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The king talked with them; and among them all was found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore stood they before the king. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchante... -
If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch" (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imp...
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While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 WEB.While his wife gave birth in a stable, the strong smell of farm anima...
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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!
The Humble King
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Pilate therefore said to him, Arent you speaking to me? Dont you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you? Jesus answered, You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin. John 19:10 WEB
Beaten and bloody, wearing a purple robe and a crown made out of thorns, Jesus quietly listened to Pilate. When He did not answer Pilates question, he began to tell Jesus about his authority to set Him free or to crucify Him. Jesus told Pilate that he would have no authority over Him at all unless it had been given to him from above.
Jesus recognized where He was and that this was no accident. No man had authority over Him unless it had been given to them from above. No one could take His life from Him unless His Father in heaven allowed it. The humble King of Kings submitted to His Fathers will, not theirs, and endured the cross.
When Job went through his trial, satan had to get permission from God first before he could touch him. Job was a righteous man and God had placed a hedge of protection around him, his house, and all that he had (Job 1:10). How much more so for Jesus.
The ones in authority over you today are allowed to be there by God. No one can touch or lay a hand on you without your Fathers permission to do so. I know things happen that we do not understand, but it is because we cannot see the whole picture as He can. Until the Lord tells you otherwise, submit to those in leadership over you for they would not be there without His permission.
Prayer: Father, help me to see Your hand on my life. Give me a clear vision of Your will for me and the grace to accomplish it, in the name of Jesus.
Note: In a message the other day ("Avoiding Vaccination"), there was a line about "once saved, always saved" that generated some questions and disagreements. To properly address the subject, we have set up a teaching here (http://www.refreshinghope.org/blogs/1/320/once-saved-always-saved). We pray that it will answer the questions, and welcome any additional comments or feedback!
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J D Williams
IT IS WRITTEN THAT WE SHOULD OBEY THOSE WHO HAVE RULE OVER US I'AM SO THANKFUL THAT NO ONE CAN DO ANYTHING TO ANY OF US WITHOUT OUR FATHERS PERMISSION.....
June 27, 2015
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Schalk de Beer
In Jesus name, amen.
June 27, 2015
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Marisa Jackson
Amen!!
June 27, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
This gives me a fresher perspective over the situation I'm in now with my parents; thank you, Pastor Todd! I can't even compare to what Jesus must have suffered under Pilate!
June 27, 2015
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Jerri Parnell
I needed this today, I am struggling with something that I do not understand & I know God is in control, but I need peace over what happened!! Prayers for my family & church are much needed & appreciated!!
June 27, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
amen
June 27, 2015
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Marlene Anglin
Prayers!
June 27, 2015
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Valerie King
Amen for your message this day. May all have a blessed weekend.
June 27, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Agreed, Brian! I believe that Jesus allowed what happened to Him out of obedience to the Father, knowing that there was a great purpose. I don't believe for a moment that He would just allow it in general. Dion talks about a time when he was stuck in a horrid job, from top down. He knew and received confirmation that it was His will to be there for a time. In the case of actual abuse, I would certainly take that as a sign to that the Lord is moving the person on.
June 27, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Kathy, one thing that you may have to do, which is also something we've had to pray over, is the breaking of generational curses. Parents have a spiritual authority over us and their words can have effects in our lives for good and bad. We've have had to intentionally pray to break off the word curses over our lives from negative things said over us. I don't think that kind of thing can really harm our ultimate destiny, but it's just another obstacle to wear us down.
June 27, 2015
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Cynthia Nortey
All powers belong to God..God bless you Pastor.
June 27, 2015
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Yvette Cantrell
FATHER, PLEASE HELP ME... I WANT TO PLEASE 'YOU'
June 27, 2015
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Loriann Riley
Lord please help me to humble myself to people who you put in authority over me in Jesus Name i pray amen. Thank pastor Todd for the reminder
June 27, 2015
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Linda Geer
Does this mean you will perform same sex marriages
June 27, 2015
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Dion Todd
No. Where did you read that? What part of this post made you think that? Please tell me where I can fix it...
