Recent Blog Entries

  • 13 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Yahweh said to Joshua, "Get up! Why have you fallen on your face like that?" Joshua 7:10 WEB.Joshua lay prostrate before the ark of the Lord all that evening. Yesterday, he had been a mighty warrior. Now Israel had lost the battle at Ai, all because one of the men with him had become greedy and brok...
  • Wed at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of his chariots, saying, "Don't fight with small nor great, except only with the king of Israel." When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, "It is the king of Israel!" Therefore they turned around to fight against him. But Jehoshap...
  • Tue at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    But Naaman was angry, and went away and said, "Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leper' " 2 Kings 5:11 WEB.Naaman stared at his new skin with amazement when he came up from the muddy wa...
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  • March 25, 2022 - led by Lynn Brown
    This 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!
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What New Teaching Is This

  • Immediately there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, saying, Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God! Jesus rebuked him, saying, Be quiet, and come out of him! The unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him! (Mark 1:23 WEB)

    There is a spiritual battle going on in the heavens and around us daily. We are involved in it, whether we are aware of it or not. Many churches are playing volleyball in the middle of a battlefield, while the enemy is wreaking havoc in the congregation, all the while unnoticed.

    When you begin to do something meaningful for God, there is a backlash of trouble that follows, and you may often become the new target. You cannot see this struggle with the normal eye, but you can certainly feel the effects of it.

    God works through His people. The enemy often works through people, too. Our enemy will gladly remain invisible and is perfectly fine with you not believing that he exists at all. When Jesus cast out a demon 2,000 years ago, they asked What new teaching is this? (Mark 1:27) and today, people still ask the same thing if they see it happen.

    We were in a church service once when the pastor asked everyone to say, the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, and a stately elderly lady behind us, let out a scream, and fell to floor kicking and screaming Nooooooooooo! Everyone looked at each other, like what new teaching is this? That was a more rare case, but it goes on every day around us and in the people that we deal with.

    It is normal for people to be stirred up against us by the enemy, but even then, we are not to stoop to their level, no matter how much we would like to. Our weapons are spiritual (Ephesians 6). We are to remain humble and pray (2 Chronicles 7:14), which will bring in the help and power of God. Jesus had to pray even though God certainly knew everything going on in His life and it was planned long before. With the help of God, we can win this. Without Him, we are nothing.

    Prayer: Father, guide me into all that You have for me. I want more of Your presence in my life. Lord use me in some way. Help me see the world around me through Your eyes, in the name of Jesus I pray.

    Note: Happy Sunday! Just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who visit us each day, participate in the ministry, encourage us and provide support. With just the two of us here, I know we are never able to thank you all properly. You all are a blessing and we would not be able to do this without you!

