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  • 3 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you." Isaiah 43:1'2 WEB...
  • The Day of Small Things from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. As with many of my messages, this was a word for me, but I will share it with you as I found it encouraging. I have been building a new social media website for Refreshing Hope behind the scenes for months. It is a massive undertak...
  • Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send ou...
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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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Lean On Me

  • He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.' 2 Corinthians 12:9 WEB

    So many times in my life I have faced problems that I did not understand, or know the answer to. God would arrange situations where there was no one else to turn to for the answer. It was just me once again facing some complex technical problem with one to ask about it. There was no 'Google' and people called me for the answer, that I sometimes did not have.

    Of course, there would always be pressure to fix the problem and sometimes when I had exhausted all of my abilities and ran out of ideas, panic would start rising inside me. Finally I would take a break, calm down, walk outside and pray for a few minutes. Then the answer would come and the problem was resolved. The days that I spent in prayer on the way there, often came off without a hitch. It was the times that I began growing cocky and felt like I could handle it that got me into trouble. Paul said when he was weak, he was actually strong.

    I know now that God was saying, 'Lean on Me.' He put me in high pressure situations with no one to turn to but Him, and He always had the answer. We never walk alone as a Christian. We are to be dependent on the Lord every step of the way.

    God lives inside of us and wants to be a part of our lives, but often we get too busy to inquire of Him though He is right there. Jesus said: 'But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you' (Matthew 10:19 WEB).

    This verse reveals a few things: 1) The Spirit of our Father lives inside of us, 2) 'It will be given you in that hour' is the answer to the problem, and 3) We should not be anxious. It actually can cause us to be spiritually deaf. We must calm ourselves and get quiet to hear that still, small, voice.

    Lean on God for the answer, He has it. Include Him in your day. While you look everywhere else and exhaust all of your ideas, He is there patiently waiting for you to ask. The Holy Spirit that helped create the universe, can help you with this if you will only ask.

    Prayer: Father, I lean on You! Teach me Lord what I don't know. Help me to see the bigger picture. Walk with me and talk with me today. I want more of Your presence in my life. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: The newest Bible Study is now available, covering Luke Chapter 20. Just go to the Bible Study link on the site menu to get started! Also, the newest FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) Chat Event is available for signups. The group will be continuing with the "Regaining Our Trust" topic from last week, as they feel there is still much to cover there. Finally, thank you all for your votes and great feedback on the devotional length poll! Based on your encouragement, we will continue to share the words as we hear them, whether the message be short or lengthier. Have a blessed day!

