Recent Blog Entries

  • 17 hours ago
    Posted by Dion Todd
    The king talked with them; and among them all was found no one like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore stood they before the king. In every matter of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchante...
  • Wed at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances, "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch" (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men? These things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imp...
  • Tue at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    While they were there, the day had come for her to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:6-7 WEB.While his wife gave birth in a stable, the strong smell of farm anima...
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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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Make it Real

  • When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most assuredly, I tell you, they have received their reward. Matthew 6:5 WEB

    It was a long, hot day in the South and I was working on a house for an elderly lady when she invited me in to have lunch with her. As we sat down at the table, she said a blessing over the food before we ate. I try to always say a blessing over my food too, but this one was quite different.

    When her eyes closed, her voice changed and she began to speak in a King James era dialect. I felt that we were on the Mount of Transfiguration as she became a completely different person right in front of me, uttering long beautiful words that I barely understood. Even her southern accent seemed to take on an old English tone.

    After several minutes, her prayer ended and she became herself again. It was scary. I felt like I had just seen something from the movie "The Exorcist" and clenched my steak knife a little tighter for the rest of the meal. Really, she was just a southern belle that had learned religion by rote.

    Do not make God scratch His head and say 'Well he looks like Dion, but he sounds like Shakespeare? Dion is that you?' God would understand, but He has not heard that dialect in a while.

    Be yourself. Hypocrite means actor, someone impersonating someone else. God made you to be who you are. When you speak to Him, be your everyday self and do not be ashamed to pray because you do not have the fancy words that you have heard others use. It just may be that they are faking it.

    You are who He made you to be and He loves you. When you pretend to be 'holier than thou' you are buying into a lie that you are not good enough, that God could not love the 'real' you, when nothing could be further from the truth. God has loved you for your entire life, through the ups and the downs. He understands, and He still loves you.

    God knows who we are inside, sees us run to the bathroom and watches us in traffic, so don't think that you will flatter Him with some pretty words. God is the Awesome, Omnipresent, Unchangeable, Loving, Merciful, and Patient, Creator of the Universe and He made you. So be yourself, especially in prayer. The real thing is rare and beautiful.

    Prayer: Father, I thank You for loving me just as I am. You made me and I am now here before You in prayer. It's me Lord. I just want You to know that I am thinking of You today and that I want more of You in my life, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Good morning! The highlighted group of the week is: Keep It Simple Crafts! This group is about the joy of creating beautiful, yet simple, projects for your home, as gifts or just for fun! Crafts that can be created with little-to-no skill are encouraged here. Please check out the group from the groups list and join the fun!

