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  • 14 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Blessed is the man who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the way of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers; But his delight is in Yahweh's law; On his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, That brings forth its fruit in its se...
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    Posted by Dion Todd
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    Posted by Dion Todd
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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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Hello, Old Friend

  • Simon Peter said to them, 'I'm going fishing.' They told him, 'We are also coming with you.' They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. John 21:3 WEB

    Peter told Jesus 'If I must die with you, I will not deny you' (Mark 14:31). Later that night, Peter cursed, swore and denied even knowing Jesus three times (Mark 14:71). He had failed the Lord Jesus, and had done exactly what he said he would not do. After weeping, sulking, and waiting a while, Peter returned to his old way of life, fishing.

    Typical human thinking. We make God promises, fail to keep them, then feel like we are a failure and that God is mad at us, so we turn back to our old lifestyle. We begin to beat our ourself up and tell ourselves 'I can't do this. I am no good at it. I gave it my best, and look at what that got me. I was better off before.'

    We return to our old life, and our old ways and soon settle into a rut. When you fail in a performance-based relationship, it is hard to get up. After you stumble in some act that you think is sinful, you tend to hide yourself from God, just like Adam. It has been that way for thousands of years. The enemy will climb on your back like a pony and ride you around constantly reminding you: 'God is mad at you! You are finished! He knows what you did! You better not go back to that church!'

    It is a trick of satan to keep you beaten down, weak and defeated. Proverbs 24:16 says that the righteous get up, even if they fall seven times. God is not mad at you when you fall. Our relationship with God is not about performance, it is about love. He loves us, we love Him and love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).

    Jesus knew that Peter would deny Him and had already told him, 'when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers' (Luke 22:32). It is ok to fail, to fall, to stumble, to return to your old ways, but do not stay there.

    Jesus restored Peter and He was never mad at him to begin with. Jesus understood what Peter went through because He was one of us (Hebrews 4:15). He understands. Just don't give up. You are going to make it, if you don't give up. The only one that can stop you from fulfilling your destiny, is you.

    Special note: While praying here I can see some who are in a dark place. You have been hurt and injured, so you withdrew into a corner. Now you feel so alone there. God wants you to know that He is here, now. He loves you, He understands, and He only wants you to come back. This is going to be alright. I can see Him reaching out, trying to coax you into coming back to the light. Take His hand.

    Prayer: Father, I thank You for being there for me. Draw my heart to You, consume me Lord and fill me with Your presence. Lead me out of the darkness and help me to see clearly. God have mercy on me, a sinner, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Good morning! The other day, one of our readers mentioned that, though she had been receiving the RHM devotionals for about a year, she only recently found that she could also view the past ones. Sooo, for any who might also wish to know, you can go to the "Devotional" link on the website and read any of the past messages. You don''t need to be signed in to read them. Thank you for being part of Refreshing Hope Ministries, and have a blessed day :)!

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48 comments
  • 2
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you, dear Pastor, for the inspiring message!
October 12, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Joan Joseph
Joan Joseph Lord take my hand and lead my steps. Thank you Pastor Todd for the encouraging words.
October 12, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, thank You Jesus.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Thank you Pastor Todd for yet another Blessed Encouraging message
October 12, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen.
October 12, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, Thank you Pastor Dion for the wonderful words from the Lord.
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Dana Rozell
Dana Rozell Really Great Devotional! Praise God!  Thanks for the devotionals pastor :)
October 12, 2015
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome amen
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke Amen, your mercy o Lord I seek
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, His mercy endures forever. God bless you.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Thank God that He knows our heart, and never gives up on us.
October 12, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Sheri Stewart
Sheri Stewart i read this every day. today it brought me to tears... thank you
October 12, 2015
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen. God is so good and He loves us so much.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Julie Schneider
Julie Schneider Another awesome devotion! A heartfelt thank you Pastor Dion! Once again this really touched me!
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it was truly heartfelt.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! Because He loves me and has forgiven my backslidden times, I love Him even more and I have compassion for the prodigals. Often they only need a kind word spoken through love to bring  them back to the Cross.  If we love them and do not judge them we can show them that Abba Father is waiting anxiously for their return.
October 12, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Such a heartfelt message and prayer, thank you so much for sharing, oh, how many times, have I felt like I've been in that corner, that I had failed and how could I keep trying, when I felt like a failure. God is so good, because He never gives up on us.
October 12, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield AMEN! Yes, that sneaky enemy called satan is the "pony on our back"--not a mere monkey! And he always gets us when we're at our lowest.When I'm physically tired, hungry, or in pain, that's when I must be on guard.I thank you for today's strong message of hope. Prayer REALLY does work, too--last night, I had a decent conversation with my father and he even asked me how I was feeling! Yes, with god, all things are possible!
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Eric Rodriguez
Eric Rodriguez Thank you for this........  A M E N        
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Thanks for talking about Grace...God's middle name.  Actually before Him & after Him...where ever He walked & still does!!!
October 12, 2015
  • 3
Cheryl Wilson
Cheryl Wilson Amen and Thank you Lord for not giving up on me!!
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Kealtis &quot;Key&quot; Austin
Kealtis "Key" Austin Today's lesson is a lesson within itself.  It really touches a lot of hearts that are troubled.  We all go through so much in life, and only God knows how much of a burden we carry.  That's why He tells us to put our yoke down and carry His yoke.  It is so much lighter compared to ours.  We carry stuff we don't know we carry or even things we don't have to carry.  Thank you Pastor Todd for such profound words.
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Thank you pastor Todd! Gods Best to you.
October 12, 2015
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Cynthia J
Cynthia J Right on time. Thank You, Lord for your word and for your messenger, Pastor Dion. This devotional... I'm in awe.  I just praise God for His incredible love for us. I'm literally crying tears of gratitude right now. 
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Margaret Parks
Margaret Parks Thank you Pastor Dion for your devotional. I feel so defeated today and this message helped.  I only wish that I could  keep from being a failure. I pray that God will hear my heart and that I can hear Him when He speaks to me.  Blessings to you & your family. maggie
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Dianne Freeman
Dianne Freeman Thank you Pastor for your encouraging words!!!  They have blessed many!!
October 12, 2015
  • 2
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith Amen, so powerful. Thank you Pastor D!    
October 12, 2015
  • 1
Julie Wiles
Julie Wiles I needed this today.  As I do when I read so many of your blogs.  Thank you so much for the ministry that you do!  I look forward to these everyday!  God bless you Pastor Dion!
October 12, 2015
  • 1
Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin I know the feeling!
October 12, 2015
  • 1
Alane Grosz
Alane Grosz Satan is such an evil presence,  telling us that we are worthless and will always fail.  I need to keep my mind on the fact that Jesus LOVES me......no matter what!
October 12, 2015
  • 1
Barbara Mango
Barbara Mango Thank you Pastor Todd for your insightful message to those of us who have been injured, hurt, betrayed and abandoned. Though people may abandon us, it is comforting to know that God never abandons us, and always loves us and forgives us. May God heal all of us who are going through dark times, leading us steadfastly toward seeing hope and light along our path.
October 12, 2015
  • 1
Patricia Walker
Patricia Walker Thank you God for taking hold of my life and saving a wrech like me. I feel restored with your love, mercy and so many Blessings!! Thank you God!!!
October 12, 2015
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Draw my heart to You, Consume me Lord and Fill me with Your Presence.
October 13, 2015
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Amy Binas
Amy Binas Amen..Glory to GOD. Nice explanation pastor Dion.. Im happy that even im late in the bible study still i can read what topic i Skipped about..Thanks so much.. God bless.
October 13, 2015