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  • 8 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Elijah said to her, Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your son. For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day th...
  • Tue at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid." Peter answered him and said...
  • May 28
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Anchor of the Soul from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. When people lose hope, they lie down and die. They lose the will to live and fight any longer. Hopelessness is utter despair, the belief that nothing good will happen. When you begin to think like this, it will bring a desire to die. A ...
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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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I Want To Talk About Me

  • If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. Philippians 2:1 WEB

    After two decades of data-center level computer-networking experience, someone pushed me aside to show me how to re-install a simple program at church one day. There were many thoughts that ran through my head, sadly not one was good. To put it nicely I thought something like: 'If this idio' er' these people had any idea what I know, they would not have done that.' Eventually they got the program installed, though it pained me to watch them fumble about when I knew exactly what needed to be done.

    Later, as I was thinking this over, it made no sense for me to be bothered by this. Someone else stepping in to help should be appreciated, even welcomed. Now I can go sit down with my wife and enjoy the service, but that was not what I was thinking at the time. We like to be noticed, respected, important, needed, in the spotlight. I want to talk about me and how much I know and what I am going to do. Needless to say, I had some repenting to do and felt like a prize idiot for thinking that way.

    God wants us to be balanced. Many of you think too little of yourself and God wants you to know that is wrong. He loves you, delights in you, and formed you in your mother's womb (Psa. 139:13). You were no accident, but carefully planned through the centuries. If a single person in your family line had died before their time, you would not be here today. He has carefully prepared for you to live in this time, and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Do not think too little of yourself, and do not waste the time that He has given you.

    I came up as white trash, a despised step-child in abject poverty. In total, I had nine dads and three moms and by the time they were done, enough step-brothers and sisters to populate a small town. Somehow I was always the youngest one there and most referred to me as 'Robert's boy' or 'Carolyn's son.' Many never bothered to learn my name. I can tell you in intricate detail what an unwanted child feels like.

    But God cannot use someone that will not let Him because of their 'unworthiness' and soon after I came to know the Lord personally, He began to build me up, so that later He could raise me up. He does not want us to look down on ourselves or our past. It is a new day and the old has passed away. He can use me, He can use you. Eventually the Lord brought me up to balance, but I began to like my new self a lot, and then He had to bring me back down. He is faithful to bring discipline when needed (Hebrews 12:7).

    It is so obvious looking backwards that God wanted to bring things into balance. He brings the lowly up, He brings the prideful down. At church that day He brought some more deep-rooted pride and selfish ambition to the surface. Their actions may not have been right, but I am only responsible for my actions, not theirs. Resist the temptation to always talk about yourself. Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent (Proverbs 17:28). Let others push you aside and then enjoy the free time. They can work on all the computers in the world now (except mine), and I would happily let them.

    Prayer: Father please bring my life and my view of myself into balance. Help me be grounded and stable in You. Give me a clear vision of what You have for me and help me live my life to the fullest in Your presence, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Good morning! For any who would like to join the FAAD (Fight Against Anxiety & Depression) chat tonight, it will be taking place at 7pm EST (6pm CST / 5pm MST / 4pm PST)! The chat will be for an hour, so be sure to note the time zone :). Just click on the "Chat" link on the site menu at that time and select the FAAD room from the "Browse Chatrooms" button. Have a blessed day :)!

