Recent Blog Entries

  • 8 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    A Living Sacrifice from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. Various sacrifices were required under the old covenant. Some of the sacrifices helped feed the priests and those who worked at the temple, but a burnt offering was placed on the altar and completely consumed by fire. You can read about...
  • 13 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you. Luke 6:38 WEB.We once had a prophet come to our church who was scheduled to preach elsewhere but was canceled...
  • Sat at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    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. John 10:27 WEB.Jesus said His sheep would hear His voice, and they would follow Him, "and a stranger, they would not follow" (John 10:5). God ...
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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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The Key Master

  • To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: He who is holy, he who is true, he who has the key of David, he who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things: I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didnt deny my name. Revelation 3:7 WEB

    I grew up as an outcast, the lowest of the low, the least of the least. After mom left, my older brother Randy quit school to take care of Ken and me while Dad worked. Randy was ten years old, Ken was four, I was one. The department of social services then stepped in and tried take us away from Dad to adopt us out.

    Dad would do anything to keep his three sons, anything. He needed a wife and quick. He had recently begun dating a woman and soon they were married. This woman had married at thirteen and had thirteen children, three did not make it which left her an even ten, five boys and five girls. Her first husband had died in an asylum. When she and Dad married, it was thirteen children again, of which I was the youngest, and an unwanted stepchild at that.

    It was a freakish nightmare that would take a book to contain, but here are a couple of highlights. After Dad left for work, she would put Ken and me out in the yard, bring her children and grandchildren in the house, lock the door, and fix them breakfast. The cereal boxes were kept locked in a cabinet with a padlock. The telephone had a padlock on it. I was the definition of white trash with no more status than the hogs that we raised.

    One day my brother Randy took Ken and me to a revival at a Baptist church and at the end, they gave an altar call. Many people went forward, and I went with them. I was only about six years old, but I wanted to know this loving God they talked about, and if there was a rapture, I certainly wanted to be a part of it. For the first time in my life, there was hope.

    Something in me cried out for help, and said, take me to heaven now. But the people at the altar turned me away and told me that I was too young to be saved. I was crushed. I still remember that night, going home and thinking that I could not be saved.

    I may have been too young in their eyes, but God followed me home that night. I began to pray every night from that day forward in my life. After a few summers passed, a preacher drove up in our yard one Sunday afternoon and talked with my Dad. He owned a farm about forty minutes away and wanted to take me on as a helper. I could live with him and his wife and they would bring me home on the weekends. Surprisingly, Dad said yes.

    So when school got out that summer, I spent the weeks living with a preacher and working in the tobacco fields. It was hard work, we were up by 5AM and were still checking barns at 11PM. His wife was the best cook, and I had my own room. I got to go to church and see a glimpse of a real family. Though I was still an outsider or servant, it was a step up for me.

    It was years later in my life before I really got serious about God, and even now I work to make stubborn areas of my life submit to His will. But out of thirteen children, God set me apart that year and began wooing me. When I finally came to the Lord, it was with open arms and wholeheartedly. I still wrestle with baggage, and He still faithfully corrects my course as it is needed.

    Here are some things that I have learned along the way:

    You do not need anyones approval or acceptance on this earth. God is able to raise you up outside of their circle. Seek a relationship with Him and the doors that you need will open. He is the Key Master, and He will open doors for you that no man can shut.

    No one can stop your destiny, except you. As long as you will continue to follow God and keep putting one foot in front of the other, you will overcome.

    Never give up, this life is not over until you are dead and in the grave. When you fall, get back up and take another step. When you stop getting up, your journey stalls.

    It is always you that walks away from Him. God will never leave you, nor forsake you, nor imprison you against your will. You are free to leave His house just as the prodigal son left His fathers house, if that is your will.

    God is never mad at you. You can perform the most grievous of sins and break all ten commandments, but when you turn back to Him, He will welcome you back with wide open arms.

    God is always right in what He says and does. There were so many times when I wanted something to happen a certain way, and it did not. Most of the time, the way that it happened was better. When it did not happen, it was for my own good and may have led me away from Him.

    God never says, I told you so. He will wash you as white as snow, just as if it never happened and never bring your past up again. He will remove your sins. It is satan that constantly brings up your past, not God.

