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God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3 WEB.David sang this the day the Lord delivered him from all his enemies. Where others saw nothing, David could see the work of the Lord thr... -
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are ...
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My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27'29 WEB.The hero of t...
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An Original Sin
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Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth." Jeremiah 1:4 ESV
Jeremiah tried to reason with the Lord and make excuses about why he was not the one for this job, but the Lord would not take no for an answer. Jeremiah felt inadequate, but the Lord had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet before he was even born. Jeremiah had not yet done anything, either good or bad, yet the Lord had already made plans for his life and equipped him for it.
God did not choose Jeremiah because he was wealthy, or because of his charisma, or because he was popular. God said that He formed Jeremiah in the womb. He could have made Jeremiah anything that He wanted him to be, and He did just that. Jeremiah came with the toolkit that was needed to fulfill his purpose.
Likewise, so do you. God made you the way that He wanted you to be and you have skills that others do not. You shall not covet anything that is your neighbors (Duet 5:21). I would call rejecting the original you that God created and desiring to have your neighbor's life instead, an original sin.
You are who God wanted you to be. Our choices and actions can be good or bad, but as a person, we are who God made us to be. Don't look down on yourself because you are not wealthy, or not as popular as someone else. Stop trying to be like someone else and be who God created you to be, and your life will find true meaning and purpose.
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Lissy Verghese
Thank you Pastor! The message appears a bit scaring...
May 9, 2015
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J D Williams
EARLY IN MY LIFE I BECAME A VICTIM OF MY ENVIROMENT BUT WHEN JESUS FOUND ME HE MADE ME WHO I WAS PURPOSED TO BE FROM THE BEGINING HIS BELOVED CHILD HOW AWESOME......
May 9, 2015
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Evan Force
I'm learning that when I don't allow myself to be "me" I'm not using the gifts and talents that God gave me. Great message!
May 9, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
You have no idea how much these words mean to me today! WOW--I am rendered speechless. That's all I can say. Thanks so very much for this whole site--I vow to make a substantial contribution as soon as those royalties start flowing--LOL! GOD BLESS YOU Pastor Todd and Sylvia!
May 9, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Thank you Lord Praise the Lord
May 9, 2015
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Martin Snyder
Pastor Dion, I love your devotionals and have a high regard for your ministry, but I have another issue to ask about (with your computer skills I am sure you can help). the word "don't" comes out as "Don’t", what do I do to fix it? Thank you for being who you are and what you do, you are a faithful servant for sure.
Marty Snyder
May 9, 2015
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Caroline Ibarra
Thank you Heavenly Father....
May 9, 2015
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Gail Sellu
Amen
May 9, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Hi Martin, sorry about all that :). We did a change with the script that posts the devotional in the morning. Without boring you with the technicalities, the previous version had a checkpoint that was removing the apostrophes and such. Dion removed the check to see what it would do. Well, the result is probably not the best, so something new to look at :).
May 9, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Evan, we are each given a unique combination of inclinations and gifts to use for His purposes!
May 9, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Haha, why is that, Lissy :)?
May 9, 2015
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Gloria Nebarez
Thank you Jesus
May 9, 2015
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Kevin Davis
AMEN THANK YOU JESUS
May 9, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
AMEN. ..God's plan is the best.
May 9, 2015
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Roseanne Braverman
This reminds of the teaching that we are all one body and we shouldn't envy other peoples gifts. Sometimes that is hard to do.
May 9, 2015
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Paul f
I read this over and over again today. Before this guy was born, God knew what he wanted him to be. Evan though he did not feel like he was adequate enough for the job, he had the right tools for the job. Like wise we are to be exactly who we are, and not try to be like others, for we too have our individual skills that the Lord will use. I share me with others and they can get help from me being where they have been. I just ask God to work thru me to be of help to others.
May 9, 2015
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Joan Joseph
Gods way is the only way. He is the only one who knows when we're faking or pretending because he looks at the heart. So many times I tried to be different but it never worked because just like Jeremiah, (29:11) "For I know the plans I have for you…." My life is already worked out. Being in the Lords hands is the only place I want to be.
May 9, 2015
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Alane Grosz
As always a perfectly timed message. God's will, not my will.
May 9, 2015
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Diane Casey
Thank you for that blessed devotional, very encouraging to me.