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49 comments
  • 5
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Haha! This one made me giggle! I can see God scratching his head and all! I often feel like I don't know what or how to pray. This is a great reminder that I should just pray from my heart and be me.  Don't get me wrong I try to pray from the heart, but sometimes there are no words, in those times I am greatful we have a God that can hear our heart and our silent prayers. One thing that helped me to improve my praying practice... praying for others. I have a little more confidence in my ability to comunicate someones needs to God now. I get a feeling of accomplishment and satifaction that I may have just helped someone with their faith or even more. I love the feeling when I hear that a prayer has been answered. I feel like I am making a difference in some small way for the Glory of our Father and that is an awesome feeling.  I have always prayed for family and friends... it's a whole different level and an awe inspiring feeling when you are praying for people from all over the world. I would like to thank you, Pastor Dion and Sylvia, for the wonderful blessings you have brought to many people through out the world. This site is like a lifevest in stormy waters! Thank you for touching the lives of so many and bringing  hope to a broken world. Once again, I love the prayer :)
November 7, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Amen, Dianna, that is is a great solution and I know that He will take care of your needs as you are caring for others in prayer!
November 7, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I'm the same way Dianna, sometimes I don't have the words to pray, so I just ask Jesus to listen to my hearts prayers, because I know He knows all and sees all. Love you bunches.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Cynthia Nortey
Cynthia Nortey Amen!  God bless you Pastor.
November 7, 2015
  • 3
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro When everyone says, you said that before and you are repeating yourself, it is so comforting to know that God will be my audience to anything and everything that is on my mind, in my heart and just things in general.  I have yet to hear Him tell me that I talk too much!!  LOL - and as others, sometimes I just can't find the words.  I am so happy that He knows our hearts.  Even when the words don't come, I still feel the peace only He can provide.  Amen and God bless you all today!
November 7, 2015
  • 3
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Carol, many of our prayers are repetiious too, because that's just the nature of it. We thank Him every day for our lives, because how can we not? We ask for Him to lead us and protect us, contend for the things that have not yet come to pass, including the salvation of family members. All those things, by nature, require some repetition, so if that's you, as they say here, just keep on keeping on :)!
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I totally agree with Sylvia, just keep on keeping on. God bless you.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 4
Diane Casey
Diane Casey Hi Carol, i feel that if a person is leading a prayer, then the congregation should be meditating and whispering a prayer themselves instead of passing judgement on your prayer. Be encouraged, like Sylvia said, there are prayers we do pray over and over, thanking him daily for life,health and strength, which I will continue to do so, we have a lot to be thankful for on a daily basis. God bless you!
November 7, 2015
  • 3
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Carol, that was beautifully written, I'm like you, I have never heard Jesus tell me that I talk to much, because when I am worried or concerned about things my thoughts and my words are running over. LOL, Love you so much.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro Love you too my friend.  Fever gone yet?  Praying for you for a painfree Thursday!!
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank you for your prayers, feeling better today, so far I haven't had the fever today. I am praying that Thursday the doctors will remove the stitches and pins and I can get out of the house for a little while, even if I have to wear this boot for 6 weeks, I can't wait to get out just a little while. Love you so much for caring and praying for me. God bless you my sweet precious friend. Love and hugs, Tamara
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Valerie Fields
Valerie Fields Thank you Pastor Dion! This message really hit home! I often shy away from praying out loud in front of others for this very reason. When I hear others with their eloquent prayers,  I tend to feel unworthy and on most occassions while I am praying the Holy Spirit will take over and I will began to pray in the Spirit.  I try to stop it because I dont want to offend anyone however in IThessolonians  5:19 it tells us to Quench not the Spirit.   So I prefer not to lead prayer but it seems like each time that I am in a prayer group someone will call me out to lead and that frustrates me even more.   I am praying for God to help me with this as I want to be able to pray to Him in any situation without feeling that I am not reaching the mark!     Also I love your Bible fun facts.... I did not know that Isaiah walked naked for three years!
November 7, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Valerie, I have so been there! These days, I just pray just like talking to God, with my own phrases - nothing else feels comfortable anyway. One thing I can tell you, is if you just start and and keep stepping up, it will be easier, only because you are more practiced at it. I can even tell when I haven't prayed like that for a while, that it doesn't flow as easily.  On praying in the Spirit, that's what I do as well, when supporting whoever is leading the prayer in English, or of course, in private prayer. Nothing wrong with that as long as you're not so loud that you are distracting from the person leading the prayer. I just do it as a whisper and don't really think more than that is needed for that situation.  Finally, if you find that you are being called out to lead all the time, God is probably trying to encourage you to overcome your fear and get started :).
November 7, 2015
  • 3
Steven Paro
Steven Paro Dear Pastor Todd; Thank you for reminding us all that God wants us to prayer as we are, come to him with our genuine selves and to worship as the humble and penitent individuals that we are! Yours in Christ; Steve Paro
November 7, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome yes thank you for this word it is right on the mark for me today thank you Father amen
November 7, 2015
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Susan P
