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    Posted by Dion Todd
    "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you." Isaiah 43:1'2 WEB...
  • The Day of Small Things from Refreshing Hope Ministries on Vimeo. As with many of my messages, this was a word for me, but I will share it with you as I found it encouraging. I have been building a new social media website for Refreshing Hope behind the scenes for months. It is a massive undertak...
  • Now after these things, the Lord also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of him into every city and place where he was about to come. Then he said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send ou...
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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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Do Not Be Afraid

  • While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue's house came, saying to him, 'Your daughter is dead. Don't trouble the Teacher.' But Jesus hearing it, answered him, 'Don't be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed.' Luke 8:49 WEB

    Jairus had a twelve-year-old daughter that was in bed deathly sick. He came to Jesus, fell down at His feet, and begged Him to come heal her. Jesus went with him, but on the way someone met them and told them, 'Your daughter is dead.'

    Jesus told him, 'Don't be afraid. Only believe, and she will be healed.' A short time later, his daughter was well. This was a very difficult test for Jairus, but afterwards he had a testimony and I am sure it contained these words: 'Don't be afraid. Do believe, and it will be well.'

    There will always be those that will tell you things contrary to what God has told you. Fear will always be the opposite of faith. Unbelief will always be the opposite of believing. When the Lord has spoken to you, hang onto it and do not listen to the negative voices.

    No matter what circumstance you face today, these words hold eternal power that you can claim for your very own. Do not give into fear. Believe the word of God, and it will be well for you.

    Prayer: Father, help me to stand on Your word and grow my trust in You. Forgive me of my fears and my lack of trust in the past and show Yourself strong in my life. Speak to me in a way that I understand and send the Comforter to me today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: Good morning! The highlighted group of the week is "In the Valley of Pain": This group was created to support those who suffer from chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. The members of the group support each other with prayer, tips that have worked for them, and just being there for each other! (Please do note that you should always check with your medical professional before trying any new remedies). To find the group, just go to the "Groups" link on the site menu and they will be on the list. Have a blessed day!