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53 comments
  • 3
Christie Smith
Christie Smith Thank you for this scripture as today, after church I will be going to visit someone I'd rather Not.  Our God is the only Father we will ever need, yet I keep trying to make things right w/someone who is hurtful, degrading and Toxic.  My cousin who is in a Christian Homeless center will be with me and I thank God for allowing me to help this woman and I just pray that this visit today goes well.  Satan knows which buttons to push and whom he can use to bring someone down even when they just want things right, so I just ask for prayers and heavenly protection that this day goes well and that there is a hedge put around the both of us as we carry out our day in Jesus Name we Pray.  Amen
August 23, 2015
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Martin Snyder
Martin Snyder Praying for you and your cousin today. God bless you.
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander I Pray God's love & light to go before you and no weapon formed against you shall prosper 
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Marlene Anglin
Marlene Anglin Prayers  
August 23, 2015
  • 1
Kate Bergin
Kate Bergin Praying that your armor (Ephesians 6:14-17) is firmly in place. This battle is one that I think we all find in our everyday lives. The Lord makes us victoriou!
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christie Smith
Christie Smith Thank you to all who prayed as this person cancelled at the last moment and all went well.. Our God is an Awesome God.  Amen
August 24, 2015
  • 3
Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin Pastor Todd, I thank God for you and first lady Sylvia everyday. You and she are a true inspiration to us all. I thank you both for being obedient unto God, and Him only.  The messages He inspires you with inspires us all. You both are true blessings in my life, as well as my brother and sister in Christ.  Thank you for such an awesome message today, and I thank God for His full armor. His helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, sword, which is His Word, belt of truth, and the shoes of the gospel.  May God continue to bless the two of you, strengthen you, and make you stronger in His Word. In Jesus Name. Amen. 
August 23, 2015
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Kate Bergin
Kate Bergin Amen to that, Key!
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Shirley Campbell
Shirley Campbell AMEN!
August 23, 2015
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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith Praise God! When we focus on Jesus, we've already won. In this life there will be tribulation, but take heart, I have overcome the world.( John 16:33) Thank you Pastor D. Great message! 
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome it is Jesus in that gives me power thank you lord amen
August 23, 2015
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Chikela  Cruse
Chikela Cruse Amen. God is good all the time    
August 23, 2015
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Uwalaka Dorathy
Uwalaka Dorathy Amen.
August 23, 2015
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Loriann Riley
Loriann Riley Amen well said 
August 23, 2015
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Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen. 
August 23, 2015
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Pam Ivins
Pam Ivins GOOD MORNNG, AMEN!!! 
August 23, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander What a Powerful message thank you  Pastor Todd
August 23, 2015
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen  
August 23, 2015
  • 3
Jeanne Hopple
Jeanne Hopple Thank you for this great powerful message Pastor Dion. We are in a spiritual battle daily with the nonbelievers we are surrounded with. God wants to stay strong and call on Him to help us deal with these unbelievers and ask Him to help give us the words to call their evil spirits out of them for good so we can win them to Christ.
August 23, 2015
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider I think this is so true. Churches and Christians are afraid to talk about the devil and the horrible damage he can do. It is scary and hard to hear so they would rather sugar coat their discussions and keep it light and easy to deal with. But we must deal with the devil and keep him fleeing everyday, every hour, every minute of our lives.
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Yes, Amen, Praise The Lord.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Shirley Campbell
Shirley Campbell Yes I agree, Praise The Lord!
August 23, 2015
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Debbie Thompson
Debbie Thompson Pastor Dion. I am well aware of the "unseen" battle that has been waging since the beginning. Your story is quite shocking, though not surprising. What I would like to know is how do we as the body of Christ wake up the weak kneed clergy? it's a decades old problem that has only gotten worse. Any more sermons are given more as an invitation to Satan than to Jesus! Many pastors just "tickle the ears" to keep numbers up and make people feel good so they can leave services happy-happy. Where is the teaching of the Moral Law, Gods punishment, & Hell? Satan sits in the front pew while millions are being dragged right into the pits of eternal torment. We are all soldiers in Gods Army, but our ranks are weak because people are lulled into false conversion!
August 23, 2015
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Karen Fletcher
Karen Fletcher Right on! The Lord showed me on open vision a while back of a church service where many of the people had a demon sitting next to them with its arms wrapped around the person and a cheesy grin. The people had no idea. My heart's cry has been for the church to wake up and the pastors to preach truth.
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, our churches truly need to wake up and see that satan is trying to take every soul he can to hell with him. We as Christians need to wake up and stand in the gap for their souls, for Jesus's Saving Grace.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, our churches truly need to wake up and see that satan is trying to take every soul he can to hell with him. We as Christians need to wake up and stand in the gap for their souls, for Jesus's Saving Grace. Karen, I love this message you preached today. God bless you, for being bold in Jesus and for Jesus and the lost souls.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Toddedited: August 23, 2015 In my own life and writing, I hope to inspire people and cause them to become hungry and seek God in a deeper way. Take your spiritual life seriously. It is so worth it and the most valuable thing that you can do with your time on this earth. One word from God will change your life, how silly it is to not seek Him and then expect your life to have meaning. If I can get people to seek God, they will not have to worry about hell. Wake up, seek the Lord, make your life count. "God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4).
