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    Posted by Dion Todd
    God is my rock in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence. 2 Samuel 22:3 WEB.David sang this the day the Lord delivered him from all his enemies. Where others saw nothing, David could see the work of the Lord thr...
  • Thu at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are ...
  • Wed 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. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand. John 10:27'29 WEB.The hero of t...
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    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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Family Tradition

  • Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he was making a work on the wheels. When the vessel that he made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, House of Israel, can't I do with you as this potter?' Jeremiah 18:3 WEB

    When I was young, I followed the family tradition of dropping out of school and going to work. By seventeen I was married with a child on the way, house, car, full time job as a construction laborer, and bills coming due. My Dad was on his own at thirteen. I was a late bloomer. I did not know of anyone in my family that had ever finished high school. You were not expected to. I honestly do not remember hearing the word 'college' until I was in my twenties, it was never an option.

    When I was around thirty, I was serving the Lord with all my heart and one Sunday night at church, the Lord spoke to me and urged me to go back to school. The word came through the pastor's wife, who simply came up to me and said: 'Dion, the Lord wants you to get your GED.' Her words had impact and I knew that it was the Lord speaking to me through her, so I took it seriously.

    The following morning, I went to the adult education center in Conway, South Carolina to see what it would take for me to finish school. Though the parking area was full of cars, there was one spot open right by the entrance. I went inside and they explained that I had been out of school for a long time. I would need to take a pre-test and then we would start classes to learn the areas that I needed to work on. Best case scenario, in about one year I would have my GED. This was during the 90s in the South, computers were rare, and all school work was done with a pencil and paper.

    I went back Tuesday and took the pre-test. There was a parking spot in front of the door open for me. The test seemed very easy and I just breezed through it. On Wednesday, I went back to find my test results and get the books that I needed so that I could get started. Once again, my parking spot was open for me.

    When I walked up to the counter, a couple of instructors were discussing some papers. One looked at me, cocked her head to one side and asked 'How long have you been studying?' I told her that I had just decided to start Sunday night. She said 'Well, you did excellent. You needed a 70 to pass. You scored a 97. I believe that you are ready to take the test. It is too bad that you did not come a few weeks earlier. The GED test is only given in this part of the state every six months and it is going to be held in Georgetown this Saturday, but the state requires you to sign up a month in advance.' She paused a moment and said, 'Let me call them.'

    She called someone, found out they had a cancelation, got transferred to someone else, then to someone else, faxed them my test scores, smiled at me and said 'You got in!' She was so happy, and even hugged me. Saturday I drove to Georgetown to take the eight hour test. As usual, there was a parking spot open near the door. The test had questions like 'How far is the sun from the earth?' Didn't have a clue and just wrote whatever came to mind, and got it right. I was one of the first to finish.

    To shorten this up, the following Sunday when I returned to church, I had my GED. I had completed the entire process in one week. I went on to attend bible college for a bachelor's degree and graduated. It was totally the Holy Spirit reshaping my life. He was the driver, I was the co-pilot. I knew nothing and was just along for the ride.

    Some years later, I decided that I would return to college and work on a master's degree. I did not pray about it. I just assumed that it was the right thing to do. After signing up and paying the tuition, it was like a living hell. The teacher seemed to be speaking gibberish and I could not comprehend anything.

    All the presence of God dried up on my life. After struggling for a month or so, we went to the elders and got prayer about it. They immediately said: 'It is not the time.' I dropped out of college and the presence of God came back to my life. He did not want me in school at that time, but I had not taken the time to ask Him.

    What was the difference in the two seasons of school? A timely word from the Lord. Do not assume that something is right for you, even if it is a good thing. Inquire of God before you commit to things. Should I do this? When He says go, nothing on earth can stop you. But if He says no, you really should listen.

    A timely word from God is priceless and brings grace and provision with it. Jesus said 'My sheep hear My voice' (John 10:27) and that man shall live by every word (Rhema) that comes from the mouth of God (Matt. 4:1). A Rhema word means an utterance, or spoken word. A Logos word is the written words that we read in the Bible. A true Rhema word from God will never contradict His written word, though He has no problem correcting our understanding of it. Use this as a guideline when hearing from the Lord because the Logos (written word / Bible) is our immutable anchor of truth and all rhema (utterance / spoken) words must align with it.

    It does not matter if you were brought up as trash, when you submit your life to God and follow His guidance, He will put your life back together and make it meaningful. God is able to reshape you on His potter's wheel (Jeremiah 18:1). Just because that is the way that it has always been, does not mean that is the way that it will always be. When He adopts you into His family, He may break all the family traditions.