June 27, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Not sure where you got that, Linda! it must be on YOUR mind as it has been in the news a lot lately!!
June 27, 2015
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Carol Pady
I respect authority but I do not follow or condone decrees that are ungodly. I will stand up for what God commands. I realize that my opinions may not be popular but I will not bow down to worldly men. I pray that God gives us a Christian President and for a great American revival. The American Government has turned its back on God and will suffer the consequences unless it repents. As Christians we must not cower in fear we must boldly defend The Word of Almighty God!
June 27, 2015
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Valisa Joy
I do not agree that Linda Geer has a right to ask whether or not Pastor or Sister Todd will be performing same sex marriages. With all the killing, diseases, hate, wars, tornadoes etc, happening in the world, I am wondering why this is such a shocker to everyone. Jesus wants us to love oneanother and pray for oneanother, even for our enemies. That's big! Pray for those who you feel you may need to judge, which you cannot because God is our only judge. If they decided to perform same sex marriages, then what, your going to judge them? Who are you or anyone to do so. And before you wonder, I am married with four children and three grandchildren so no I am not gay. Just tired of all the so called judges. Pray for the world because God so loved us he gave his onlu son for it. Amen and peace to you all.
June 27, 2015
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Bill Jenkins
Good message with the way our government and federal judges decisions have gone recently.
June 27, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Hey all, just FYI, today's message was written and scheduled to post before the court decision happened and certainly before we knew anything about it, so it's not necessary to read anything extra into it, at least as far as our intent :). We're very busy and don't keep up with the news that much. That said, God's timing is above us, and He's able to speak to any of us out of a donkey's mouth ;-).
June 27, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
We are always glad to see you here, Helena, have a blessed day :)!
June 27, 2015
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Christina Ocasio
Definitely spoke to me!...I thank God for using you to reach people like myself. In such a judgemental world I put my trust in God for it is His job to judge not ours, we are to share and live by the gospel...Jesus Christ... and to do so is to show the love of Christ to All!...I believe God has a purpose for all...let us let God be God...thank you once again for this word today as I walk with Jesus Christ into uncharted territory. ♡
June 27, 2015
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Susan P
Thanks for the clarification, Sylvia!
June 27, 2015
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Susan P
Thank you for these words, Brian. In the past, Satan had my mind so twisted believing it was God's will to keep letting abusive people abuse me, when all along He's the one that came to set us free and give us a future and hope.
June 27, 2015
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Susan Mullan
Okay, please help!! This is where you are losing me and if this is true I am rethinking my faith in a major way.... so as I struggle going on the third year on July 1 of which my little 17 y/o bother was murdered in cold blood by an AR-15 in Chicago...you are telling me that no one could have taken his life unless the father allowed it??? So, what you are saying is, God gave those people the power to take his life? I am so confused because you really have me wanting to say F*** God right now....
June 27, 2015
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Julie Schneider
This is just my opinion and my opinion only..but i believe that God has a plan for each of us and that He wants us all to live long and fruitful lives. But he also gave humankind free will and sometimes in the case of the person that murdered your brother, humans use their free will to do evil things. Afterall Satan is at work in our world too. I will pray for you.
June 27, 2015
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Dion Todd
Who knows why bad people do bad things? Cain killed his brother Abel right at the beginning. God did not approve of it, or have anything to do with it. He created two men, gave them both life, and then one killed the other one. Go figure. That said I do feel that God takes full responsibility for the life totally committed to Him and you will not leave the earth before your time here is done.
June 27, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Susan, I truly sympathize with what you are feeling. Dion and I have both lost brothers at a fairly young age and the person who was like a second mother to me was murdered and stuffed in a trunk. I think that perhaps you are merging the idea of what God "allows" with either God making it happen or that it is His will. I don't really believe that He caused your brother to be killed at that age, but as Julie and Dion mentioned, he may not have stopped it and we have free will. I believe He can and does intervene at times because of His plans, our prayers, etc., but if it did happen, it's best to trust Him. I'm very sorry for the loss of your brother, Susan, and pray that the Lord grants you revelation, peace and comfort <3.