May 9, 2015
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Carol Pady
God doesn't choose those who are qualified, He qualifies those He has chosen!
May 9, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
We all are special to God, that is why He created us all different. We all have a purpose in life and have different gifts, to use for Him, to glorify Him.
May 9, 2015
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Mary Pat Taylor
Thank you, Pastor Dion, this is very timely for me right now.
May 9, 2015
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Jeanne Hopple
Thank you for this great timely message Pastor Dion. Have a blessed day!
May 9, 2015
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Cathy Card
What a great message i so needed that today !!!
May 9, 2015
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Michelle Drake
I needed this message today...I have a bad habit of comparing my life to others. Thank you!
May 9, 2015
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Kevin Griffin
Dion - A question - Why is it that so many people have such a hard time finding the gifts that God has provided, developing them, and putting them to use? It's not too hard to see that humankind is foundering very badly with this whole "who I am (according to God), and how I'm supposed to be in the world" thing. Yes, that is a bit of a rebuke to you for simply pointing out a problem, without showing your flock a way(s) to move forward and actually get in touch with God's wisdom concerning their lives, and how to live them in a manner pleasing to God.
May 9, 2015
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Christina Ocasio
Thank you for this message and reminder, I can definitely relate to this. I always felt like a broken vessel but in Christ I know I'm a chosen vessel. Have a blessed day
May 9, 2015
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Ann Burks
Thank you for this today. God bless you and your family.
May 9, 2015
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Antoine Watts
Amen
May 9, 2015
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Deborah (Deb) Harrington
Awesome Devotional Pastor Dion! Thank You and God bless! :-)
May 9, 2015
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Cheryl Wilson
Thank you for the reminder Lord and thanks Pastor Dion for this message!!
May 9, 2015
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Randy Dodge
Amen
“For we are God’s
masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good
things He planned for us long ago. ” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
We are indeed His masterpiece just as we are even as He works on the
finishes touches here on earth for a future eternity with Him in heaven.
“ [Not in your own
strength] for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in
you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to
work for His good pleasure and satisfaction
and delight." Philippians 2:13 AMP
God bless
May 9, 2015
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Scott Riegelmann
Thanks for the reminder it helps,Have a great Mothers day weekend friends!
May 9, 2015
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Dion Todd
Thank you Martin. We are having a conflict between the scheduler and the blog with encoding. We add don't and it gets translated as don(@#$@%)t. It is a work in progress like me :)
May 9, 2015
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Dion Todd
Yes, age will teach you :)
May 9, 2015
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Dion Todd
The only way to come to know what God has for you, and what you mean to Him, is to draw closer to Him. When I get confused, lost and need direction, I turn to fasting and prayer. And I am talking face on the carpet type prayer. I always come out of it with the problem either gone, or a clear vision on what I need to do about it. It is life changing. I am writing what will be a teaching or a small book about it now, because it too much to cover in a 300 word devotional. May you have a blessed day Kevin :)
May 9, 2015
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Patricia Walker
Your reminder Pastor Todd always comes at such a needed time. They always seem to fit perfectly to what I'm going through.....It is a welcome comfort to know that I am God's creation and he knows where I'm going even if I don't.