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus is looking for a people that will draw closer to Him and walk in His footsteps and be led and directed into His perfect path for our lives. He wants us to draw closer, so we can help others do the same. Thank you so much for this devotional.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider Amen! I think we are used to being spoon fed and need to stop and realize that it is a personal relationship that God seeks to have with each of us.   That means you and God...not a group effort or a 15 minutes each day and i am done, listen to a 30 minute sermon, etc...it is a personal relationship and needs our best effort! we need to study the Bible and listen for the Holy Spirit to lead us...at least this is what i am trying to do!
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, this is so true, there are so many churches out there only talking about the good things, but there are many bad things too, such as leading others astray and not helping them to come to know Jesus as their personal Savior. We must stand in the gap for lost souls, because as you said satan is sitting on church pews everyday and not even some of the leaders and pastors don't have a clue what is happening in their congregations. They are only worried about the number of people who come to church, not the number of souls that need to be saved and they are only worried about what God can prosper them with, and not reach out to lost and hurting. We are living in the last days and we need to be prayed up and waiting, because Jesus is coming.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Debbie Thompson
Debbie Thompson Amen! We do not know the day or the hour! If pastors (or whatever title they go by) would teach the Moral Law, that is the Ten Commandments with passion there would be true and deep conversion. Are there idols in your life? The TV, sports, Hollyweird, etc? Is there someone you hate? Are you an adulterer or fornicator? Have you ever been given to much change back and said "oh it's just a few cents." that's stealing! Irregardless of your age do you honor your parents? This is the Moral Law & I can guarantee we've all broken it! PREACH IT!! Souls will be convicted and transformed because truly the wages of sin is eternal death, separation from God forever! And we as believers need to witness to the Moral Law. Fulfill the Great Commission! The Word tells us that if we are given the opportunity and let it pass & that person dies in their sins, their blood is on our hands! Not me! I'm gonna preach the Ten Commandments because to appear before God and have to explain to Him...oh no way. It is a terrible and fearsome thing to face the wrath of Almighty God! 
August 24, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Spiritual warfare seems to be something no one in my church wants to talk about! I had a frightening experience about 7 months ago and my priest wouldn't even listen to me. Even after two psych evautaions (both of which deemed me NOT psychotic) the priests refused to acknowlege what had happened to me. Satan is very real. We must never forget that. And, yes, he certainly does roam about in sheeps clothing! Have a blessed Sunday, Kathy
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, satan surely does walk around in sheep's clothing, trying to trick Christians into backsliding and follow him. But we truly need to be on fire for Jesus, because He is the real deal. Satan never shows us the back side of what looks beautiful on the inside, its like a cereal box, on the front it looks so yummy and so beautiful to eat, but on the back side, you look and see the bad ingredients in the cereal, things that would be harmful to your body, just like satan showing us something that looks so good on the outside, but when we really get to see the inside, it grabs us and drags us down to his level. Lets all stay strong in Jesus and one day we will receive that beautiful reward, when we make heaven our eternal home. Things in this world will pass, so truly all that we can really store up is the heavenly things, such as love, compassion, helping others and so many other great things we can do to build up The Kingdom of Jesus.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Billie Marie Hall
Billie Marie Hall Amen
August 23, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!!!  You have just confirmed what I have always thought.  Thank you so much for all of your Devotional's they are always an inspiration or a confirmation.  May God always Bless you and Sylvia.
August 23, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member May I always know that only Jesus can direct my footsteps to go where he would have be go and be whom He would have me be. Jesus is stirring my heart and He has laid a table before me to go out and tell others about Jesus and His Saing Grace and His healing power. God is so good.
August 23, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Thank u pastor for everything u do for the kingdom of God! Your a very strong man of God keep up all ur hard work!!
August 23, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Thank you Pastor Dion!  sometimes the attacks come against those we love, like our children or spouse's.  Our only answer and hope is prayer and lots of faith. Personally I am more troubled by the attacks against my family.
August 23, 2015
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Christopher Shannon
Christopher Shannon Happy Sunday, Pastor Dion and Sylvia!  You both are certainly a blessing in my life and I am certain I can safely say you both bless the lives of many.  Thank you for doing so much for so many within this wonderful fellowship.  God bless you both!!! Sending my love and gratefulness from Colorado!       Chris     
August 23, 2015
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Kelli Lane
Kelli Lane Thank you so much and God Bless! :)
August 23, 2015
  • 1
Anna Eriksdotter
Anna Eriksdotter I have been attacked, hard for a couple of days!!! Not ONLY me but My children... I know that the enemy fight you when your strong and this is about a situation where a childhood-friend is a drugaddict and he has alot of dark things around him... One of them came here a year ago. Belive me or not! I know and God knows... Now... I am strong but things is happening to My children... Thats NOT ok!!!!!! It is not!!!!! Dion... your devotionals is always on time... Thank you! Amen
August 23, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
August 23, 2015
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Billie Marie Hall
Billie Marie Hall Thank you for this word been getting hit hard lately just praying for strength and not give up  
August 23, 2015
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Tina G
Tina G Right on Rev (as usual) Yep I recognize this most of the time. I say watch out when you least expect it (feeling joyful, praising, feeling connected) the devil will come in sideways. It has happened to me and I was left wondering, "what the heck happened?" I shared with a pastor how I was so connected the day before and that morning I woke up angry, impatient and a few other nasty qualities and I asked how can that happen overnight? Where did my joy go? He pulled out his tablet (pretty techie guy) went to Mark (idk my verses)  and told me to read it out loud. I was floored. So glad I had that pastor. Sometimes these days I might say out loud "Satan leave, get away, there's no room for you here!!!" 
August 23, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  I plead the blood of Jesus!
August 24, 2015
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Tyler Velau
Tyler Velau Amen. 
August 29, 2015