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  • 9 minutes ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little. Isaiah 28:10 WEB.We had scattered pieces all over the table while we worked on assembling a jigsaw puzzle. It was a total mess. This one was mysteriously difficult, for someone had mistakenly...
  • Fri at 3:01 AM
    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 ...
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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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Happy Days

  • But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium. The disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:50 WEB

    As Paul and Barnabas preached, many people believed, but sometimes entire towns threw them out. They did not let it get to them, but shook it off, and went on to the next town. During all of this rejection, Luke wrote 'The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.' Their joy did not come from their circumstances, but from their relationship with God.

    Paul later wrote 'Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound' (Philippians 4:11). Paul concentrated on the invisible and eternal knowing that God was in control of His situation. His mind was fixed on Jesus and that is where his strength came from (13).

    Once after Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison, they were praying and singing hymns to God when there was an earthquake and everyone's chains fell off (Acts 16:25). Peace, joy, contentment were a lifestyle for them.

    There is a joy and peace obtainable that surpasses our understanding and our circumstances. 'The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 4:7).'for the joy of the Lord is your strength' (Nehemiah 8:10). 'You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you; because he trusts in you' (Isaiah 26:3).

    During a season of my life, I worked in a very secular environment. Everyone was working for the weekend, which meant that they were pretty miserable during the week while waiting for it. There was one particular guy that had a horrible attitude and always seemed angry.

    Once while washing my hands, he walked up and asked me 'Why are you so dang happy all the time? What's wrong with you?' Though I know it would have been a great time to witness, it surprised me as I did not realize that I was that happy myself. It seemed natural enough to me, but after looking around, I could see that it was mostly, just me.

    Those days I often worked in a man-lift sixty feet in the air, mindlessly painting a giant warehouse. I could not attend church because I worked every Sunday, but I listened to the Bible all day on a set of headphones that I carefully hid under my hard hat. While meditating on the Word, I began praying and praising God under my breath.

    After a while, I was as carefree as an eagle. Pranksters would come by my man-lift, switch it to ground control, and then bounce me up and down, which when extended out sixty feet can be terrifying, but I could not care less. 'I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?' (Psalms 56:11).

    Meditating on God's word calmed my mind and brought peace and joy in a special way. Spending time praying and praising God brings a deep settled peace that is hard to be shaken. Hearing about the end of the world only brings a smile and a spark of hope that we will soon be with Jesus. God's word is timeless. It worked for Paul, it worked for me, and it will work for you.

    Prayer: Father, give me a hunger for Your word and make me able to understand and retain it. Fill me with Your peace and joy. Help me to focus on eternal things and not the temporary, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: The latest RHM newsletter is now available! To find out what Pastor Dion has been hearing from the Lord, as well as ministry happenings, just click on the "News" link in the site menu. Happy Friday!