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59 comments
  • 4
Mark Duell
Mark Duelledited: September 15, 2015 3) We should not be anxious. It actually can cause us to be spiritually deaf. We must calm ourselves and get quiet to hear that still, small, voice. My wife and I learn't that this past week. Even though we know this, we for some reason try to out think Him. We try to use our own intelligence. In the long run we finally did the above. Praise Him for answered prayers that took care of a temporary crisis. Still confused on some other things. But deeper in prayer we go. Thank you Father for walking us through our trials that we usually create ourselves. Thanks brother Dion for the devotional.
September 15, 2015
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Khalilah Horton- Spencer
Khalilah Horton- Spencer Amen!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, He will walk along with us and bring us out into a greater and brighter day. Jesus loves you and He is right there with you all the time.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 6
Susan P
Susan P It seems every day God speaks through you, Pastor Dion, what He's been nudging in my heart. I took several walks yesterday to get out a bit of frustration over situations out of my control. As soon as I started praying He reminded me how hard I make everything when He just wants me to be child like and look to Him as my Daddy in every area of my life. What a difference it makes.
September 15, 2015
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Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro Very good response.  Why do we always get anxious and frustrated over things that we cannot control.  Paints a lovely picture as well.  A child just saying - Daddy, hold me - and then everything is right with the world!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, that is beautiful. Daddy, hold me, and then everything is right with the world. Jesus is waiting with arms outstretched to hold us and keep us.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it sure does make all the difference in the whole world. I find myself too, sometimes wondering when and how is something going to work out, but when I truly realize that only Jesus can work it out, I then have to place my all in His Hands.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome I am weak for Lord are strong thank you Lord for being my go to in this day amen
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Thank You Jesus that I can always go to You, because when I am weak, You will surely give me strength.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 4
Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery Amen!  I asked the Holy Spirit yesterday as I have done many times in the past.  He has never let me down.  If I feel empty for a few days, he fills me right back up!  I saw "War Room" Saturday night, and today, I have dedicated my apartment to being "War Rooms" because prayer is a powerful weapon!  I am glad His presence is in my life.  I am waiting for answers to goals I worked on yesterday, hoping to continue seeing the "big picture!"  Thanks Pastor and Sylvia...:-)
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member That was an amazing movie and surely does inspire to make a War Room of Prayer, because there are so many in need. God bless you in your new journey, down in the War Room. 
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Cristina Floyd
Cristina Floyd AMEN AMEN AMEN THANK YOU
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Thank you Pastor Todd for this Right on Time message that truly spoke to my spirit.  
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Khalilah Horton- Spencer
Khalilah Horton- Spencer God's grace is sufficient! Oh how I love Jesus. The God of peace is always with us. I thank him for his promise of protection! Psalms 91
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, that is one of my favorite Psalm.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 5
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer PleaseLord, in my troubled situation, make me more aware of Your presence and your still voice to resolve the problem, in Jesus name I pray, amen
September 15, 2015
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Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro Praying for you Schalk!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I pray for you, Schalk, believing whatever troubles your heart will quickly be resolved. I pray that you hear that still small voice speaking to you in such a way, that you will have no doubt that Jesus is on the scene to resolve all your problems and worries. Praying for  you.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Billie Marie Hall
Billie Marie Hall Oh Lord please help me to hear you today and every day I need you I need your help to know I am doing the right thing by being here in Jesus name I pray Amen
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praying for you.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke Amen
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Retta Morgan
Retta Morgan Amen thank you Lord !!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Vickie Bennett
Vickie Bennett Thank you, Lord, for leading Pastor Dion & his wife Sylvia to lead us to you, to be stronger in our faith in your love for us! Amen!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen, I too grow stronger each day, even on the days I might feel down, Jesus always holds me up, He will never fail us. He loves us so much. We just have to stay strong in our faith and know that He is taking care of us. God is good and all the time God is good.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
James McDaniel
James McDaniel What an awesome message and reminder we should always lean on God.
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 4
Sonya Hollin
Sonya Hollin Thank You Lord for being my refuge in a time a trouble , my constant help.  Help me to be still and know that You are God to be quiet that I may hear you when you speak. Thank You Lord for such great love . In Jesus Name I pray Amen!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, there is no greater love than the sweet love of Jesus.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good and He loves us so much. He is always right there for His children.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, thanks Pastor Dion for the wonderful word from the Lord as usual these are are words I need to hear on a daily bases.
