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  • 9 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
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    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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The Long Cold Winter

  • For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesnt return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. Isaiah 55:10 WEB

    After the long cold winter our grass was a dead brown. It looked pretty hopeless. Then one evening in the spring, we had huge rain and it almost instantly sprang to life and became a lush green. Before long, I needed to cut the grass because it had grown so high. All that it needed came from above; it needed rain.

    The Lord said that His word is like that. When He speaks a word, it will accomplish what He pleases. This includes the written word that we call the Bible (Logos), but also spoken words (Rhema) that goes forth out of His mouth, an utterance. This is a current, living word from God. Jesus said It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). That means utterance from the mouth of God.

    If you feel that God has not spoken in the last two thousand years, then you may have an issue with this. That is fine, Jesus said many times He who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Matt. 11:15, Matt. 13:9, Matt. 13:43, Mark 4:9, Mark 4:23, Mark 7:16, Luke 8:8, Luke 14:35, Rev. 2:7, Rev. 2:11, Rev. 2:17, Rev. 2:29, Rev. 3:6, Rev. 3:13, Rev. 3:22).

    In my own life, I have found that one word from God, changes everything. When the Lord speaks to you, circumstances no longer matter. I have shared this story before, but once when out of work for months we began preparing to move out of our home. I felt so abandoned and alone, that I didnt even pray anymore.

    I went into my prayer room, sat down and had an open vision of me entering a boxing ring. The camera view was from behind me and it looked like I was alone, but when the view panned around to my face, I could see the Lord standing behind me like a coach or a manager. Then He spoke these words "You are not alone, for I am in your corner. I have prepared you for this, now get in there and fight!" 

    I knew right then that everything was going to be alright and I came out of the prayer room and told my wife Sylvia that we were going to be fine. That was a Tuesday morning. Things happened very quickly and by the following Monday morning I found myself a pastor, and all of our bills were paid for the month. One word from God changed everything.

    Many of us are dry and parched in our spirit just like that grass and it looks pretty hopeless. It has been a long cold winter in our lives and it has taken its toll on us. Pains, hurts, disappointments and the lack of the Lords presence slowly dry us up inside. The fun, the excitement, the wonder is just a distant memory.

    Gods presence can restore that joy and in minutes what looked hopeless and dead can be a renewed vision and a restoration of life. His word accomplishes what it was meant to do and is unstoppable. His word, is the final word. One gentle whisper from the Lord can be life changing. Why do we look in so many other places for the answer? Prepare your hearts for the rain, because the long cold winter is soon ending.

    Prayer: Father, let me hear Your voice speaking to me in a clear unmistakable way that I understand. I want to serve You with all of my heart and surrender my will to You. Use me Lord, teach me, lead me and I will follow You, in the name of Jesus Christ.

    Note: Hello everyone! The newest Bible Study is now up, covering Luke Chapter 19. To get to the study, just click on the Bible Study link on the site menu and you will find it at the top of the list. We pray you are blessed by it!


