, 2015
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Anna Eriksdotter
Words!!!!!
April 29, 2015
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Anna Eriksdotter
<3
April 29, 2015
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Fred Abeysundera
I really like this! We so often judge people by what we see on the surface, not taking the time or making the effort to see the real person on the inside. Real beauty is not our superficial appearance, it is who we are inside.
April 29, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen, because a beautiful person on the outside may be really ugly on the inside.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I pray where you have that struggle to walk with Jesus becomes a walk of joy and peace in Jesus name.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carol Pady
Amen!
April 29, 2015
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Diane Casey
I have always felt insignificant, I have been in the ministry for over thirty years, I am always beating myself up, and a couple of people in my church reminded me of the scripture where we are created in the image of God and that we are beautiful and wonderfully made. I am fighting low self esteem, due to my childhood, and the way my ex made me feel. I just willingly in the last few years started accepting the fact that God called me to carry his word, even though I was preaching, I wasn't willingly doing it. So as tears form in my eyes knowing that God saw me and still found me worthy even though I felt like I wasn't. I am still struggling with this, but I am leaning and depending on his word to me. I appreciate your devotionals.
April 29, 2015
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Rose Sicilia
Each morning I start with my thanks to the Lord for another day then I pray even throughout the day and at night when I am speaking to my Lord I tell Him I know he knows what is in my heart and that's all that matters to me. People can say what they like about me but I let it go and Give it to My Lord. I used to be very defensive and react especially to injustice but none of that matters. My Lord knows me and my heart and I have peace. Thank you Jesus. Amen
April 29, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Father, I lift up Diane to you and pray that you please draw her to you and bless her with a profound encounter of your love for her and of how much you value her, in the name of Jesus!
April 29, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen!
April 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
Amen!
April 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
If you could only see yourself through His eyes and the love that He has for you, your whole life would be changed. :)
April 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
Amen!
April 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
One day at a time :)
April 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
I think that is a very true saying! People make themselves ugly by displaying the poison they contain :)
April 29, 2015
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Kate Bergin
This an imperative message to reflect upon in today's world - whereas your car, clothes, bank account and credit score tells others all there is to know about you. Unfortunately, most are unaware that God sees us as we came out the womb - innocent, naked and unblemished by the world's material things. He yearns for our spirit to remain newly born - open only to love and obedience. When we witness the carefree laughter and playfulness of a small child, we see ourselves through the eyes of the Almighty, and how He intends for us all to be - joyful and bound only to His glory and grace. Rather than weep in despair over conditions created by an ungodly world, Let us rejoice as children in the great gift of His abiding love.
April 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess... Rom. 14:11 :)
April 29, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Kate, well said!
April 29, 2015
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Uwalaka Dorathy
Amen
April 29, 2015
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Joy Sue Callahan
I too have always felt to be less than others, not ss smart, not as pretty, just not good enough. Then I decided to walk with my Lord and He has allowed me the ability to realize that I am beautiful of heart and I am always loved by Him. Through his Grace I have been given oppprtunities I never dreamed possible and I will use them in a manner that I pray will always be pleasing to Him.
April 29, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Joy!
April 29, 2015
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Conchita Bowman
Thank you for reminding us to the fact that God looks inside our hearts and not our outside appearance.
April 29, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Lisa, that is a blessing to have a parent who encouraged you like that, and wonderful that you are passing that blessing on!
