Recent Blog Entries

  • Tue at 3:01 AM
    Posted by Dion Todd
    In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! I AM! Don't be afraid." Peter answered him and said...
  • May 28
    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 ...
  • May 28
    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...
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

Feel Like a Number

  • Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; James the son of Zebedee; John, the brother of James, and he surnamed them Boanerges, which means, Sons of Thunder; Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot; and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. Mark 3:16 WEB

    They had to have been tired, for they had been traveling all day when they finally came to a town. But the people of that city would not welcome their group, and Jesus and His disciples had to travel on to the next town. James and his brother John wanted to call down fire from heaven and burn the city for rejecting them, but Jesus calmed them down (Luke 9:54).

    Jesus had seen more in the disciples than simple fisherman on the day that He called them. He named James and John 'Boanerges', which means, 'Sons of Thunder', for He knew that they were a hot tempered pair. Simon He nicknamed 'Peter' meaning 'The Rock.' Peter had great faith and as far as I know, he was the only disciple to walk on water (Matt. 14:29). Jesus 'knew' them well.

    When I first started attending church, I felt that I was on the outside. I thought God knew the pastor and elders well, but doubted that He knew, or cared, that much about me. Yes, they talked about God's love, but I had never seen it in my childhood. My mom divorced nine times and I mostly saw a lot of hate and bitterness.

    As I began to really seek God with fasting, praying, and listening to the Word, He began to show up in my workplace and invade my everyday life. Sometimes, I could speak a few words and people would begin to weep or shake. Soon I was coming to church and telling them what God had done for me during the week, and who I had led to the Lord. When I came to church, I would bring a whole row of people with me.

    The real turning point in my relationship with God was when I realized that I was not just another number. He actually knew and loved me personally, not just globally. It was not that I was special, it was that I welcomed Him, I wanted Him, I spent time with Him and was willing to look like a fool for His sake.

    We are each unique in our own way. God made each of us as individuals, and there is no one on earth just like us. He also understands why we are the way that we are.

    Know today that you are not a number. There is not another person on earth like you. You are special, and God formed you with all of the traits and characteristics that you have. You are not an accident, and you are not just another number. You have a name and God knows it.

    Prayer: Father, I thank You for today. Help me to know You in a special way. Let me know that You truly care in more than words. Fill my environment with Your presence and change my surroundings, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.

    Note: The Creation Photographers group will be celebrating with rest of February with the theme of "Love"! Post anything that you love or inspires you with God''s love of us! To find the group, just to the Groups page on the site menu and it will be on the list. ALSO, please welcome our newest blogger, Dianna Wyles! Dianna has a passion for Photography, is always in search of God''s blessings everywhere, enjoys spending time hiking, birding, mining, and taking pictures in the great outdoors to reconnect with our Lord through his beauty and wonder. She is a naturalist by nature and loves God, Family, Kids, hearts, wildlife & all things related to these subjects. To find and subscribe to any of the bloggers, please see the Blogs page on the site menu.

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

 