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46 comments
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  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Earlier this year (January) there were mornings when God spoke to me as clearly as if He were right here, sharing a cup of coffee with me. Early in the day, before the rest of my family awakens, I set asides as my special time with God.But, looking back, I can now see that there were times when Satan tried to sneak in there and utter lies--false hope that was cleverly hidden among the messages from God! Hopefully, I am now aware of the devil's tricks so I can watch out--and, as Jesus said, bring all thoughts to Him! Thank you for this devotion today, Pastor Todd.Severe pain in my stomach and back kept me awake all night, and this message was exactly what I needed.
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praise The Lord, He is faithful to us through the good times and bad times. I pray healing over your stomach and back pain, I pray the pain will be gone and your body will be healed from the crown of your head to the soles of your feet, inside and out in Jesus Name we pray and believe. Amen and amen.
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen and amen!
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Uwalaka Dorathy
Uwalaka Dorathy Amen.
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann I'm praying my long winter is over soon. Serious Problems with my daughter and the death of my darling husband have worn me out. Please God
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I pray and believe for that long winter of sadness to be gone and that the joy of The Lord will flood over and through your heart, mind, body and soul. I pray deliverance from the hurt and pain of losing your husband, I pray for your daughter that she would come to Jesus and give Him her all. I ask for a sweet peace and calmness to sweep over you in The Name of Jesus we pray and believe. Amen and amen. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Allie Ponzo
Allie Ponzo Hi Mari, I pray your long winter will be over soon too. I'm so sorry for your lose and issues with your Daughter. You are worn out and God wants to carry you, Just imagaine how your spring will look!!  You are here and have many loving people and groups to support you.
September 14, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler My heart goes out to you, Mari.  Over 25yrs ago (hard to believe) my heart was hurting bad.  So much was going wrong.  I lost my husband thru divorce, my daughter tried to kill herself & had to have her admitted to mental unit, and my son was very very hard to raise...he had many many issues.  I lost three at once & then lived alone for awhile.  I was in a prayer meeting where small groups of threes were grouped together.  While bowed in prayer I saw a picture the Lord was showing me.  I saw pieces like beef stew were laying together and the Lord spoke and said, "this is your heart".  As I listened & watched He said, "give it all to Me".  I saw me picking it all up and then He said, "lay it on the alter".  I did.  I experienced His love & care for me and awakened to the condition of my heart with instruction as to what to do with my heart.  Next an utterance said, "Proverbs 13:12".  I immediately read it when the visual and words were finished.  Hope deferred makes the heart sick.  It is said as verse 12 part A.  Reading it over & over & over in days that followed it made so much sense I felt for me...for my heart.  Realizing, of course, the Lord's great love for my heart more so.  Never ever occurred to me how hope(s) I had was the key description of what had my heart soo sick.  Without hope the heart goes to pieces.  The second part of that verse was something I read yet was not there or could not comprehend for I was so heart-sick.  There was a turning point in that the Lord made it known I had to give IT ALL to Him.  There began to be a release.  In this choice there was needed time to pass before my heart was better.  Many say ...just give it to God..or turn it over to God yet even though I heard those words the mourning period had not ended.  Heart break hurts.  A shattering that takes place within that for some of us takes much more time.  When death occurs, the give it to God doesn't minister.  God & time and time and God at maybe hour by hour then day by day is all that can be possible for any of us.  I saw that the Good News Bible says, when Hope is crushed...the heart is crushed.  Yes.  In Hosea 2:15 it talks of the valley of Achor there is a door of Hope.  I would say in the valley of ache there is Jesus my Door of Hope!  Blessings to you, Mari.
September 14, 2015
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome thank you God amen
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Dana Rozell
Dana Rozell Great Devotional Pastor Todd!
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Jim Jarrell
Jim Jarrell Hey Dion, You ask; why do we look in so many places for answers? I think because there are so many people out there teaching so much garbage. It seems that God will tell us something so far in advance and then wait to see if we believe Him. I can tell you how hard that really is because I am still waiting almost 8 years. I know that God spoke to me also, but I do get discouraged when I listen to the teachings of others. Your writtings do encourage me to hang on and I am greatful. Jim 
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Yes many times we are waiting on the Lord, but I have found in my own life what I thought should have already happened, that Jesus had a better plan for me, to bring me to His appointed place for me. Please don't give up, because Jesus won't let us down if we put our total trust and faith in him. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd Be encouraged Jim. God has marked the day on His calendar when your circumstance will change. He told me to prepare myself for ministry, and then I waited for twenty years. But it turns out that I was preparing for His ministry the entire time that I was waiting. I could not do what we do today without the years spent in computer networking. 
September 8, 2015
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Mark Cain