June 27, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen, may I always be humble to those that have leadership over me and may I let Jesus have His way in my life.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, God is so good.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Susan, I can't even imagine the pain that you feel, and many times we don't understand why bad things happen to good people, but as a little girl I lost my daddy and I didn't understand, but I knew for whatever reason, God had a purpose in it. He took the bad and made me want to be a better person, just so my daddy could look down from heaven and be proud of me. God has all power, but mankind has freewill to do good or evil and it seems evil is running wild in so many people. Please know even in this evil act that this person done to your brother, that your brother wasn't alone, Jesus took him from this old world to a new heaven, where he will never have pain or sorrow and he wouldn't want you to be sad anymore, he wants you to love God and know that he is at peace and one day he will see you again, please know Jesus is right there with you and wanting to comfort you, i will keep you in my prayers everyday, and I pray for strength and peace and healing of heart, mind, soul , and body. Love and blessings to you.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, beautifully spoken, God bless you.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
We need to pray and leave the judgement up to God, because He is also gonna be the One that will Judge us all one day. Every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, whether they believe it or not, it will happen, because The Bible tells no lies.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, whether the world likes us or not, we have to stand together and live by God's Word, because we are gonna answer for how we have lived before others and most of all before Jesus. God bless you Carol.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Twila Stierwalt
I do trust that God is a big God, and will finish what He started. It isn't about me, It is all about God. He is in control no matter what my circumstances are, I do not see the full picture. God does. I just want to learn what God is teaching me.
June 27, 2015
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Deleted Member
Amen, Jesus can open doors, we didn't even know existed. God is good.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Amen, He has given us hope and a beautiful future, He came and gave His all so we could live and live more abundantly and free from cares and troubles of this world, He loves us so much.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
Prayers for you Jerri, your family and your church and anything you are facing, I claim victory in the Name of Jesus.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deleted Member
What a beautiful way to feel Twila. God bless you.
June 27, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Valisa Joy
Job lost all of his children and everything he had. I am sooo sorry for your loss. I do not know what I would do in your circumstance. My cousin lost her son at the age of 4 when he fell out of the window. Je was blind and thought maybe he was going outside. My other cousin lost her two year old when the babysitter accidentally backed over him with her car. My other cousin lost her 16 year old at a family reunion when he drowned in the hotel pool. I also lost a cousin that people came to his door lookin for his son and shot him instead. I pray so hard for my sons that they be safe and God protect them. I have lost a Grandson, cousins, friends, but God help me if I lost one of my children, I don't know what i would do or how I would feel. But knowing that trusting on God and being saved could let me live with them again in the Kingdom would be my greatest plight. Keep your faith sister. God isn't mad at you, but don't curse him because that is what the devil wants. Our children belong to God. We belong to God. I just think to myself, maybe they would have suffered worse and He wanted to spare them. I don't know your pain. I will pray for you. Please don't lose your faith. Its all we have to see our loved ones again. God bless you sister. Peace and love to you I pray. I'm shedding tears in my prayer for you right now. Please God, send your comforter to my sister as she grieves right now Lord. In the name of Jesus touch now Lord..in the name of Jesus.. Amen.
June 27, 2015
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Valisa Joy
No big deal. Today's message had nothing to do with the decision. At least I didn't think so. God bless you for the Word everyday. It Blesses us no matter what. Thank God for you both. God bless.
June 27, 2015
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Valisa Joy
Just pray for the world. The devil resides here. We as Christians know this. Are we to become angry and judge? No. We are Christians. We have the power to defeat demons. The President is nothing without God and if he be without God then we will know because we as Christians know eachother and right from wrong. We have to stop judging and just pray. Jesus said to pray without ceasing. Can we do that?? Is our faith strong enough? or are we all just talk... prayer works. Faith without works is dead. Let's concentrate on working together as Christians in prayer against our enemies while praying for them to see and hear God's works. God bless.