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Social Sharing

47 comments
  • 1
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Amen! Thank you.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Praise The Lord, I am so thankful for this devotion today.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Mark Duell
Mark Duell Yes Lord, yes. Amen. This can be easier said than done. I don't necessarly have a problem being content as to trying "to fix stupid" as they say. Trying to be a problem solver and get to the root of problems can make you grumpy. Especially when you see other christians participating in the problems. Especially when it comes to work ethics. But I shall stop here. I see I must need a lot more time in the scripture and on my knees in order to work in a "nut factory". LOL. 
November 6, 2015
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Myrna Gonzalez
Myrna Gonzalez Yes,this a beautiful article only the Father can give us  a inner peace that is not of this world.I pray and ask him to fill me with his living waters which is his word.And psalm 119 is beautiful i love that psalm .Thank you  RHM for your devotionals.May the Father bless you all n keep you safe.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus can give us such a peace that even in all the storms we might face, we can have that peace that passes all understanding, because our total trust is in Him.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Mari Kaufmann
Mari Kaufmann Wonderful message. Thank u. Praise God. Amen
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it was truly a beautiful message and I am so thankful for it. I needed this reminder today.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joseph Gomez
Joseph Gomez Amen!  "In God, whose word I praise-- in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" "At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children." - Matt 11:25  
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, thank you for sharing.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Molly Minoo
Molly Minoo Thank you Pastor Todd.  Much needed at this time.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Molly, it was much needed for me too. God bless you and have a blessed weekend. Love and prayers, Tamara
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, thank you Pastor Dion for the inspiring word from the Lord.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, it was truly inspiring, it made me see that even though I am in a storm right now, that Jesus is right there and I can be content in this time, and that I can take this time to draw closer to Him and seek His perfect will for my life.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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flavio garcia
flavio garcia Amen.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is so good, to send us this inspiring and blessed word of devotion today. 
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Diane Casey
Diane Casey Thank God for his word, everything is going down but the word of God will stand forever. That is what's going to help us to stand. God bless!
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, when the world is falling apart around us as Christians, if we will put our total trust and faith in Jesus, we might be standing in the middle of the storm, but it will be calm all around us, through Jesus.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio This is such  a good word this morning for me, thank you. All glory to God ♡
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I didn't get to read this wonderful devotion until later in the evening, but it was mean't for me to read it at this time. I so needed to hear this devotion and know that I can be content in whatever state I am in. Jesus will be the one that always makes me happy inside and out even in the storms.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! 
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, this message was so mean't for me today, I needed to hear the words that even while I am in this storm, that I can be at peace and content, because Jesus will never let me down. I desire your prayers. Love and blessings and hugs, Tamara
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Pastor Dion, More of my favorit scriptures, I will meditate on these and write them down. I love praying Gods word back to Him. He is truly the love of my life. I also agree that we are in a terriable time in our country, but can trust God and His timing, I to am looking forward to be in my eternal home. I will just keep keeping on, and let my light shine. I am not living for man but for my LORD Jesus Christ, and His promices are sure. I can live in peace no matter what my circumstances are.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I am so thankful for your testimony, I too, look forward to the day to spending eternity with Jesus in Heaven, but while I am on this earth I pray that I can be an instrument in the Hands of Jesus and that I can always be content at whatever state, Jesus see's fit for me to be in.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt thank God for you Tamara, You are such an encourager to every one. Keep using your gift and God will richily bless you. I love you, Twila.
November 7, 2015
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Albert Chau
Albert Chau It is easy to think being happy is when we have plenty of money and freedom, but the truth is far from it.  Only Christ can fill us with His peace and joy regardless of our circumstances. A powerful reminder for all of us from today devotion. Amen.  
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, this is a wonderful reminder that we can have His peace and joy even under difficult circumstances, He will give us joy and peace no matter what if we put our trust in Him.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Chris Dibbern
Chris Dibbern It's funny you mention the world ending. I had a dream last night that took place in a large swoth of the southwestern US. It was borderline apocalyptic, though the dream has greatly faded, now. Yet, on my walk to work, I wasn't sure whether it might be from Him, so I asked. Just a moment later, a literal, spherical tumbleweed started blowing along the sidewalk in front of me. :-) That never happens in Iowa. And I heard the still, small voice in the same moment confirming that the dream, itself, was just the churning of my mind, in the night (specifically, He'd said it was related to me processing a TV show I'd watched some months ago). :-) When in doubt, always ask. :-) Keep the conversation going! God bless, Pastor!