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43 comments
  • 5
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Lord I know you are trying to humble me right now... I am trying to listen...please allow me to stop obsessing over the hateful hurtfulness of others and just pray for them. Please lead me and help me overcome these feelings of indignation and pride. I feel you are telling me my time in my current work space is nearing it's end, this makes me sad. Please lift me up and help me follow you where you want me to be please. Give me courage and fearlessnes needed to step out in faith and leave the negativity and power struggle behind and pray for those causing the heartache. Lord I know I am not without flaws but I equally know I am not deserving of the treatment I have been given and would like the drama to end now. If I must leave then I must ... please let me leave on reasonable terms and wishing people well. Please mend the brokeness of my soul soon. ~Amen~  Thank you Pastor, that hurt, but I guess that wound needed to be opened in order to heal properly. Peace
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Dianna, I am praying for you, and I pray for your broken heart to heal and that as you begin a new journey, you will feel Jesus right beside you, even carrying you when you need Him. God bless you and please know I love  you and I am praying for your heart to heal. Love and prayers, Tamara
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 5
Hope Love
Hope Loveedited: October 1, 2015 Thank you Lord I so needed this right now I even press this site by mistake well it was not by accident but I myself was not even thinking of  reading the devotional today but God.... Truth fully it was everything I need to hear today God is a good God an on time God He love his children no matter what and if anyone is struggling with life or your self remember this battle is not yours it's the Lord have a blessed day to all.
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen.
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen. I know I've been on both ends of this. Our Lord can really put you in your place.
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Yes He can surely give us peace beyond our own understanding.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro Right on Pastor!!!  Love the comment about "not my computer". 
October 1, 2015
  • 4
flavio garcia
flavio garcia That's a awsome prayer.amen.
October 1, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
edward lewis
edward lewis I needed this to start my day. I know now that I must get out of GOD's way by getting out of self.
October 1, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God bless you.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Eric Rodriguez
Eric Rodriguez Let Go & Let GOD  ......   A  M  E  N      
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 4
James McDaniel
James McDaniel I was thinking a lot about this message today. I am an educator at the college level, so I work with a lot of 18-22 year olds. In my profession, I meet people from all walks of life and self-esteem is an issue with many students. They feel unsure of themselves and their abilities. I think we can all remember those awkward, gawky high school years. What some people don't realize is you usually grow into yourself more in your 20's (your personality, desires, looks, assertiveness, etc) but some people still think of themselves as that perhaps shy, awkward teen. Many of my students suffered bullying or family issues during high school and fail to realize that is not who they are today. We need to learn to speak in the positive and think in the positive.
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Melissa-Peter Busse
Melissa-Peter Busse I need balance. Help me Jesus
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Mary Williams
Mary Williams Thank you oi much Pastor Dion I so needed his today....Amen 
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Tryphena Barnes
Tryphena Barnes I can't tell you how much of a blessing this article is, and has definately touched my life. IIt caused me to take another look at myself and situations. God bless and Thank you for sharing
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield I really love that line--"It's a new day and the old has passed." I need to remember that! Instead of feeling sorry for myself because I can't eat anything from a vending machine, I should be thankful my doctors were able to remove all the cancer! I must admit, I was feeling kinda depressed yesterday when I realized I couldn't eat anything in the cafetreia at the medical center--but next time, I will be prepared and bring my own food! Thanks and blessings!
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praying for you. Love and blessings and a speedy healing. 
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Diane Casey
Diane Casey Thank you for this devotional, especially that fourth paragraph, I had never thought about how the family line could have been cut off before I was born. The enemy knows how to keep bringing  up our past, but I will keep psalm 139 in mind, being fearfully and wonderfully made.  God bless you!
October 1, 2015
  • 2
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!!
October 1, 2015
  • 2
Conchita Bowman
Conchita Bowman Thank you Pastor Dion.  Loved the message that you shared today.  May God greatly bless you and Sylvia.
October 1, 2015
  • 2
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen
October 1, 2015
  • 2
Allie Ponzo
Allie Ponzo Awesome message and you made me laugh a few times. I've said it before, I love your sense of humor that you put into your stories and it's always relatable. You are no different than the rest of us and you let us know that so that we don't have to feel worse for thinking the same things at times. You are a great teacher and I'm so glad that God moved so mightily in you life that you became who you are today and what you could have become growing up in such bad circumstances, it is Only God who can do that, not of ourselves. Blessings to you and Sylvia!
October 1, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what an amazing God we serve, to Him be all honor and praise. God is always right on time and helps us through others when we need it. God bless. Love and prayers.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, may I always be the humble servant that Jesus can use me for His glory.
October 1, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Alane Grosz
Alane Groszedited: October 1, 2015 Thank you for this message that arrived right on time.  The enemy is a lot trickier than I ever think and many times I fall for his lies.  Thanks for the reminder.
October 1, 2015
  • 2
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen.  The Lord is so good at keeping me fully grounded and rooted in his love.  I am truly Blessed by is love and constant compassion.
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Joseph Krell
Joseph Krell Amen Amen Amen Pastor Todd! PTL! Amen! 
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Jeanne Hill
Jeanne Hill Pastor, thank you for the reminder of balance in my life.  Jesus remind me when to keep my mouth shut, Amen.
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Susan P
Susan P Thank you so much, Pastor Dion. 
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Albert Chau
Albert Chau Amen to that. I couldn't say enough about how important today daily devotion to all of us. I was full of myself until God brought me to my senses through great failures, but like Pastor Dion said, I became so self pity and be little to myself until God again brought me to a more balance view of myself. But, it is an important lesson.
October 1, 2015
  • 2
Nell Neathery
Nell Neathery Thank you Pastor, especially the prayer in Jesus' name, Amen :-)
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord I can remember being at an event when someone became ill. I went to help being a new nurse, but was ignored by many well meaning people who used their personal experiences to try and help this person. In the end I walked away and left them to it, but I was not thinking good thoughts and made a comment as I walked away...Reading Pastor Dions devotional this morning brought this back to me and made me realise my pride got in the way in that situation. These days I ask the person if they would like my help and go from there. Thank you for your honesty in writing this devotional Pastor Dion. You have been through many heart breaking life experiences and come out on top, thanks to the Lord, who loves us unconditionally and wants the best for us. Have a great day.
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Melchorita Fahey
Melchorita Fahey Amen! Thank you Pastor Dion for your awesome words of encouragemnt. God bless you and Sylvia.
October 1, 2015
  • 3
Crystal Johnson
Crystal Johnson Thank you! I needed that message tonight. I felt it so deeply it made me cry. God Bless!
October 2, 2015
  • 3
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
October 2, 2015
  • 3
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Lord, Help me to be grounded and stable in You.
October 2, 2015
  • 3
Sylvia Schmidt
Sylvia Schmidt yeah this exact thing happened to me a few times in my life. I never liked feeling like others thought I knew less about computers than I did.  Took me a while to realize that I just needed to let it go and just let them do it. I felt so full of myself at that time. Nowadays it doesn't bother me so much. Others need to be in the position of leadership and do things in computers (or other areas for that matter) and I can't feel like I need to hog it all myself. For me now I just hide what I know about computers. Unless I see someone really struggling and no one is around to swoop in and help, I just lay low and wait to see if anyone else is going to help. If there is no one, then I go and ask if I can help them. It pains me to see someone struggling with technology and me just sitting there watching them struggle. I try to just help them and then leave. I don't want them thinking I know a lot. Hard things for me being a woman in a predominantly male career. Learning how to navigate that for over 20 years and still keep my identity.
October 2, 2015
  • 1
Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin It is amazing how life goes. No matter what you do it seems as though it's never good enough. I get so discouraged. Thank you Lord and help me with my daily grind. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen
October 2, 2015