Recent Blog Entries

  • 8 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?" He answered them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honors me with their lips, But their heart is far f...
  • Sat at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; Isaiah 46:9'10 WEB.During a sci-fi n...
  • Fri at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    I have said these things to you, while still living with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. John 14:24'26 WEB.As I look at my piano, twelve keys are repeated across the keyboard's...
View All
  • 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!
View All

Liar Liar

  • You are of your Father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it. John 8:44 WEB

    When I would try and pray, crazy thoughts would run through my mind: 'God has abandoned you. He doesn't hear you or care, in fact no one cares about you anymore. You are alone. Why don't you just end this? That idea will never work because you are a failure. Soon you will be homeless and your spouse will leave you for someone better, get ready for it.'

    We had been out of work for months and bills continued to pile up around us. The worst part of it was that I had not heard from God in a while. That is always the real test, the cold shoulder and the feeling of abandonment that comes with it. See a timely word from God changes everything and makes things easy, but when that is taken away, you get to see who you really are inside.

    I know that God is always there for us, but there are times of testing. God left Hezekiah, to try him, that he might know all that was in his heart (2 Chron. 32:31). When Jesus bore our sin (2 Cor. 5:21) on the cross, God turned away from Him and it broke His heart. Jesus said 'My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?' (Matt. 27:46). There are times when God is silent and His word comes 'after many days' (1 Kings 18:1). Think of it as a dramatic pause.

    For me, it was a time of testing and silence, but it was not completely silent. I heard doom, despair and agony everyday from the liar. It was a difficult, dark time in my life, but it passed and God came through. When all hope was gone and we were packing to move out of our house, suddenly, within about forty-eight hours, we were pushed into full-time ministry and all of our bills paid for the month.

    The doom and gloom was all a bunch of lies. God was merely promoting us and this was the path. Jesus called the devil, 'the father of lies.' All day long he whispers lies into your ear.

    First he just gets you to listen, maybe by asking a question like he did with Eve, 'Did God really say'?'. Then comes a lie: 'You will not surely die (Gen 3:4).' Next, he will provide an opportunity for you to act on it. The goal is to hurt God by getting you out of His will and causing God's judgment to fall on His own child. If you do follow the liar's advice, he will then turn on you and accuse you before God (Zech 3:1).

    Don't listen to the liar. God will come through for you. Do not give up and turn back to your old life, or end it. Learn to recognize the voice of the liar and mute him. When you have thoughts of failure, defeat, loneliness, depression, poverty and such, you can be sure that is from the liar. Push these thoughts aside and hang onto God another day.

    Prayer: Father, strengthen me. Teach me to lean on You and never give up hope. Touch my life with Your presence and help me always see the light through the darkness, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

Tip: You must be logged into the website to leave comments.

 