Mark Cain Sometimes our hearts aren't ready to receive the word the Lord has for us.  But praises to Him that He doesn't stop talking
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus never gives up on us. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Rosalyn Wright
Rosalyn Wright Thank you for this wonderful word on this morning! This is truly what I needed to hear. God makes no mistakes concerning us and everything that He has promised He is able also to perform. Amen and Amen!
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and if we put our faith in Him, He will take care of whatever we have need of. God is so good. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and may you have many blessings. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Retta Morgan
Retta Morgan Thank you pastor , For this refreshing word  God knows exactly what his children need.  
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Stephanie Thomas
Stephanie Thomas Amen!!
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Celestina Ndunda
Celestina Ndunda I have been avoiding hearing from the Lord for a while now.  The word for today and the prayer is just for me. I need to hear from the Lord clearly so that His work in me can continue. Thank you Pastor for a wake up call. May the Lord bless you and your family abundantly.
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God always has just what we need at just the right time. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, thanks for the word of God Pastor Dion it always seems like when you share the word it is something that I needed to hear at that time and moment.
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen!  Some members of my family are experiencing drought and I am praying expectantly for rain!
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I agree with you in prayer for the rain to start pouring down. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Albert Chau
Albert Chauedited: September 8, 2015 One word from God, and our lives are changed forever for the better despite of all the impossible circumstances. However, the devil is the opposite, he constantly bombards us with negative thinking and complaining no matter how good things are. Why do we look in so many other places for the answer? Because of our lack of faith and dependency on God. When I was deeply in trouble financially few years back, no one or expert I turned to can help until I turn it over to Christ.
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen , Jesus can do in a second, what might take us to do in our lifetime, when we finally let Him carry it for us. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Kathy Hall
Kathy Hall I really needed this devotional this morning, oftentimes we can get discouraged and look for answer in other places and don't hear when the Lord is speaking to us. Prayer changes things, but faith without work doesn't.  Thank you Pastor Todd. Amen. 
September 8, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, we truly must have that faith, and then we can move mountains. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I pray for the rain to shower down on me so I can be whatever Jesus wants me to be. 
September 8, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke This one is for me, waiting patiently on the Lord
September 8, 2015
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Thank you God that you are in our corner, and when we fall down you are right there to encourage us to get back up again, when the fight was too much for us you sent your Son to die for us on the cross to live in victory. Thank you Pastor Dion for your continued dedication to this ministry and to your personal walk with Jesus. I missed your devotion yesterday but went back to read it today and I wanted to say I am sorry for the child that was hurt and I pray for him but I am so glad that Jesus followed you home and became the master of your life because you have touched so many people and He is not done with you yet. He made beauty from your ashes. Thank you for being a faithful servant. Amen.
September 8, 2015
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Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin Pastor Todd, I've heard the story before, but when you said what you did about just feeling so down and giving up.  That you didn't even want to pray anymore, I know this feeling very well.  Your vision gave me goosebumps, but it also reminded me that we're not alone.  So often I truly believe we tend to forget that.  Especially while we're going through.  Sometimes I feel so alone that I just want to curl up in a ball and cry.  I know that it doesn't happen when we want or think it to, but He will come to our aid right on time, always.
September 8, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
September 8, 2015
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Allie Ponzo
Allie Ponzo I remember that story but never heard you mention the boxing ring before, that was so awesome and I long for God to speak to me that way but He never has. I've never had dream, vision or anything close to it. It makes it very difficult to know Gods will when I get what's seems to be no real clear answer or encouragment like you got. Why does God speak to some people, such as yourself so clearly and not to others? And yes I am praying, having quiet time, surrenduring my will to Him etc. but don't ever have a clear unmistakable answer/understanding like you mention above.  However, I always have unmistakable conviction when I'm doing something outside His will.
September 14, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd This was at a turning point in our life. We were packing to move out of our home and He made it clear that it was not the end, but the beginning. This does not happen to me every day. A lot of the times the Lord will speak to me through scripture or dreams. 
September 14, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Good message.  Blessings!
September 14, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Walking close with the Lord presents a yearning for the Lord to speak.  A nugget.  A piece of meat. An affirmation.
September 14, 2015