November 6, 2015
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Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield I  can relate! Years ago, I worked in a factory with a bunch of bitter, angry people.When I hung Christmas ornaments, they threw them in the garbage.Smiling and humming Christmas carols only infuriated them more! It was the gloomiest job I ever had, and I'm glad it didn't last very long.
November 6, 2015
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Deng Tembreza
Deng Tembreza Peace, joy and contentment. I may have little but they are all I need. LORD GOD sustain me for the day for they all come from HIS abundance, graces and blessings for me. Be happy, live your life with our LORD GOD thanking HIM, praising and glorifying THY name always. Peace,joy,love and keep the faith for all RHM as we increase in our members. AMEN
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, may we all find that sweet peace, joy and contentment in Jesus, even if we are going through storms of this life, it won't last forever, Jesus will come to our rescue in His perfect timing. We must hold on and keep the faith stronger than ever before, because Jesus wants us to be ready to meet Him and to live eternally with him. He loves us so. God bless you. 
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!!  I thank God that every job I ever had in my life I never had to be stuck with a bunch of unhappy people.  I truly believe that the happiest people are the ones that walk with God daily.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, even in our sadness or storms, if we walk daily with Jesus, He will truly make our hearts happy, even if we feel sad inside sometimes, He will bring us hope to our broken heart.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Yes, he will Tamara, I have experienced that in my life.
November 7, 2015
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Rick Doran
Rick Doran God is so good. When ever I feel down or lost God's perfect world always gives me Hope.
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, one day this old world will pass, but if we stand true and faithful with Jesus, one day we will forever be with Him and never have to worry about anything anymore. We will be in His presence at all time. God is so good. I am so thankful for this message today, showing me that I can be happy and content no matter what storm I may be facing. God bless you and have a blessed weekend.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Heide Garner
Heide Garner wow that was asome gave some scrupter I,m try to rember use as pray for the church we use to go to looking forward to see what God is going do  in my life this sunday were checking out new church called mornging star. so should be fun something different thakyou slyai I did get good night sleep wed now just need to work on going better a little early at night so seem so hard to get up for prayer every mornging.  
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God bless you, Heide, on your work for Jesus and may you continue to have restful nights and feel refreshed in the mornngs and may Jesus give you that inner peace and happiness. I look forward to seeing how your new church is going to be. Love and prayers, Tamara
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Heide Garner
Heide Garner thankyou with that said brought great peace to know others are encorage me Ithink turn in early morning prayer comes early I,m thankful to have peace know Istill get stay touch with some my friends from that church Iplan see two them on monday I,can,t wai . My Devotion on potparmed went really well as the meeting before shared was hevy Iknew Iwas supposed to share that day some of the womenthat day could relate Iwant work anther one on mother and how children grow up to be the example we live now so praying for direction what poem to share for may.  
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Brian, Jesus can and will give you that peace, to know that no matter what your sons will always be happy and taken care of. Jesus has great things for you to do Brian and I feel that He is going to bless you in so many wonderful ways, that it will seem like a wonderful dream. Wait and see what good things Jesus will bring to you. Love and prayers, Tamara
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepleredited: November 6, 2015 Quite a story....all for God's Glory!
November 6, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, all praises and glory goes to Jesus, He is right there taking care of His children.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God has great blessings in store for us, if we put our trust and faith in Him. He will be with us even when we face storms and trials of this life, He will help us to be content and happy in Him. He will always be right on time for His children, because His love is so great for us.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member This message was so touching to me, I needed this today and the special prayer too. I have learned through many times of storms in this life, how to be happy in whatever state I'm in, right now I have been closed in for about 2 weeks and can't walk around, except to the bathroom and back, but I have had time to spend in prayer and let Jesus work out things in my heart and live that have troubled me. So I am thankful that Jesus has taught me to be happy and at peace in whatever state I'm in. He is the Only One that can calmn all my storms and make me happy in them too. Love and blessings to Pastor Dion and Sylvia, for all their hard work in Refreshing Hope, y'all have been such a blessing to me as individuals, but also as my Pastor and Pastor's wife and dear, dear friends. Love  y'all so much.
November 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Lord, Help me to focus on eternal things and not on temporal things.
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
November 8, 2015
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Melchorita Fahey
Melchorita Fahey Amen and Amen! Thank you Pastor Dion for your hearfelt devotion and prayer.
November 8, 2015