    Prayer: Father I want all that You have for me. Break me out of my tiny box and change my way of thinking. Teach me what I need to know. Lead me and I will follow, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

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Social Sharing

83 comments
  • 3
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Amen! Thank you
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus knows exactly what our heart  needs each day. Love and prayers, Dianna, Love, Tamara
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen! Wow, what a great testimony and devotional. Thanks for sharing Pastor.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christie Smith
Christie Smithedited: September 28, 2015 Your story is quite similar to mine as college was never an option and it was more like when are you moving out as a teen.  I too had a rough childhood and went to travel and race horse's as a teen.  Not knowing God at that time, I would never imagine that his hand was on me, which brings me to a few days ago.  I have been walking w/the Lord for many years and but to my family I am crazy, mental, stupid and the like.  This week I planned on visiting my Mom and brother in Kentucky but a horse that has grabbed my heart was going to be there and God opened ever door so that not only would I see him, but I was able to get into his stall and touch him.  It mean't the world to me as his name is California Chrome and I was staying in Georgetown.  This week was very difficult as my past and many hurtful things were hurled at me, But our God is into the details and through faith he will lead us to the place he wants us to be.  I went back to college last year in my 50's and got on the Dean's list, but I was only doing that to prove to my family that I am Not stupid.  Non the less I thank you for this devotional because even though I work at a cemetery (Big LOL) doing accounting, I trust the Lord to bring me back to where my heart is which is helping abused women with race horses.  Thank You for Pastor for sharing your life and giving all the hope that most do not have.  I am grateful for this web site and for the Lord using you to minister to others.  God is My Everything and that is good enough.  Amen
September 28, 2015
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Susan P
Susan P Thank you for sharing, Christie.  I think you're amazing. <3
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christie Smith
Christie Smith Thank you Susan.  My heart is right, but head sometimes runs rampant~  Oh Lord lead us in Jesus Name!
September 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd We bring hope to each other when we share our faith :)
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is our everything and if we give Him our all, He will surely bless it and prosper and give us the desires of our hearts. 
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Beverly Boyd
Beverly Boyd Thank you Lord for never giving up on us and for your unconditional love.  Thank you Dion for your teachings.  God bless everyone.  Happy Monday
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.God is so good and His blessings are so wonderful. I pray you have an amazing day too. Love and prayers, Tamara
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome yes Lord I will follow you thank you Lord for this day amen
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Dana Rozell
Dana Rozell Great Testimony! May The Lord Guide Our Days!
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, May we be in His Perfect Will. God is so good.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Deborah  Blackshear
Deborah Blackshear Thank You Father God, for reshaping me today. I give You all the Glory and Praise.  Your will be done. 
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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flavio garcia
flavio garcia Amen, we can do all things through god who strengthens us.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Teresa Bridges
Teresa Bridges Awesome testimony Pastor Dion!!! You are so special and I love reading your words each morning.  At the age of 57 I decided to follow a 30 year dream and went ahead to finish college and get my degree, since I dropped out the first time to have my daughter (as a single Mom).  Since I changed my major to Healthcare Administration I had to completely start over again, so like you Pastor, I prayed about it and would not make a move until the Father convinced me that I could do it!  As you know I graduated this June, Cum Laude.  God knows us and what is in our hearts and all Praise and Glory is his!
September 28, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Praise God! I love that He provided the grace for that, but also that you were willing to step out in faith to accomplish your goals!
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Wow. Thank you Brother Pastor! I truly enjoyed reading this. I started working @ 13 as well. Became a Roughneck in the Texas Oilfields @ 14. I had a 6th grade education then. I too went back for my GED in the Mid 80's(Can't Recall the Exact year). My wife and I did it together, and we scored among the highest of Students. We were totally Thrilled! I have worked my way up from a 14 year old "Clueless" Roughneck, to the Company Man Position Today(A.K.A., Well Site Supervisor). God Truly has been SO SO Good to us! Thanks again Brother, for sharing your Soul with us. Norm in Abilene
September 28, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Norm, that's a wodnerful testimony, and I love that you and your wife went for it together :)!
September 28, 2015
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Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Thanks Sylvia. Anything of any real significance in my life has always had my wife greatly involved. I'm not sure how she would do without me, but I'm fairly certain I would not do well at all without her as my Mate. I see that clearly for you and Todd as well! Love and Prayers :)
September 29, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, brother, that is truly a blessing! Also, yes, it is certainly like that for Dion and me as well :)!
September 29, 2015
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey That is great Norman, I like Sylvia, like that you and your wife went for your GED together, it tells us that it is great to come along side someone because it gives you strength.
September 28, 2015