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, they are always right on time. Thank You Jesus.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Thank you Lord that we have you to lean on. Thank you for Pastor Dion's faithfulness in sharing your word, his talents with us. Thank you Lord that we don't have to know all the answers but we know the one that has them all. In Jesus name, Amen.
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen, beautifully spoken, I am so thankful He has all the answers for my life too.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!  Every morning I ask "Lord please be with me thru out this day in all that I say and do" this helps me make it thru each day smoothly.
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what a beautiful prayer to pray each day, because He is truly The One that helps us through each day. God bless you.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Daniel Gaschler
Daniel Gaschler So true Dion , sometimes we forget that He watchs over us constantly.Listen and pray to the Lord.
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, we surely must listen and pray for the Words Jesus wants us to hear. He is so good.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Natalie Carey
Natalie Carey Thank you Pastor Dion. I am going through a tough time and I feel so weak. As a matter of fact I asked myself why I am so weak as a person, what's wrong with me, why can't I be strong? You answered my questions. I can't be strong alone, for my saviour Jesus  Christ is the one who makes me strong. I need Jesus in my life and I try to listen and hear his voice. So far I haven't been able to hear it, but I keep praying that he will guide and direct me through this difficult time period.
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member He will surely guide us through and He can give us peace even in our storms, but He will calm the storms in this life and make it so smooth, like when He walked on water. All we need to do is pray and believe, have faith, knowing that all things will work out for our good through Jesus Christ.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza Trust the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path straight.  Proverb 3:5-6 One of my favorite verse in the Bible. It has helped me a lot to know that GOD is always there for me through my JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I am so thankful that I have Jesus to lean on and there will never be a problem or worry that He can't solve. I pray I will follow Him with all of my heart and soul and let Him lead me where He wants to do be.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Before I forget, I must say how much I enjot reading the ":Bible Fun facts" every day' in my enail--I leans something new every day! And today's devotional REALLY arrived just when I needed it most! I woke up cryaing and disgusted, thinking I'd never be normal, never be able to eat like regular person again--I lost five pounds since Friday and was feeling weak and frustrated and wondering why God had allowed Satan to do this to me! Well, Pastor Todd's words meant more to me than any prescription drug could. I'm still nauseous but my outlook has imporved.And I look forward to the new bible Study! I also have my weekly Bible study here in my hometown tonight, so I plan to make the most of both. Thanks so much--God is so good!
September 15, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God bless you Kathy, I am praying for a speedy recovery for you and that you will soon feel completely well. I pray for you to have strength in your mind, body, soul, and spirit, I pray quick healing to you in Jesus Name.
September 15, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Thank you Lord for this devotional it was excactly what I needed to read today thank you so much!! Thank you again pastor Todd for following what the Lord wants you to write, I cant begin to explain to you just how much these devotionals help me in my everyday life, Its like christmas everyday! Thank you and keep up your awesome works, Gods best to u and yours. sincerely Scott R.
September 15, 2015
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Angela Allard
Angela Allard Yes, YES!!  My soul finds rest in God Alone; my salvation comes from Him. He Alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken. Find rest, O my soul, in God Alone; my hope comes from Him. He Alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Psalm 62:1-2,5-7   Because Your Lovingkindness is Better than Life, My lips will praise You. Psalm 63:3    
September 15, 2015
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Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord Thank you for this devotional. I can totally identify with what you are saying. On the days that I would pray for the Lord to go before me at work and make the day right. All would go well. On the days that I rushed in and forgot to pray there would be a crisis and that day would be out of control. We must learn to lean on God and depend on Him for everything. I struggle with this at times but I'm making a big effort to do this. Thank you...
September 15, 2015
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I like the Lord is always walking with me.  In this world it is nice to know when we are weak there is someone who is strong and with me in my weakness.  Just rest ...rest ....rest this Pastor who visited our house to speak to me during my time in bed about three months.  Very comforting.  My weakness then prepared a time and place to routinely visit with Lord.  A special engagement.  True powerlessness I was in.  Today I see it as bitter sweet.
September 15, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank You!  I'm leaning and I'm depending on nobody, but Jesus.
September 16, 2015
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Melchorita Fahey
Melchorita Fahey Amen! And without Jesus Christ I am nothing. He is the way, the truth, and the life. Without the way there is no going. Without the truth there is no knowing. Without the life there is no growing. I am leaning on Him every single step of the way. Thank you Jesus for everything you have done in my life. And, thank you Pastor Dion for your wonderful message every day. May God continually bless you in your ministry.
September 17, 2015
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Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Thank you Heavenly Father knowing that you are in control of all things,and that you are bigger than any situation that may arise in our lives,that when we invite you into the situation you are there to show us the way..As we invite into our day,at the beginning, we know that you will help and guide us.Thanks Be To God.
September 18, 2015