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56 comments
  • 2
Schalk  de Beer
Schalk de Beer Amen. 
February 2, 2016
  • 3
Janet Clary
Janet Clary Fear can be so devastating!  I learned that if I give into fear, all negative feelings build inside of me and the snowball of hell gets bigger.   My fears in life have cost me a lot of closeness with the Lord and it makes me sad.  Each day, I thank God that I don't have to give into fear!   I learned when I give into fear, I ignor God and let satan have all the power.  Never again.... Thanks so much Pastor Dion for this Daily Devotion to remind me that fear can be turned around in the blink of an eye and built into Faith.  Hugs, Janet
February 2, 2016
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April Cosper
April Cosper yessssssss and amen
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, Praise The Lord, our fears truly can be turned into faith in the blink of an eye.
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, an ontime message, Praise The Lord, God is so good.
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 3
April Cosper
April Cosper Prayer: Father, help me to stand on Your word and grow my trust in You. Forgive me of my fears and my lack of trust in the past and show Yourself strong in my life. Speak to me in a way that I understand and send the Comforter to me today, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen and Amen.
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Amen. Listening to The voice of God is very difficult in my busy head. Great advice Pastor.
February 2, 2016
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Dorene Glaze
Dorene Glaze Amen
February 2, 2016
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Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome amen I believe I receive
February 2, 2016
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Michelle Negron
Michelle Negronedited: February 2, 2016 I needed to hear this word today. Thank you Pastor
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen.
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
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MP (Mary Pat) Taylor
MP (Mary Pat) Taylor Such a powerful word today, and very appropriate as I start my new job today! Praying Lord, that all goes well according to Your plan for my life.  Help me do what I have to do at work and at home. In Jesus' Name, Amen. 
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Congratulations on your new job and I pray that it will be the best ever and that you will feel right at home in your new workplace. God is with you and He will help you in all that needs to be done. Love and Hugs and Prayers.
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
MP (Mary Pat) Taylor
MP (Mary Pat) Taylor Thank you! It will be ok, and it will pay bills, that's the main thing right now! :)Thank you for your prayers, I really need the Lord's help to well at my job and still do what I need to do at home. 
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Jesus will be with you. Love and Hugs and Prayers.
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Greg Hall
Greg Hall Amen! Thank You Pastor Todd.
February 2, 2016
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Rhonda Teem
Rhonda Teem  Thank You for this Word today My Father.  Thank you, Pastor Dion for posting it.  I really appreciate the prayer as well.  That particular prayer really helped me when I spoke it to God.  So, I don't want to sound negative here, first of all.  I just have questions to anyone who will be gracious to answer for me.  I am in a situation where I have been evicted from my apartment, and I will fully accept my wrong-doings by being irresponsible with my finances (not intentionally, however).  Two other situations: Medically related-My mama is in the hospital, having had lumbar surgery a week ago, this Wednesday.  I am going in for the first of 3 spinal surgeries this wednesday.  My precious, adorable mama is miserable.  As we ALL know, there are too many people that have had faith in Jesus' healing us or others.  Or, Jesus pulling us out of what could've been a pretty bad situation, that would possible have gotten worse.  If we have faith, 100% faith, feel NO negative fears, why does the very thing we pray for, or pray against (such as medical problems or whatever it may be), why do they happen when the faith IS there?  And, when the problems come to a head, for me, I feel "well, I didn't have the faith I thought I did, and it must be my fault".  Miss Sylvia knows that I ask some pretty deep questions, so please forgive me for this being so long lol.  I just need some guidance and will take any that I can get right now lol.  Oh, also,  whenever I give in to fear (not every single time, mind you), I get anxious and nervous and all the emotions that the spirit of fear gives us.  Then, when all is said and done, I am through the situation, it was NOT worth stressing over.  It is SO hard not to stress and be afraid.  I am always praying about the situations, and KNOW God's "got this".  It does help, but I still stress until "it's over".  The other issue I have all the time, is that when I do put every single ounce of faith in to a situation (again, not every single time), it turns out bad.  At times, it turns out worse than others (hope that makes sense?).  So, those are the situations I face.  I have horrible thoughts of losing my loved ones.  I get premonitions (I don't like to use that word, because I feel like I may be leaning toward the enemy by saying that I accept his visions).  It is kind of hard to explain, however I know that I'm not the only one.  Now, these premonitions have happened.  Therefor, it scares me (fear once again) for the other visions/premonitions I get.  Those are the ones that upset me so badly (where I lose my loved ones).  I know I am not the only one that has not played in to the fear, and the things happened anyway.  Why is this?  Any private messages or replies here are fine, either way :) Thank y'all so VERY much for reading my confusing "book". lol