Social Sharing

41 comments
  • 4
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen. Another great devotional with impact. Thank Pastor Todd for not giving in to the father of lies but listening to our God of love, grace and mercy. Now you are touching the lives of hundreds of people daily. Again thank you for hearing the call and answering it.
October 19, 2015
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Thank you pastor Dion. Another great message of hope. Bless you and Sylvia :)
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Christie Smith
Christie Smith Ty so much for this scripture.  Sometimes we get distracted by all that's around us, but just keep looking up as Our Lord will have the Final say.  Amen
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!  Dear Lord, thank you for always being there and reminding me that no matter what, you will never leave me.  Amen, what a real blessing that is to me and to others.
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Cristina Floyd
Cristina Floyd AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!!!! DEAR LORD, THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT WE HAVE, ALL THE BLESSINGS YOU HAVE BESTOWED UPON MYSELF AND MY FAMILY, THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SEE YOUR BRIGHT LIGHT IN MY DARKEST DAYS....I'AAM FOREVER GREATFUL TO YOU IN YOUR SWEET NAME I THANK YOU, AND PRAISE YOU IN ADVANCE!!!!!!!! AMEN AMEN AMEN
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, thank you Pastor Dion for the encouraging words from the Lord have a blessed and wonderful day.
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Tanisha Ferguson
Tanisha Ferguson Thank you for these encouraging words! The daily messages always seem to be right out time in speaking to what I am going through. They keep me encouraged and hopeful that my situation is on God's agenda to resolve, if I just keep still! God Bless you all! 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Rosemary  Sambrano
Rosemary Sambrano Praise the LORD! Very encouraging!
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Khalilah Horton- Spencer
Khalilah Horton- Spencer Thank you Pastor Todd, I needed this message. God is so good even when we cannot trace him. This message reminded me of that. I will continue to pray for your family!
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Gail Sellu
Gail Sellu Amem, Thank you Lord for your word through Pastor Dion. 
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Retta Morgan
Retta Morgan Thank you Lord  For your on time word  Help me to trust you with all my heart   Not to lean to my own understanding.  But too seek you in all my way  So you will direct my path .  Thank you Jesus I love you !
October 19, 2015
  • 2
flavio garcia
flavio garcia  Amen, 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen.
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Eric Rodriguez
Eric Rodriguez So true.......  A M E N       
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Dawn Shore
Dawn Shore Wow , this devotional was for me today. The Lord knew just what I needed to hear ! Thank you Pastor Dion Todd for being God's vessle today ! 
October 19, 2015
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd That sounds so familiar... I can speak from experience that He has not abandoned you and it will pass :)
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Jeffrey Hample
Jeffrey Hample How is it that you know exactly what I need at my lowest point? Thank you!
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Schmidt
Sylvia Schmidt I went through some pretty severe testing yesterday. I think I succeeded but I had to explain to the person why the boundary had to be there because of a counselling relationship I have since I am a client of their spouse and we all go to the same small church. I found the test really hard. It was definitely a test. I have had to keep up this boundary for 5 years even though it was not my choice, but a part of the counselling relationship I have needed to have as a client with my counsellor. I have asked God several times to take it away but it won't go away. I know what Paul must have felt like when he wanted the pain to leave his side and God wouldn't take it away. I think this all must be training for me as a counsellor when I have to have boundaries on relationships on my own future clients. It is the only thing I can think of why it has to be this way. I took it to God and let him handle it because it was too much for me to handle. I spoke with grace to the counsellor's spouse and explained why the boundary was there and how hard I have found it to keep the boundary there. I was feeling weak and maybe shouldn't have told her about the burden of trying to keep the boundary, but she was apologizing for hurting me when she saw that I had run away from her talking to me. I pray she understands. I pray I don't lose my counselling relationship over this since I need to have this counselling relationship. Thank you God for your strength through these tests. Thank you God for handling things when I don't know what to do.
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Rose Theuret
Rose Theuret Thank you God for always being there for me. I really needed this reminder. I have battled depression lately along with negative thoughts. God Bless you pastor Todd for your teachings and my daily devotionals. 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Faith Oglesby
Faith Oglesby Thank you, Pastor Todd, for this timely article today.  It is definitely refreshing to see honesty and truth about how many of us think/feel when our lives seem to be like the desert with our hearts parched from being thirsty for God's sign that he is answering our prayers.  Your words of encouragement heal the soul.  Recently, I have posted a prayer request for one of my adult children who has been struggling with the medications that she takes for a health condition.  I happened to stated in my prayer request that I have been praying on the situation for a few weeks and asked if others could pray with me from their homes so that the Lord would either heal my daughter through HIS natural means or through medications that the doctor prescribes.  I was blasted with scriptures making it sound that I should have all the faith possible.  Am grateful for the scriptures passages and will use them throughout everyday to help me as I pray for my daughter.  Just at the moment of reproof with the scriptures from one individuals I found myself getting a little defensive within.  I didn't retaliate in anger or anything.  Just noticed that I felt hurt for some reason; but perhaps the Lord just used the one individual to point out to me that I need to "just let go and let God."  Again, thank you for this article that has touched me greatly today!  All praises to God for HIS infinite love, mercy, and grace.  