June 27, 2015
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Patty Martin
Thank you, Carol. My heart is weighing heavy not only by the Supreme Court's ruling yesterday, but by so many people celebrating and rejoicing over the ruling. Facebook has been covered with rainbow faces today, along with rainbow lights all over the White House. While I support equal rights among all people in America, regardless of race, religion, color, or sexual preference, I cannot support marriage between the same sex. It goes against God's word, which is clearly written in the Bible. I will continue to love others and pray for the lost, but I cannot pretend that all is okay in the world, nor remain silent, for if I remain silent, then I am denying knowing Christ.
June 28, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
I am so sorry for the tragic loss of your brother. I too have lost dear ones to tragic events so I understand your questioning. I believe God "allows" in part because of the free will factor,but I also believe he uses our tragedies and trials for a bigger picture. When we go through such a tragic thing and we still have faith in Gods goodness, he uses us as a testimony for others. I have faith I will see my loved ones again and that this world is only a temporary one, so I stand strong in faith that no matter the trails and tribulation I go through now, God will be faithful to reunite me with those lost loved ones in his time. After all if he allowed Jesus to be tortured at the stake, why wouldn't he also allow us to go through tragedy and trials. In the end Job was rewarded for his faith, So was Jesus, as he now reins as our Lord and savior. I hope this helps and I pray that God guides you to an answer that does help comfort you and bring you a measure of peace.
June 28, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
God's timing is always right on time!! While I don't believe that same sex marriage is for me... I believe that it is not our place to judge others for their choices. That being said, thank you for the clarification and the wonderful message. Gods peace to all
June 28, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
I am not for same sex marriage, but I am for the fact that it's Gods job to judge not ours. I pray for people and try not to judge them as I sin too. Who's place is it to judge that my sins are worse or better than a same sex marriage? It's God's place not ours so being angry over a nation wide decision is only hurting ourselves... (stressing over what we cant change) In all things pray. Stay blessed
June 28, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
I really like how you think! God bless
June 28, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
I believe that to be the choice of the pastor and not really your buisness....that being said if the thought should be a bother to you , I will pray you have a heart not to judge people for the choices they make. Stay blessed
June 28, 2015
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David and Dianna Wyles
Praying for you, your family, and church today. May God grant you comfort, peace and healing in whatever you are facing.
June 28, 2015
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Lucas Napo
Romans 13:1-2. Thank you Pastor
Amen
June 28, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Amen. Praise God! Thank you! Lord, help me to grow in grace.
June 28, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Valisa!
June 28, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Amen, Twila!
June 28, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Great msg Ptor Todd! God puts people in charge over us. The new things happening in our land with gov't is challenging When I do know the Lord is in charge. Message at church today reminded us that all 11 who walked with Christ died serving Him but John. We all have different journeys with Christ as Christ followers. I praying gore Zhis will be done. Amen!
June 28, 2015
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Cynthia Dubell
I understand God only to a point....I find myself in the last 2 years, losing my faith after my daughter shut me out of her life, lost whole family and can't see my only Grand baby. I began to feel afraid of God. Wondering how many more years he'll watch me struggle to live and right now, cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel I am being punished by my daily sins, mostly my anger. I began to think of how to get back at them for hurting me so deeply. So deep I don't know if I will ever get over it. Wish I could just snap out of it. I look at my husb. dying from the war and he's all I have left. Even so...these days we are not gettting along....and will not look forward to "being with me". So lost and alone. Wish I had just one Girl friend in my state to have as a friend. Haven't had a female friend in many years. I know I am blessed by the things God has done for me so....I try to learn more and now seeking suport and friendship. Because I just don't want to "take"...I love to give. Hope you all have blessed day. Hope to get to ALL my mail and e-mails to me. Thank you.
June 29, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Thank you dear Pastor for the message!
July 19, 2015