Susan P This is such a great message and I so love your sense of humor! "Mount of Transfiguration," LOL!! How often do we (I) not grasp the most precious gift given us, the unconditional love of the Lord. And we can do so many crazy things when we don't understand His love. I know I sure do! Thank you for your wonderful reminder. 
November 7, 2015
  • 3
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd Haha, I often think that God probably shakes his head a good bit at the silly things we do ;-).
November 7, 2015
  • 3
Larry Fowler
Larry Fowler Amen!
November 7, 2015
  • 3
Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith I love this. Clenched the steak knife a little tighter  ha. Best line ever.   Great message Pastor D. Amen! 
November 7, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Isn't it wonderful when we can have humor with Jesus, He wants us to be happy and laugh and have an abundance of joy in our hearts. God bless you for all the wonderful things you share with us too.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!
November 7, 2015
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Linda Clark
Linda Clark Good morning and praise God l  love that message in Jesus name amen
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what a wonderful message to my soul and to so many. God bless you Pastor Dion and Sylvia.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
April Cosper
April Cosper Thank you for the message and Thank you Lord for Loving me and I can just be ME
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thats right Jesus just wants us to me ourselves. God bless you April, have an amazing and blessed weekend. Love and prayers, Tamara
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Diane Casey
Diane Casey Thank you for this devotional, now I want feel intimidated when I have to lead a prayer in service, I do know that prayer is having a talk with God and you don't have to yell and scream and go into convulsions to be heard by God. All we need is faith to believe that even before we ask, we believe that he will do it according to his word. God bless you!
November 7, 2015
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd So true, Diane! I remember one time, many years ago, we were in a prayer meeting and the hands of the group leader keep shaking whenever she was praying, but not at other times. I kept looking at them, kind of horrified - in retrospect, I guess it was a bit rude to stare ;). 
November 7, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Jesus only wants us to pray from our hearts, He loves it when we talk to Him.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd I love Matthew's faith <3! Haha, loving His people seems to be difficult sometimes, especially when they are yelling in your ear ;-). 
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, your precious son is so intelligent, truly Jesus wants us to keep it real. God bless his sweet little heart. Such words of wisdom from a precious 5 year old. (Just be yourself)
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen! My prayers may not be eloquent but they are from the heart. I don't pray like I write, my words are simple from a child of God to her Father. 
November 7, 2015
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Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd I dont' think there's a better way to pray, Carol!
November 7, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I agree with Sylvia, I don't think there is a better way to pray. You are talking to your Father about anything, because He loves you more than anything.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield That image of God watching me run to the bathroom made me laugh, but it's so true! I wonder what God was thinking when I was in the throes of my eating disorder years ago and worshiped the 'porcelain god!" Like Pastor Dion, I found that God has a wonderful sense of humor. And I know He must have been laughing the day He created a silly creature like me! I don't even attempt to use lengthy, eloquent prayers any longer--sometimes, when I'm really feeling sick, all I can muster is a cry for help. But He still listens.
November 7, 2015
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, His ears are always open to our prayers, even if we are running to the bathroom. He loves to talk with His children and He loves His children to talk to Him and we can only cry for help, He sure is listening. He always will be there for you.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member I love the way, Jesus justs wants us to be Who He made. I love to be able to pray and talk to Him, just as if we were sitting and having a glass of ice tea, talking about the things that are troubling me and He listens to everything I have to say without any interruption from anyone, because at that moment, I feel like I totally have His attention and He is listening with great concern and He cares about how my heart is feeling. Thank you for sharing this today. Love and blessings.
November 7, 2015- Edit- Delete
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Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio The real thing is rare ad beautiful!!...Amen
November 7, 2015
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen! God created us all different and knows us intemently, He made us for a purpose and that is to glorfy Him . Trying to be someone we are not does not glorfy God. God loves us just the way He made us.
November 7, 2015
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!  When I pray my words are simple, to the point and short.  I don't believe in long drawn out prayers, I don't think it is necessary, especially since God already knows your needs and desires.
November 7, 2015
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Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord  Its amazing that God loves us just the way we are and still wants to have a relationship with us. Thank you Lord.
November 7, 2015
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
November 7, 2015
  • 2
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  
November 8, 2015
  • 2
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Lord teach me how to pray.
November 8, 2015
  • 1
Heide Garner
Heide Garner wow I,m new to  what means be in prayer but that really encoraged me stay fast in the father name even more thankyou.  
November 8, 2015
  • 1
Iris Parlin
Iris Parlin Thank you for letting us know we don't have to perfect in prayer. Sometimes it seems as though I get side tracked while praying, but I have talked to someone else about this and she told me that the Lord knows what we are going through and forgives us for that. Do you think this is true Pastor Dion??
November 8, 2015
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Melchorita Fahey
Melchorita Fahey Amen and Amen! "The real thing is rare and beautiful."
November 8, 2015