    It is never too late to get started, but the sooner the better. Just like a wise investment plan, the earlier that you begin, the more fruit that it can bear. Invest your time, money, talents and resources in the kingdom of God and it will have a long term return that can hardly be measured.

    This is our time. We were brought into this world for such a time as this. Let us make our lives count for Jesus. No fear, no turning back, no breaking down, we will hold it together and press forward, following Him one day at a time. Though hell breaks loose around us, we will stay the course and see this through to the end.

    Prayer: Father, I want more of You in my life today. "More of You Lord" is the cry of my heart. Fill the empty places inside of me with Your glorious presence. Let me feel what You feel, and see what You see, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: FAAD Members! The new FAAD Chat event is now up. Just click on the Events link on the site menu to sign up. The topic this week will be "Regaining Our Trust". It will take place at 7pm EST / 6pm CST / 5pm MST / 4pm PST. Don''t miss out!


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61 comments
  • 2
Wayne Felicetta
Wayne Felicetta Amen...Let me feel what you feel,and to see what you see...Amazing,i prayed that for the first time yesterday morning and here you are saying the samething...God Bless
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Praise The Lord for sending us just what we need. 
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Yes Lord, amen.
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member It's like you see right into my heart and soul. I so have felt this way. Thank you for sharing your testimony and I so needed this prayer today. Love and prayers to you and Sylvia. Love y'all so much. 
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Mary Williams
Mary Williams Amen very touching and eye opening thank you so much Pastor Dion..I really needed this THANK YOU
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen,It surely touched me too.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen. Thank you for that powerful testimony.
September 7, 2015
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Retta Morgan
Retta Morgan Amen !!  God is faithful !
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, yes He sure is. God is good.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Roseanne Braverman
Roseanne Braverman Amen.  And may God Bless you Pastor and heal you from any lingering baggage.  
September 7, 2015
  • 2
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome thank you pastor Dion for this message I am a child of god today and for ever amen
September 7, 2015
  • 2
Susan P
Susan P Your precious story reminds me of Romans 8:28.  His ways are not like mans'.
September 7, 2015
  • 3
Stacie Chambers-Franklin
Stacie Chambers-Franklin Tears! And more tears! I can't believe what you endured! And to see your life now! Only God!!!!! Hallelujah! It gives me hope for what I am enduring. And your wisdom notes at the end...wow...Cried through them all. Anointed, true, encouraging, and strong reminders to trust our ever-loving Daddy God! Thank you for helping me today. The enemy really attacked this week. This is JUST what I needed!  Thank you! Blessings.....
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it was so heart touching and I could feel the pain and hurt as if I was there. Thank you Pastor Dion for sharing your testimony.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd You are going to make it Stacie. If I had not grown up the way that I did, I would not be the person that I am. God can take  a broken life, and make it beautiful. 
September 7, 2015
  • 2
William Pearson
William Pearson AGAIN A BEAUTIFUL POST DION AS ALWAYS IT SPOKE TO MY HEART AND SOUL I NEEDED THESE WORDS TO TOUCH MY HEART GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS DION ALWAYS AMEN THANK OYU FOR ANOTHER GREAT START T MY DAY MR.PEARSON
September 7, 2015
  • 2
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Pastor Todd, your story would make a fantastic movie! It reminds me of David--Jess's youngest shepard was chosen by God to be king! Just anoyther example of how God looks upon the lowest to be the greatest...wow, i just loved reading about your early days. It must have been beyond difficult, yet you endured! Thanks so much for sharing this today!
September 7, 2015
  • 2
Fraser Keys
Fraser Keys Pastor Todd you are truly an inspiration God speaks through you to bring others to the Lord!  The first thing I do when I ge is read your message.  Thank you !!!!
September 7, 2015
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Debbie Bible
Debbie Bible Powerful testimony. In this world where we're so narcisstic about our lives here on earth, you are a perfect example of what good can happen; how God has the ultimate plan for us. I pray for God to bless this awesome ministry. Happy Labor Day to you guys and everyone who reads this!
September 7, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Audry Reddy
Audry Reddy It always breaks my heart when I read about what you had to endure when you were little.  Thankfully God had His hand on you and led you to where you are today,which is a blessing to me and so many people. His words thru you are such a blessing to me every day and I am thankful for you.  
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Me, too, I am so thankful for Pastor Dion sharing his life with us, so that we that have been hurt or had to endure painful times, it makes you know you can be an overcomer.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Audry Reddy