October 19, 2015
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd Thank you for reading Faith. Always remember that people are just broken vessels trying to be used by God. He is perfect, we all have our short comings. Don't let fallen people drive you away from what He has for you. May the Lord build you up, restore you, and set your daughter free in the name of Jesus Christ. 
October 20, 2015
  • 2
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! I was feeling heavy laden recently, over a few unanswered prayers,  not true despair but a cloud of sadness hung about me. I kept praying and spending time in His Word. Then after a few days came a brighter day. He began to bless me with little things and then bam! I was startled awake by a lion's roar, I posted this along with the interpretation  on the Dreams group page. Ever since I have a joy and a peace that I can not describe! I hope it stays awhile, I am enjoying basking in His presence! 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Debbie Bible
Debbie Bible Thank you for this! As I count down to medical testing next week for my cancer and "scanxiety" starts creeping in, I will reread this devotion to remember where the doubt and fear comes from. Definitely not from my Lord and Savior.  
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin I posted on my time line last night. Things can change in ab like of an eye!! My daughter asked what did I mean on chat. I said just what it says. This morning I added to the post. 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Joseph Krell
Joseph Krell I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again- Thanks Pastor Dion! Right on right on! 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin I tried it edit my post and let you know what I added but for some reason it wouldn't let me. This is what I added   PUT YOUR FAITH IN ONE PAIR OF HANDS!! AMEN!!
October 19, 2015
  • 4
Jennifer Nielsen
Jennifer Nielsen This really hits home ... Touched my heart ...so many suicidal thoughts ... Emptiness ... That your not worth anything ... And why live ... That your SO. Will leave you for some one better than you ... That dramatic pause is so painful ... But once it passes God comes through and you can breathe again ... ☺️. 
October 19, 2015
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles praying for peace unmeasured for you today.
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Jennifer Nielsen
Jennifer Nielsen Aw thanks !!! ☺️☺️
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Dion Todd
Dion Todd Embrace the good, block the bad, good things are coming on the horizon. :)
October 20, 2015
  • 2
Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Such a good word, thank you and Amen!
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Harold Young
Harold Young Wonderful, on point, uplifting word!
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Too many people still don't believe Satan exists, but boy are they ever wrong! He's still the prince of darkness and always seems to get to us when we are at our weakest. But Jesus conquered that sneaky devil and all we have to do is remember that!
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Rick Doran
Rick Doran Amen, Boy I needed these words now. Thank you Father , and Thank you Brother Dion.
October 19, 2015
  • 3
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Amen pastor your life really triggers thoughts from my life, Its a God thing is the best way to describe it and I thank u for listening to Gods prompting on your devotionals they touch so so many people keep up the hard work its paying off!  Sincerely Scott Riegelmann.
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander Great message for my spirit, TYL & Thank you Pastor Todd
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
October 19, 2015
  • 2
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Live in me God!  Have Your Way in me!
October 20, 2015
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I love this.....this is meat.....the conversation Satan wanted you to have is exposed!  A crafty being driving us into the ground at our weakest point. I remember a teaching telling how it is good to expose Satan's conversation.  It is the beginning of his end in our head.  Sharing goods with one another is a blessing but sharing the discouragement with another Christian is like telling on Satan!  Prayers are weapons & the old boy has to go.  Light on the darkness he wants us to be in. There are times I all of sudden realize the captivity of my mind that is going on and boldy say, "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth go where God wants you to ....leave me NOW!! Discernment is a wonderful gift God gives in different situations.  This moment is help for us.  Other times discernment directs us for ourselves or as a word for someone else.  And the biggest is discerning someone who needs prayer not knowing any of their situations they are in.  I am sure other examples too.  The Lord is awesome & mighty!!  PRAISE is the highest one of all.  Satan does not want anyone to praise Jesus Christ... he wants us to give him glory...he knows his days are short & he keeps busy to have another one to bite the dust!   That song's words just came flying in....LOL.   :).  Thank you Pastor Todd.
October 20, 2015
  • 1
Elena Vasquez
Elena Vasquez Amen
October 21, 2015
  • 1
Darlene Blackmon
Darlene Blackmon Thank you Pastor for this message that hits home. God is so good. In my darkest times I feel I am hanging on to His coattails of mercy and grace. 
October 23, 2015