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Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Thanks Shelby! We also went to a Local College to do a 3 Month Class in Pyschology together. I'm certain that we did that so we could see just how crazy we might be, lol. We both got an A on our Scores(She Always out does me in English though. I call her the "Grammar Natzi"). We would have fell through societies "Cracks" if we had not learned to Trust God. Both of us are Born again, and we know we are nothing without Jesus. Thanks for your Kind Words Sister! Norm 
September 29, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praise The Lord for what He has done for you and your wife, many blessings to y'all as you walk with Jesus. God bless.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Rose Theuret
Rose Theuret I agree with Norman. WOW !!! Thank you Pastor Todd for this message. It fir my life to a T. I was a drop out in the 12th grade.  I had to have a stint put in my heart when I was 47. And while is was in the hospital my son in law asked if I would like to get my GED with him. I said yes. Within a week of my testing I had my GED.  My original test date was moved up due to a cancelation also. And I was also done first and passed. Then I was asked about college but to this day I do not know what field I would want to do. You made me realize God has a plan for me and I must listen for that plan. I am 53 now and disabled but he knows I am willing to do anything he has planned for me. Thank you so much for opening my eyes and ears. God is GREAT... I love that he sent you to me to teach me what I know today.
September 28, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd That is wonderful, Rose! I pray that the Lord guides you into your field of study, opens the doors and brings the provision to get through it!
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Caseyedited: September 28, 2015 Rose, that is a great testimony to God's goodness. I pray that God will use you right here and now, in everything you do for His glory. I also like that you came along side someone else giving you both strength.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God guides us and He will provide the directions for you to do what He has planned for you. God bless you for your wonderful testimony. 
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christie Smith
Christie Smith Amen sister
September 29, 2015
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Audry Reddy
Audry Reddy God has reassured my heart thru your message today!!  
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God is so good, He is always right on time for us. Love and prayers.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield AMEN! Sometimes, it takes a lot of praying to discern if it is really God's voice we hear.Thank you for today's message, Pastor Todd!
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, thank you Pastor Dion for the wonderful words from the Lord.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what a true blessing they are. 
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Donna Marotto
Donna Marotto Thank you pastor Dion for your encouraging words.  I love how the Lord speaks to you to write these daily emails.  I am getting laid off from my job and Wednesday is my last day of work.....but I am not worried at all.  In the past (before I followed Christ), I had really bad anxiety and used to worry a lot.  Now, I trust Him and know that everthing is going to be ok.  I truly believe in scripture, where is says "seek the Kingdom first."
September 28, 2015
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Donna, that is a great testimony to His Goodness and Peace. I sometimes get excited about even littler things. I will continue to pray for His Peace and favor for you finding a wonderful job that you can be a vessel for His glory.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Donna, if we seek Him first all the other will fall into place for our lives. Love and prayers, Tamara
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd I have began to see layoffs as a coming promotion. Every single time in my life while serving God, the end of a job signaled something better coming, though there were often times of testing between the layoff and the fulfillment. You will come through this and it will work out for your good.
September 29, 2015
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Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Amen TYL what a powerful on time awesome message and I receive it in Jesus Name
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Dion, I think this is one of your best devotions, if there is a best? God does work things out for us in His timing, He also does want us to come to Him and then wait for His timing and His will. He is the potter and we are the clay, He can make something very useful out of us.
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Yes, He surely can.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joyce Green
Joyce Green But how does the average person really know if God is saying "go" or "no"?  
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Sometimes, we just have to try the spirits and so that we may know if it a Word from God or if it isn't. Always remember, whatever Jesus is telling us will line up with His Word and sometimes we have to sit still and wait and listen to hear what Jesus has to say. He won't let you down. He will show you the path that He wants you to follow. Hold on to Him, read and pray and study His Word and He will guide you in the right path. He loves you so and He won't let you down. Love and prayers.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen! 
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carletheia Linnen
Carletheia Linnen Awesome testimony, GOD is so good. I too was called back into school and got confirmation at a service from another woman of God. I knew I had to go back. I'm in my first semester and passing with rainbow colors. :-)
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member That is wonderful, congratulations and many prayers and blessings over you. Love and prayers, Tamara
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Shelby Casey
Shelby Casey Thank you Pastor Dion for another timely message. God shows his sense of humor again. I just posted on the Count Your Blessing board before reading your devotion for today and I thanked God for being a vessel. I love this simple truth, "When He says go, nothing on earth can stop you. But if He says no, you really should listen." How many of us can testify to that truth? Can I get an Amen?