April 29, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen, this was how I was taught too. I have never looked on the outside, but always looked in the heart. It's amazing what is on the inside.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Yvette Cantrell
GLORY GLORY GLORY!!!! HAVE YOUR WAY LORD, FOR YOU KNOW BEST
April 29, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen. i am so glad Jesus see's my heart, because i am very self conscious of my outward appearance.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes even in our insecurities Jesus an make things possible that seemed impossible. Jesus loves us so.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I am so glad that Jesus knew us even before we were conceived. He knew our hearts as we grew in the womb and He knew what our hearts would be like as we began to grow up. I He loves us no matter what, but He wants us to accept Him as our Savior, and be in His perfect will. So I really began to try to think as a little child, so that I could be humble.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Rose, I sure understand how you felt. I have been hurt in so many ways that I never would have imagined and at one time I would have let this pain grow and grow. But I know Jesus knows my heart and the pain that I felt when it comes knocking, I give it all to Jesus.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Jesus loves and cares for you far beyond what we can imagine. He loves us inside out and outside in. His love is so great.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, we must look inside a person, even when their actions maybe ugly, somewhere and somehow I try to always find that good inside. Even if I have to pull it out. Lol
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, if we were judged by out outward attitudes, we possibly would never understand what its like to look deep inside someones heart. So Jesus gives us the ability as Christians to look inside and find that beautiful soul.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Me too, I am so glad Jesus see's my heart.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, it is a wonderful day to be alive and serving our Lord and Savior.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, He is able to make all things possible for us.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
We may have to face things in this life we don't understand, but Jesus has a purpose and a plan for us. The future is bright, because we are God's children. I will be praying that your husband will come to see and know Jesus as Who He is. And that He loves him.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Always remember He see's your hurts and pains and He knows your hearts desire is to serve and love Him. Jesus loves you more than you will ever know. He is so good to us.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, amen, everyday I try to search my heart to know that I am pleasing Jesus.
April 29, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Mahlet Tsegaye
Amen. Thank you Lord.
April 29, 2015
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Scott Riegelmann
Thank you so much pastor your hitting the nail on the head in my life thanku thanku thanku, It means alot life impacting! Thank you Jesus!!
April 29, 2015
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Robert Fraser
I understand and thank you for the reminder.
April 29, 2015
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Diane Casey
Thank you so much!
April 29, 2015
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Diane Casey
Thank you Pastor Todd.
April 29, 2015
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Diane Casey
Thank you for the beautiful prayer, it touched my heart.
April 29, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thank you! little becomes Much, when you place it in the Master'S HAND!
April 30, 2015
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Kate Bergin
Tamara, thanks for sharing your heart for the Holy Spirit! Giving God our every moment, joyful or sad, is made even more difficult with this constantly "on demand" world. It's been both a chllenge for me to give up control, and also easy for me as I've always had the heart of a broken child. I so needed Him in my life, very early on, to overcome the darkness which haunts my past. I'll forever remember the day & place where I became born again into His redemption & salvation. I pray for you, and us all, to place a childlike trust in His endless mercy, grace and spiritual protection. It has helped me to reflect on Ephesians 6:10 regularly so as not to allow Satan's plot to kil, steal and destroy our path to everlasting life. God bless you and your family.
April 30, 2015
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Kate Bergin
Rose, that you seek to be less reactive to injustice brings inspiration to me, as this is my area of great weakness.
To have experienced it so many times in life, witness it inflicted on the most vulnerable of us all (women & children,) it is often a daily or even hourly struggle for me. In Jesus' name, I pray that your peace and strength as exemplified in the Parable of the Vineyard Workers in Matthew 20:16, "So the last will be first and the first last," continues to grow as a strong testimony to others as it has been to me on this matter. Amen!
April 30, 2015
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Kate Bergin
Amen, Lord we pray that Diane will claim and proclaim her status as the daughter of the Most High King!
April 30, 2015
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Kate Bergin
When I was young in my faith, i confided to a Christian sister that I felt it impossible to walk with and serve God in this world filled with evil and temptation, waiting around every corner. Now, where I'm from its more than a struggle, it's a regular hometown throw-down! We routinely saw homeless people shooting drugs, assaulting one another for no apparent reason, like a pack of wild animals (Except animals don't get hooked on meth or heroine, as far as I know.)
She responded that if I would envision, for example, my Uncle Joe (who was my hero & protector,) walking next to me, it in the openeqdedebefore me and behind mew that it might help me to relate that feeling to my growing relationship with God. My dear Uncle went to be with God after a fatal car accident, and I can honestly say I would have completely fallen apart without the image of our Heavenly Father holding me in the palm of His hands.
April 30, 2015
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Kate Bergin
Apologies, friends - I don't understand what happened with that non-word above. My point is that, her advice has served me well throughout the past thirty-some years as a born again Christian. I did attend Catholic schools, but unfortunately I did not know God nor the Holy Spirit. I hold this vision (of us all being held so closely by Him,) for everyone who struggles.
April 30, 2015
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Kate Bergin
Amen, Pastor Dion! That's one of my top 5 favorites.
April 30, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Thank you Pastor for the message!
April 30, 2015