Recent Blog Entries

  • 3 hours ago
    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 ...
  • 9 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...
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

Making up for Lost Time

  • For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield. Psa. 5:12 ESV

    Once while at church on a Sunday night, the pastor's wife said that she felt the Lord wanted me to get my G.E.D. as I had left school early to join the work force. I told her that I would look into it and Monday morning I went to the Adult Education Center. I went in and explained that I had been out of school a long time. They said would test me, teach me the subjects that I lacked, prepare me for the test and I should have it within six months to one year.

    Tuesday I went back and took the pre-test. The test seemed easier than I was expecting; I was braced for much worse. I went back Wednesday for the test results to see what I needed to work on. The staff greeted me with a strange look and asked, 'Have you been studying for this?' I told them no, I had decided to do it two days ago. They were surprised and told me that I did not need improvement on any subject.

    The staff then said it is a shame that you did not come last month as they only hold tests twice a year and the next one is this Saturday, but you have to sign up for it one month in advance. She said, 'let me call them', and ended up faxing my test and scores over to them. They had a cancellation and she got me approved for the test on Saturday.

    Saturday, I showed up at the test location and took the test. How far is the earth from the moon? Hadn't a clue' got it right! I was one of the first to finish the test and when I returned to church on Sunday I had completed my G.E.D. from start to finish in one week. After that the Lord had me start Bible college. He had plans bigger than mine, and though I had wrecked them, He gave me divine favor to correct it.

    Do you ever feel like you will never make up for those years that you lost? That you wrecked His plan for you? God's divine favor can make up for lost time and rocket past the normal.

    Prayer: Father, I pray that you help me correct the mistakes in my life. Help me move forward and make up for the lost time, in the name of Jesus.

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

 