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and another Amen.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Yes, Jesus, please lead me and guide me into Your Perfect Will and Way.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello I'm thankful that the Holy Spirit has spoken through you about this very thing that I have been discussing about with God;Him reshaping me. His renewing of my mind and the intentions of my heart through spending time with Him reading His word and daily conversations with Him.In my current situation God has encouraged me through your message and confirmed what I have been praying for from Him.I'm so thankful that Father God has opened up my spiritual eyes and made me aware of Him,Jesus and the Holy Spirit!He has given me hope when I thought there was none and shown me that He has a better plan for me and all of these brothers and sisters throughout the world that have called on the name of Jesus for salvation! God is our future and our hope! He is a strong tower and refuge in times of trouble and always!He has plans for our good and not to harm us,praise Him,praise Him,praise Him! Amen!
September 28, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, when we give Jesus our all, we have nothing to fear, because where God guides, He provides and He will never forsake His children. He loves us so.
September 28, 2015- Edit- Delete
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JoAnna Spence Anderson
JoAnna Spence Anderson What a happy, positive and inspiring devotional...... Yet I find myself reading it through tears??
September 28, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Todd Good ones I hope :)
September 29, 2015
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Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery I have written the prayer in my journal along with praying it while writing it.  I have broken out of my tiny box today, changing my way of thinking.  He is going to teach me what I need to know while I am staying full-time at a local Christian missions for 9 months.  I am asking Him to lead me; I will listen to Him; and I will follow Him in the name of Jesus!  I have been adopted into His family, Praise God!!!
September 28, 2015
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Wow Dion this mornings devotional hit me like a ton of bricks falling on me! Im not yet comfortable sharing my personal stuff on the internet But I will say this I came from a very messed up family when I was 16 i had to fight my father for my life he was litterally trying to kill me I was a state champion wrestler at the time and I got the upper hand which was unheard of I was 150pds soaking wet my father was 280pds he should have won easily but God was with me and I won but I had to move out of the house I took 2 dishwashing jobs to rent a small room and there for my schooling was over! But 2 yrs later 3 days after i turned 18 I enlisted in the USN took there asvab test its semiler to a college sat exam and I scored high enough to get a garanteed Machinest A school preenrollment which was hard to get at the time! once again all God not me, Thanx for sharing Dion if not for u I would have never shared this story in a million yrs! I Know for sure God has brought you into my life for a plan which I dont know what that is right now But Im going to start a time of fasting and prayer and see what the Lord wants me to do, Thanks again sincerely Scott R.
September 28, 2015
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Christie Smith
Christie Smith Keep keeping on Scott.  God will open the doors for you to go through and shut tight the one's you should avoid.  Will keep you in prayer!
September 29, 2015
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Dion Todd
Dion Toddedited: September 29, 2015 I have found that God peels us like an onion, exposing one layer at a time. Then it turns out the things that we want hidden, are what He uses to bring hope to others. No one will pause to listen to our carefully put together, well dressed, church-face self. But they will always relate to the truth told under the anointing.  :)
September 29, 2015
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Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin Amen!
September 28, 2015
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Heide Garner
Heide Garner wow wow Icould not go sleep as think upon how for fist time I plan to be the mama that share a  I,m doing aDevoitin with my mops group.  The procces of what to say how they will relate is what I,m thinj instead just allow God will be done. evsay  made me believe I need to get prayer because God has the word on how I might have peace about sharing and stop fight what that day in time will be God knows Iwill do well. It is the  right appoint time  I just need have faith let God do the building up in me if I would only quiet my spirt so father could speak. so thankyou for th word .
September 28, 2015
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Melchorita Fahey
Melchorita Fahey Thank you so much once again Pastor Dion for sharing your awesome testimony and devotion. Everyday is a new day for me, and I loved reading your words of encouragement from God. Ephesians 2:10; WE are God's masterpice. He has created us anew iin Christ Jesus, so that we can do the things He planned for us long ago. We are given a choice...an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. We are created by a Great God to do great work. Father God, thank You for giving us life and for creating us to be unique among all the people of the world. May the moments and days of our lives bring honour to You, the Giver of life. Teach us your perfect path, and guide us to do Your will. Open our eyes and hearts to infiltrate our corner of the world with Your love and life, in the powerful majestic name of Your Son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen!
September 28, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Lord, teach me what I need to know and help me to follow You.
September 29, 2015
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Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen.Thank you Pastor,for sharing this with us.Faith and Believing and stepping out in that Faith gives us a new way of living,of seeking more of God and wanting to walk with him each day.knowing that no matter what happens he is with you. To walk in The spirit and not in the flesh.Lord help us to listen more carefully,and teach to abide in you and commit everything to you.Knowing you are in control .In Jesus name I pray.
September 29, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
September 29, 2015