Audry Reddy Amen!  
September 8, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
September 7, 2015
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Kathy Hall
Kathy Hall Amen!
September 7, 2015
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Judy  Driggers
Judy Driggers Such an awesome and powerful message! Thank you for your witness, and thank God for his faithfulness!
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Debbie Thompson
Debbie Thompson Thank you Pastor Dion for this message. I can't help but ask why you do not write a biography of sorts. As you know we are losing our young people from elementary school to career age. I believe you telling your story would benefit many, especially the young. For those to young to read, perhaps it would enlighten the parent(s) to take alternate measures in raising their children or for the adult may help them with struggles they have always faced. We all have baggage, like Bunyan's "Pilgrim" that needs to be offloaded at the cross & I think your experiences would help greatly. From reading your devotions for a long time I have come to believe your life has covered every virtually every gamet and your testimony is quite impressive.  I have always been taught and believe that we go through various trials in our lives not only to build faith & character, but so we can help others with the same or very similar problem/issue. Pray about it, ask the Lord what He would have you do. And once again, thank you for sharing & teaching all of us! May God bless you and Sylvia.
September 7, 2015
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Michael Daniels
Michael Daniels I totally agree! I will help others! I am certain of that!  
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it would be a BEST SELLER.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Toddedited: September 7, 2015 I do plan to release a book about my life sometime... and I have it partially written. The thing is, God is so amazing and tells me we ain't seen nothing yet. In other words, my story is still going. I just became a pastor, and we just started an online church. Maybe I could do it in stages :)
September 7, 2015
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Deanne Rascas
Deanne Rascas I am so sorry for what you went thru growing up Pastor Dion! I will never understand how people can be so cruel to children! Only just a few years ago did I start to understand that God allows you to go thru trials in order to get to the place he had in mind for us. Your messages give me such inspiration evey day and I thank you so much for them!
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I too, am so sorry for the pain and cruelty the Pastor had to go through, but I praise Jesus for him sharing his life with us as many have went through similar things, I know his testimony will surely help many hurting hearts.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Thank you Pastor Dion for sharing this BIO.  I really felt for you when you were put outside while the others ate.  There are times my past flashes before me and I thank you for letting me know it is Satan that does that not God. You could write a book about your life.
September 7, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I sooo agree!
September 30, 2015
  • 4
Michael Daniels
Michael Daniels I was so touched by this. It really hit home. I recently published a book that I dedicated to God. I pray that you read it. "Whispers from the Third Level" by Jacob Matthews. This book will help you heal. I wrote it to help others know that they are not alone and that we have a special connection with God and with each other. We all have a hidden cross. We need to share it with one another to help us heal, not to take it to the grave never finding peace. May God coninue to work thru you and thank you so much for sharing such a personal message. It has helped me with my pain. Your friend, Michael.
September 7, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Sounds interesting...will look it up.
September 30, 2015
  • 2
Barbara Mango
Barbara Mango Very inspiring and excellent points for me to focus upon while facing my own challenges. God has helped you rise above very difficult circumstances. Your devotion and faith is a model for all of us. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and for being a beacon of light and hope as I face many adversities as well. God bless you and all of us as we share in this amazing ministry.
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Harold Young
Harold Young Powerful Devotion Pastor Dion. I was in tears while reading this. God has placed a wonderful anointing on your life. Many will be helped by your testimony! #BlessingManOfGod
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is truly using you to bless and help others.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Thank you  Pastor Dion for sharing this specific word today, it really spoke to me. Touched me on different levels, and even when I feel out of place I know God has a purpose and a plan for me, all I need to do is be still and know He is God, trust in Him and His timing, believe and receive, and focus on the finished work of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on that cross!..Let His will be done in Jesus name!!!...Amen
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Diane Casey