Social Sharing

37 comments
  • 2
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Amen! Thank you! On time as always :) Cali blessings! 
December 6, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, on time for me too. 
December 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen. 
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome Hallelujah amen
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Rebecca Goff
Rebecca Goff Amen.
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Deborah Alexander
Deborah Alexander AMEN
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen. We serve an awesome God. 
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Colleen Horn
Colleen Horn Amen!
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Kath Paro
Kath Paro This is something my husband needs to read.  He has been called on to perhaps be the leader of a smal church.  He has be wrestling with the idea of becoming a Pastor, now God has given him the opportunity  to try it on to see if it fits.  We pray to our Lord Jesus Christ that he be granted this if it be His will
December 6, 2015
  • 0
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Praying for you and your husband, God bless you and your husband on this new journey. 
December 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Dion Todd
Dion Todd God will equip you for anything that He calls you to do.
December 6, 2015
  • 1
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro I stand firm in this belief and pray that my ears and spirit hear the calling....no matter how big or small!
December 7, 2015
  • 1
Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Amen !!
December 6, 2015
  • 1
Katrina Whitfield
Katrina Whitfield Amen. 
December 6, 2015
  • 3
Mary Pat Taylor
Mary Pat Taylor Wow... the dogs woke me up early today and I was tired and the thought came that I am too old for some of the things that are in my heart.... even though the Lord has seemed to confirm them.  I think this is another confirmation, that He will give me the energy to do all that He has planned for me.  :)  Thank you again, Pastor Dion for another timely message! 
December 6, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen.
December 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Dion Todd
Dion Todd It was totally the Holy Spirit  ;)
December 6, 2015
  • 4
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello I have a lot of lost time to make up for in my life too. Unfortunately I can't make up for any lost time and mistakes I made with the wife I loved that has since gone to be with the Lord. It has bothered me to this day but with God's help I am trying to let go of the guilt and feelings of being short changed of the opportunity to do so for her.By God's grace I've accepted the fact that it was just her time to leave this earth and it is in the past that can't be changed. I need God's favor to propell me beyond all of the bad choices I've made and all of the times I've screwed up in my life. Thank you Pastor Dion,your message confirms the message I heard from Charles Stanley this morning on this very same subject. Personally,I know this once again is from the Lord and it is encouraging to me,it gives me hope. In tears I ask Father God daily for a break through and His favor because He is the only One who I trust that is able to do so. I thank God who is the God of 2nd,3rd 4th and so on many chances/opportunities and open doors in our lives.Praise Him,Amen!
December 6, 2015
  • 2
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, God is surely the God of many chances, because He loves us so much. I will be praying for you daily and I know that Jesus will give you that peace and joy once again and that He will guide and direct you and give you His special comfort, strength, and peace. God bless you in every way.
December 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondelloedited: December 7, 2015 Thank you Tamara and may God bless you and yours.
December 7, 2015
  • 3
Dion Todd
Dion Todd God had something for us in each stage of our life, and He still has something for you.
December 6, 2015
  • 1
Richard Mondello
Richard Mondello So true pastor Dion,God allowed me to enter a new stage of my life 5 1/2 years ago.With His help I believe and trust that His plan for me is better than any thing I could ever imagine.May God bless you and Silvia abundantly,overflowing and beyond measure.
December 7, 2015
  • 1
<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, what a wonderful blessed devotional, Thank you so much.
December 6, 2015- Edit- Delete
  • 4
Carol Pady
Carol Padyedited: December 6, 2015 Amen Pastor Dion . In the past decade I have done more than in all the others. I have written, edited and self published 4 books. I am working on the 5th. I have joined three prayer ministries. I have built a website, without any experience. Recently started a group on Refreshing Hope and give to a diverse range of Christian ministries. At 62 yrs of age , when youth has long left me, I am being used in many ways! I am far from put out to pasture! 
December 6, 2015
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelliedited: December 7, 2015 Carol, I am 70 and I know what you mean.  I am not put out to pasture yet, I still have a good mind (thank God),  I have aches and pains but don't need pills for them (thank God) and I can walk and do the stuff that needs done.  I would like ot be able to volunteer for something, but since my husband had his stroke I don't leave him alone more than a couple of hours to go shopping.  Once he his well and I can leave him for a day I want to volunteer somewhere.  Until the day the Lord decides my life here is no longer needed, I will keep going like the energizer bunny.
December 7, 2015
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen!
December 7, 2015
  • 2
Elena Vasquez
Elena Vasquez Amen
December 6, 2015
  • 4
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield I'm still finding my way in this world after I officially retired from my Nursing career 7 years ago! I really believe God has other things planned for me, but the cancer diagnosis has put everything on hold for the time being. But I'm not giving up! Thanks for today's timely message!
December 6, 2015
  • 4
Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Thank you so much pastor for sharing your story it brings me motivation, I too had to start working at 16 and had to drop out of school, 2yrs later I went into the US Navy when I took the ASVAB test for school placing I past with good enough scores to get into any college in the USA But after the Navy I was a logger for the next almost 20 yrs But now I have an chance to go back to school maybe to be a drug and alcohol counselor and if the Lord wants this so do I! Thanx again for your devotionals they really help me!!
December 6, 2015
  • 1
Dion Todd
Dion Todd Thank you Scott!
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen! It's never to late.  Use me lord!
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the inspiring message!
December 6, 2015
  • 2
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thank you!  Redeeming the time.
December 7, 2015
  • 2
Carol Policastro
Carol Policastro AMEN - Father help me to move forward to the bright future I know You have planned for me and my family.
December 7, 2015
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen
December 7, 2015
  • 1
Michelle Toney
Michelle Toney Yeah.....this would be me. ..i wish so bad that i had met god in my early teens , or wish SOMEBODY would of told me about HIM long ago....it probly would of saved me and a few others alot of headache an heartache.....but...as the saying goes....EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON...i cant dewell on the past...although sometimes it does haunt me...i just have to keep reminding myself that God has already forgiven me so i need to move past it...i cant help but wonder though....had id met HIM in my much younger years....i would have a much better live than i do now...i would be living out the plan HE had for me, i woud be somebody and my life would be well established. ...right now im one step away from beinging totally homeless & jobless....:-( . 
December 7, 2015
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen.Paise God.The Loving Shepherd of his sheep.We may go astray and go our own way.Yet he watches over us.He will call us by name and encourage us back into the flock.When we return he is there to receive us with love,and when we surrender all to him and commit our ways unto him,he will lead us on.He will never leave us nor for sake us.Thanks be to God.
December 10, 2015