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Rhonda, I think we all sometimes if our lives, no matter how much faith we have, we face fears and with fear it brings doubts and with doubts we are not truly putting it all into God's Hands. Many time I too have felt like I was trustin and believing with all of my heart, soul and mind that everything was going to work out the way I though it should, but only to realize I really just needed to turn it over to Jesus and let Him handle it the way it needed to be. We all as Christians try to have faith for our loved ones to be healed or our finances to be good and all sorts of things, and sometimes things do work out the way that we have prayed and believed, but also sometimes, they don't, we live in a world that satan is trying to discourage all the Christians he can, to make them fall and not serve Jesus, so we have to make up our minds to serve Jesus no matter if things don't turn out the way we thought they should, that if our loved ones aren't healed or our finances are not enough or just anything we face, doesn't turn out the way we thought it should, we have to remember that what satan means for our harm, that Jesus will still work it out for our good. It doesn't always work out like we want, but it will work out for our best as long as we trust and believe, things will work out for the best for God's children. I've had things like what you call premonitions before too, and some of the things that I feared did happen, but also, when those things come to me and fear tried to set in, I just start talking to Jesus and ask Him to please remove this fear from me, because fear is from satan, not Jesus. Jesus doesn't give us fear, He gives us faith to overcome our fears. Please know you and your family will be in my prayers for healing of every thing in your lives that are troubling your heart. I pray for a peace that passes all understanding to come upon you and that you will feel comfort and strength through all things in Jesus Precious Name. God bless you. 
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Norman Glaze Sr
Norman Glaze Sr Amen Tamara. I'm fairly certain that learning to think like that(Trusting God in the Valley)comes with painful, often confused/Sad experience's that happen to us. There has been so many times that I've questioned how and why things turned out like they did. Like you said, the enemy of our soul's will dive in to any crack of fear we allow. Problem is, we are all going to go through the maturing process. Just some thoughts. Love and Prayers
February 3, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Thank you, God bless you for your awesome words of encouragement. Love and Blessings.
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Hi Rhonda!  Not sure we met.  I love your honesty.  Thank you.  Being real is best.  God is real.  In Psalms, a great place to read, pray them out & hear King Davids crystal and praises to God no matter what!  I get what I call day visions.  Sometimes knowing she ahead of some event next to be.  Long ago I had such things & the came out bad. ,I hated it.  A lot of years in my walk have past.  Meaning much more growth.  Came with teaching, praying, studying and a cleansing of anything that was not God.  Much work.  Things I did not understand and more things He taught me. Total different walk.  Like verse.."Seek Ye first the Kingdom of God....and His Righteousness and ALL these things shall be added unto you.  A lot of parts there when I slow it down.  Can be with question marks.  Deeper seeking..deeper study etc.  God is good & teaches all good things.  As in Eph6:10 to end a lot of taking a part & chewing on.  If the old boy is around he will flee and let his crummy mitts off!
February 3, 2016
  • 3
Laura B. Martinez
Laura B. Martinez Thank you for the reminder. It reminds me of Isaiah 41:10 "'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, I love it, Faith not Fear, thank you so much for this wonderful message. It was right on time. 
February 2, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 2
Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen thank you Pastor Dion for sharing the Lords word
February 2, 2016
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Lesa M. Merrill
Lesa M. Merrill Thank you! God speaks to me directly and often through your messages pastor! I needed to hear this today as the relationship I'm in blew up again last night. I have found it hard to not be afraid, even though I know better. I see God working in areas, then when things go bad, I question what I really saw - if I was reading God's hand into the situation because I wanted to see His hand there. 
February 2, 2016
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Teresa Bridges
Teresa Bridges GOD ALWAYS TURNS A TEST INTO A TESTIMONY!!!
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Sylvia Schmidt
Sylvia Schmidt God is speaking to me again through you pastor! Thank you! :-)
February 2, 2016
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Carol Pady
Carol Pady The best way to remove fear is to add faith. It's like adding potatoes to remove too much salt in a soup. If we pray increase my faith, He will diminish our fears!
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen, love it, faith not fear. God bless you. Love and Hugs and Prayers.
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I didn't know potatoes take away salt.  Learn things in the darkest places:)
February 3, 2016
  • 3
Marilyn DeJongh
Marilyn DeJongh Your words especially hit home this moring, Pastor Dion.  Thank you.  I received some bad news last week regarding the vision in my right eye . . . am losing sight. The treatment is not "drops in the eye", but injections.  I was pretty scared, at the time, but think God is helping me not to fear and show me that He's in control, so I must lean on Him.  (I'm not a great "leaner", but think this may be a learning experience for me.) The words, "If He is for me, who can be against me", continue to come to mind.  I thank Him for the love and peace He's given me through this time.  Whatever happens . . .  Faith not Fear.
February 2, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Amen!
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member Amen
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Blessings Marilyn!  May the Lord cover your eye with His right hand...the one nearest His Heart where you are.  Peace in buckets from Heaven!
February 3, 2016
  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield Listen to GOD, not people! Thank you for these incredible words of truth!
February 2, 2016
  • 2
Sharon Peterson
Sharon Peterson Fantastic message Pastor Todd.  People seem to always to feed you with the negative and I have learned to call them out right away and let them know I am the Daughter of the Most High King and it will go well with me and that I do not receive their negative words.  I recently moved from an apartment Complex where the Manager abuses and takes advantage of the disabled and elderly.  She was at our doors almost daily with threats to evict. People were told they could not park in the parking lot but have to park on the street etc.  I applied to different apartments in a town nearby and patiently waited almost a year for an opening and encouraged others to seek a more peaceful residence.  When I finally got the new apartment other were sure to inform me that it would be worse than where we were and I would be sorry and I would be stuck in a terrible place.  I rebuked all that and kept my faith and have a bigger, beautiful apartment with a nice manager where the residents are happy.  It seemed easier for the others to stay in their misery and complain rather than make an effort to change the situation for the better.   Also something else about this study is that when Jesus was on his way to heal this TWELVE year old girl he came across a woman that had an issue of blood for TWELVE years and healed her also.  Just some food for thought.  