Diane Casey Another powerful message that I can identify with, feeling like I'm always on the bottom of the totem pole. I also have had a horrible child hood, drunken parents, scavaging in trash for food, that is just a drop of the horror. I haven't never told my children or friends nothing about how bad things were. Somebody, decided to tell my children about some things, I have never shared anything with them, too ashamed, they were thinking bad of me because of something that happened in my childhood, but I still didn't share the truth. Anyway, I am so glad God don't hold things against us or make us feel bad about ourselves. Self image is a demon I fight with everyday. Not feeling good enough.  I didn't get to church yesterday because I had to work, but this is my sermon for the week and always. I am going to print this one and another one I would like to read periodically. God bless you for sharing!  
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Diane, thank you so much for sharing, I too, have always had low self esteem and always felt at the bottom of the totem pole too. But we are all God's children and He loves us all the same no matter what we have been through or how our past was, Jesus has forgiven us and forgotten our past and He can never remember it no more and He will never ever remind us of it. He wants us to be happy and go forward in His Name and strength and power.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Albert Chau
Albert Chau Being rejected and mistreated as a child normally leads to a life full of hatre and self abused in adult life. But, in Pastor Dion's case, God turned that terrrible childhood experience into a life of service for Him to minister to others who going though tough times and similar experiences. Praise God.
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Dianne Freeman
Dianne Freeman My heart was filled with love and understanding of our God who in His tender mercy will raise us up out of the depths of sorrow and welcome us as His child.   He is an awesome and faithful God and worthy of our love and praise.  Thank you Lord for bringing us out of whatever sorrows and difficulties we were in into Your loving arms of protection.  Thank You for allowing us to go through and to come out on the other side a new creature, filled with Your love!!!
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Wendy Boris
Wendy Boris I can relate to your story. I grew up in a dysfunctional home and felt like an "outsider" for a long time. My parents divorced when I was just 2 years old. When my mom remarried again for the 3rd time my step dad was verbally abusive. Not only was life all about rules and not relationship but I was the "scapegoat" of the family. When my sister was born she became his "princess" and she could do nothing wrong in his eyes. I was the "baggage" that came with the marriage. Most of my life I've felt unworthy, rejected and unloved that is until JESUS set me free! He put a new song in my mouth and I am PRAISING Him every day because He is soo good to me! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I look forward to reading your devotional every day!
September 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank You Jesus for setting us free from the bondage satan tried to put us in. God has set us free, free indeed. God is so good all the time and all the time God is good.
September 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the beautiful message!
September 8, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  More of You Lord!
September 8, 2015
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Pam Ivins
Pam Ivins THANK YOU PASTOR!!! MAY YOU BE BLESSED!!!
September 8, 2015
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Melissa-Peter Busse
Melissa-Peter Busse Hi pastor Dion- I have been following your daily writings for a while now, and have been blessed so many times, I am so thankful for your honesty and transparancy. I liked reading the section above about the truths you have learned along the way.  1Thes 2:4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.   Romans 8:37  Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Thanks Dion  
September 8, 2015
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Beatrice &quot;Raye&quot; Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth A beautiful assembly of words; thank you for the message, Amen!
September 9, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Hi, Don't know date of this msg, but just what I need.  Love the God story of your life and all Zhe did for you.  How tragic how wonderful your life journey is.  Have a background different as all yet not a Christian home just one for me that I knew Jesus was there.  Even into this city where it scared me do to culture shock.  Never felt to fit in and if I did it was with girls doing bad things and I followed along to be apart with them.  My identity got screwed up.  Heading down a wrong road.  Then knowing God was present   It seemed He  & I had a talk.  Brought me to promise/oath to get my thoughts off a bad decision to one that honor Him.  It stuck yet had a struggle for no one to talk to that could help me till in 30's.  How do does one begin behind doors so to speak as a secretary to a pastor to talk out & get understanding help yet no one know?  I told the pastor.  He questioned me and then do it.  The time Zi spent in this particular group was sooo loving.  I truly dislike region, religious people yet as a Christian mo to forgive them for they know not what they do.  Paul was so understanding, for he knew that fact bi fog time.  Thank you again for a juicy piece of meat to chew on.  To my soul...Blessings to you & Sylvia and all she does!
September 30, 2015