May 9, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen, Patricia, I have felt like that so many times, I didn't know where I was going or what my purpose was for Jesus, but He always did. Thank you Jesus for loving us so much:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, Jesus is making us just for His perfect will, flaws and all. He is making us His Masterpiece. (Beautiful Words Randy)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Isn't it awesome to know that we are being molded and shaped for a greater purpose in our lives to serve Jesus and to be a light for others to see Jesus in our lives:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Lisa, if I would have always listened to that still small voice and not worried so much, Jesus had a perfect plan for me. I am so thankful He never gave up on me:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Deb, it was an awesome devotion.. I am so thankful for all the hard word and time Pastor Dion and Sylvia put into their ministry. It has been a true blessing to me.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen and Praise The Lord, what a wonderful message.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Ann, I too am so thankful for this message today. It shows me that even in my flaws Jesus is still working on me to make me what He wants me to be:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Christina, that is beautiful, we are not broken vessels, we are His chosen vessels. Thank You Jesus:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Me too, Michelle. I have my whole life compared myself to others, I always had low self esteem, but I knew Jesus loves me just the way I was and He was directing my footsteps. I knew He loved me, even when I didn't love myself.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Me too Cathy, it touched me right where I'm at today. I went through something today that hurt me and made me feel a less of a person, like someone was belittling me, but I know Jesus loves me just for who and what I am. I am a child of The King Jesus:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, it was right on time for me. I didn't get started on my RHM until this afternoon, because I had to be out of town since early this morning. But when I got home and read the message, it was definitely for me too.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
It was for me too Mary. It hit the nail on the head for me today.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I do pray Twila, that I can allow myself to be whatever Jesus wants me to be. I so desire to serve Him greater than I ever have.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Carol, thank you for these beautiful saying, Because I sure don't feel qualified. Only through Jesus can I accomplish anything:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Yes, Diane, it was a very encouraging message today for me too. It was exactly what I needed this afternoon.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, right on time.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, me too.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
That is a beautiful way to live. God bless you Paul:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
I know what you mean Roseanne, I love to play the piano and sing, but I am terrible at both and I've caught myself saying oh if I could play or sing like them I would be so happy to sing to you Lord, but then I stop and I am very thankful for what few things I can do for Jesus and I just try to do my best at that. (But I still would love to play well and sing great) LOL:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Cynthia it sure is:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, Thank You Jesus and Praise The Lord. God is good:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, I too am so thankful for this message today.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Praise The Lord, He is so good to us:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
So sweet:) God bless you:) Have a great weekend.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Cybil Smith
As a person who deals daily with low self esteem this is a awesome message for me. Thank you
May 9, 2015
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Deleted Member
Beautiful said:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
It truly is awesome.
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen. Yes it was. I too have always dealt with low self esteem, but we are God's Masterpiece:)
May 9, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Cheryl Hepler
Phewwwwww.....takes a load off me when thoughts come as you describe we can do to us. Thank you Pastor Dion
May 9, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
No idea...this is what I felt after reading the message! :)
May 9, 2015
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Nell Neathery
I am who God wants me to be, and I am where he wants me to. Thanks Pastor.
May 9, 2015
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Deng Tembreza
We were created differently from each other with GOD'S own purposes for our own existence.
HE has plans for each one of us. GLORY BE YOUR OUR LORD GOD
May 9, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thank you! The Lord Knows what He Is doing with us, we just have to let Him.
May 10, 2015
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Kay Rushin
Kevin, I agree with Pastor Todd, You have to walk closer with God and understand that this is fight between good vs evil. Most times your Gift's are something you are good at naturally, so you may not reconigize it as a gift, you may think it is just something you do. What are your natural strenghts, what do you just love? I have a problem with this as well, you are a person that seek answers and are not afriad to ask a question. That"s a gift right there. I am sure you have many that you are thinking " it's just the way I am". Seeking answers is a gift, unafraid to say what is in your heart and making it public is a gift. You know yours strenghts, the key is are you going to use it for Good or for Evil? It is not always some great thing. Ordinary, simple things that are needed to make the Kingdom whole. Now see reading between the lines is a Gift that I have, it gets me in trouble sometimes, I am all up in your business. Have a Blessed day.
May 10, 2015
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Robert Davis
thank you this means a lot in our small group needs to hear this
May 10, 2015
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Robert Davis
please let me know if anyboby need a good worker i need to get back to work
May 10, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Exactly, Kay! We have a friend, for instance, who thinks she has no gifts or purpose, but she clearly has a great passion for caring for animals. I believe God can show us our gifts through the things that we care about, the things that come to our attention that others may ignore, and the things we're good at, though we may not see them as "ministry". Also though, as Dion said, serious prayer and fasting will clear out obstacles to that, help bring God's clarity and even change the environment to smooth the way to His destiny for us.
May 10, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Father, I lift up Cybil and Tammy to you and pray that you grant them a fresh vision of your love for them and what it means to be a daughter of the King, in the name of Jesus!
May 10, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Father, I lift up Robert to you and pray that you bless him with divine appointments and open doors to the job that you have planned for him. Please provide for the needs of his family and show him that you have not forsake him, in the name of Jesus!
May 10, 2015
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Duane Boyle
Very good read
May 10, 2015
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Theresa Smith
I needed to read this on this day. God will bring all things to your remembrance. The grass may look greener on the other side but how did it get that way? What God has for you is for you it may not be what's in your neighbors yard...
May 11, 2015