February 2, 2016
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Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt God always has the best for us even in our worst circumstances.
February 2, 2016
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Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli AMEN!  When I had my hysterectomy 3 years ago I was 67 and I had never had surgery before.  I was not afraid though, I just told everyone if I see the light I am not coming back.....that was my faith.  God is not finished with me yet because I did not see the light and I am still here.  
February 2, 2016
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Scott Riegelmann
Scott Riegelmann Thank you pastor for another great devotional!
February 2, 2016
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Linda Cella
Linda Cella Amen. Thank you. I really needed this message today. 
February 2, 2016
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Christina Ocasio
Christina Ocasio Much needed reminder, thank you and Amen!
February 2, 2016
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Debbie Bible
Debbie Bible I really needed to read this as I am starting chemo (again) tomorrow. Another wonderful, timely message. Thanks!
February 2, 2016
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Pamela Leslie
Pamela Leslie I will be praying for you! I just finished chemo myself a few months ago. I was still receiving a treatment called herceptin, but that had to be discontinued. I have pericarditis and pleurisy which can be caused by herceptin. Pericarditis is inflammation around the lining of my heart and pleurisy affects the lungs. They are both very painful. My oncologist said it was caught early and I have no damage to my heart! Praise God! He said that it was just a temporary setback and I will be fine. So if you have any questions please feel free to ask. Sounds like you've been down this road before. 
February 2, 2016
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member God bless you, you will be in my prayers. Love and Hugs and Prayers.
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
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<i>Deleted Member</i>
Deleted Member You are in my prayers everyday. I am believing for great and wonderful things to happen for you, I pray healing in The Precious Name of Jesus. Love you bunches, sending you lots of love, hugs and prayers.
February 3, 2016- Edit- Delete
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Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Dear Lord, I lift Debbie up to you that you hover over her like when you hovered over the earth as you formed it.  Debbie was created in your site in her Mother's womb.  Every day of her life is written in your book of life for her.  You know our hearts, hopes, tears, concerns, dreams & futures.  I believe in the measure of faith you have given her you heart's desire is for wholeness, health & a close walk with you, Lord.  In your mercy be with her in these days of walking thru chemo.  Bless her to know the closeness of you to her.  She is your daughter & know you love her dearly.  Bless her socks off of sightings of your presence wherever!  Do for her as you gave done for me.  What a wonderful God you are!  All glory, Honor & Power is yours forever & forever.  You are such a Loving Father.  May she know she is your daughter as you appear to her in ways she will recognize you alone only.  Amen Father in Your Son's name Jesus!
February 3, 2016
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Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen! 
February 2, 2016
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Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord Thank you for this message and prayer. Amen   
February 2, 2016
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Marisa Jackson
Marisa Jackson Amen!!  Thank you Fsther for the reminder that you are the healer, comforter and will never leave us.  Help me to continue to be strong during those dark moments and help me to see that your word is True and that with you by my side, nothing and no one can withstand the power you continue to show each and everyday!  What a true blessing it is to be under the umbrella of love as we pray to you our Loving and most previous Father in Heaven!  Amen!!
February 2, 2016
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K K
K K Amen! I said that outloud and again! When you're struggling with health and life, work, etc. It's tough not to be fearful sometimes. Thank you for this message! God bless everyone!
February 2, 2016
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Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
February 2, 2016
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thanks Pastor Dion!  Thank You Lord for Watching over Your Word to Perform It!
February 3, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Great reading that.  I look deep into those words.  Jesus being God the Father's reflection in flesh, a man with a sick daughter & bad news delivered, Jesus comfotorting him not to fear & trust Jesus all will be well.  God's Word is the living breathing in the flesh ..Jesus!  Sorting things out here in relating to an experience I had...we are to pray for once another.  The Word comes & quickens in our heart bringing faith.  This the stirs our hearts & spirit of Christ living in us.  A prayer ministery I went to would be this I said here.  All in all the same results came happen for us.  To me it is complete.  What more is there.  We are His instruments therefore praying for each other & with each other.  With nothing else needed but to go home with all filled up, why do some in prayer ministries need to say ...now to say God will heal so so..and they die or your husband will get sober & your marriage will recover & so on.  I found over years not all that is said did not go that way.  God can't change man unless man wants change or opens his heart to God.  People did die even though some said they wouldn't...etc.  I love believe all I said prayer surrounding others caring, lifting them up to God is what it is.  Then when all is done I wait on God & see what He will do.  I experience that wrap around sense of all that transpired & my faith is grown.  I have left feeling condemned.  I did not do it right...whatever.  Preached to instead of prayed in love by those surrounding me.  What do you call that Dion?  Are they misled, swallowed lies satan fed them, tricked them or become full of theirselves?  I cried that nite.  I thought who else feels like me or go away feeling condemned instead of lifted up.  It hurts that type of prayer.  Never went back.  The outcome in prayer to God for someone is God' decision & blessing.  Our prayers to care, share, fight as weapons against satan' attacks & shed tears if so be to quicken with the other.  Family Feel...Family of God
February 3, 2016
  • 1
La Toya  Grant
La Toya Grant Definitely for me!!! 
February 4, 2016