Social Sharing

31 comments
  • 3
David and Dianna Wyles
David and Dianna Wyles Amen! So happy I am not just a number! Thank you Pastor Dion! Very encouraging devotion today :)   Pastor's Prayer: Father, I thank You for today. Help me to know You in a special way. Let me know that You truly care in more than words. Fill my environment with Your presence and change my surroundings, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Elaine Tomasello
Elaine Tomasello AMEN! AMEN!
February 27, 2016
  • 3
Penelope Rhome
Penelope Rhome Hallelujah amen
February 27, 2016
  • 3
Rachael Burke
Rachael Burke Amen
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Mary Pat Taylor
Mary Pat Taylor Love this! So true!  
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Gail Sellu
Gail Sellu Amen, I'm working on a better relationship with God!  I want to know him as he knows me, in Jesus' name
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Joey Smith
Joey Smith Amen, thank you Pastor Din for sharing the word of the Lord, it'samazing how sometimes the words you share are something I need to hear at times. Have a blessed an wonderful day.It is always a blessing to start the day with words from our Lord and Saviour.
February 27, 2016
  • 2
Twila Stierwalt
Twila Stierwalt Psalm 139. God created me just like He wanted me to be. I have a purpose in this life. He created me for His glory. Praise God I chose Him to be LORD of my life and I know who I am in Christ Jesus. Eph. chapter 1. If you have time today read it and see how many things you can find that you are in Christ.
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Elaine Tomasello
Elaine Tomasello AMEN!!
February 27, 2016
  • 4
Sylvia Todd
Sylvia Todd A few years ago, we heard a speaker, who was a general in the US army. He spoke at a church we follow and talked about whenever he was at critical times and crying out to God, He would just tell him to essentially, "get up, put your boots on, and get back to work". Not once has God spoken to me in a way that was remotely like that, because I am not a military-type person :). I love that He speaks to us as individuals and knows just how to communicate with us and what we need!
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Carol Pady
Carol Pady Amen!
February 27, 2016
  • 2
Beatrice "Raye" Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Thank you Pastor Dion for this beautiful message.  I heard a song on Christian Radio 97.9.  A singer named Natalie; not sure what the song is called but the words that struck me as so beautiful were:  Its time to get our hands dirty,.......don't wait for a miracle to come; when you can be one.  We are all capable through Jesus to create a special time/event/space for someone else.   Buy a homeless person a cup of coffee; help someone struggling with their groceries.  On and on and on this goes; if we look for opportunities to help others!  Be the one to help/do/create/make a special time. My granddaughter recently had a 1 year concussion party and I kept thinking what are we going to do?  Then a lady I caregive for (I am to be there for her end it feels that way as she is terminal) asked if I'd be interested in some fabric squares with different items on them and I said yes, I would find a use for them about a week before the party. Then an idea popped up; I could use those squares for family/friends to write a positive message to my granddaughter.   When she arrived and read this message it brought tears to her eyes.  She thanked me after the party and said Thank you gram, that made the time of the party so special as people were all coloring the squares around the table and sharing the fabric markers.  How a small thing made her party so special for her.   I thanked Jesus that night for leading me and for allowing me to slow down and listen.  How precious his love is. Amen.
February 27, 2016
  • 2
Beatrice "Raye" Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth This is Alexis's message on her 1 year anniversary of her concussion:  It brought tears to my eyes to see her beautiful soul and her grace and inner beauty; thank you Jesus for helping Alexis through this tough year.  May Jesus lay hands on her to help her continue to heal and be a shining light for the rest of this journey.  In his name I pray, Amen.  "It's so weird to think today was the day my whole life changed. Today is my year, since my concussion. I'm so blessed to be as far as I am now because at first there was no progress. I used to think of my concussion as this horrible thing that happened to me and it was. Just the place I am now is way more beautiful than before. I've learned who my real friends are. I've learned that family is everything. It's made me such a strong human being and I'm so proud of that. I got to meet amazing doctors and physical therapist. Thank you God for making who I am today. I'm so proud of myself for never giving up. I'm proud of my family and friends for being there for me. Thank you to everyone that's helped my family and I. I may not be fully healed, but soon I will. My goal is to raise concussion awareness."
February 28, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler Many blessings &  the Lord's peace be hers in her health walk.  I had three concussions.  The first being an auto accident where I became unconscious or blacked out not remembering anything.  No air bag so 5 mos of horrific chest pain I had.  A Chiro helped much.  More to go was walking without imbalance.  Hard to do.  Thoughts too were difficult.  Post concussion syndrome is it's office term.  In time I became whole yet healing time two more happened.  A laundry cabinet came off wall with products in it.  My husband left for work 30 min before this incident happened.  Slowly in a concise & detailed way I came out of it all. Third one was falling flat on my head/face on cement payment.  Incredible.  Hated to tell doc.  Brain Injuries he reminded me.  Doing good.  All our stories are different so yr grand daughter's story/walk is different also & probably worse.  Met some Brain injuries or post concussion syndrome patients and truly were badly hurt yet healing with the help of great people in her journey.  A Blessing for her to have a Grandma like you!
March 3, 2016
  • 1
Beatrice "Raye" Huth
Beatrice "Raye" Huth Hey Cheryl, This is a beautiful message that you persevered through 3 concussions.  Good for you in having the fortitude to go forward and heal.  One foot in front of the other through the grace of God.  May his light always guide you.  Thank you for your heart warming message my friend in Jesus.
March 6, 2016
  • 2
Elaine Tomasello
Elaine Tomasello Wow! This is so powerful!   I know God loves me and I know I have a purpose for being alive.  But somehow I have no idea what it is that God wants me to do.  A very good friend of mine who passed away a year ago, told me that God was not finished with me yet.  I pray He will lead me in the direction He wants me to go and to do what He wants me to do.  Thank you for these powerful and eye-opening words!  God bless you!!
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Linda Cella
Linda Cella Amen
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Wesley Paulus
Wesley Paulus Amen!
February 27, 2016
  • 2
Kath Paro
Kath Paro Dion~ Thank you for your blog.  It helps me see that God has given me the gift of being a recovering alcoholic and addict one day at a time.  It is so I can share my experience, strength and hope with the next suffering alcoholic or addict.  It is my job to help them to stay clean and sober.  I am a nurse, no longer practicing, so it comes naturally to help others.  This morning an addict reached out to me, why me?  She had relapsed and knew I would understand and help her. Last night Steve and I had a disagreement.  It led us to go to bed upset with each other.  We realized we had shut God out of our quarrel and let the evil in. This morning we let God into our marriage again, asked forgiveness of Him and each other.  Now we begin a new day of life in joy and glorious blessings from God.  We now, today are cherishing God, each other and life for another 24 hours.  Praise God. Blessing to all.......
February 27, 2016
  • 3
Kathy Banfield
Kathy Banfield I needed this devotional today! Someone just left a comment on my blog, stating she would subscribe to it if I didn't write about Christianity! Well, if I didn't write about what I love--Jesus--who would I be writing for? No, I am NOT changing my blog for her, or for anyone else!
February 27, 2016
  • 2
Kath Paro
Kath Paro Dion~ Thank you for your message.  It brings me to be grateful I am a recovering alcoholic and addict one day at a time through God's grace and blessings.  He has granted me the ability to pass on my experience, strength and hope to the next suffering alcoholic or addict.  It's my job to help them stay clean and sober one day at a time.  I am a nurse, not practicing now.  Giving, caring and helping come natural.  This morning an addict reached out to me, why me I ask.  Because God put me here at this time and place.  She knew of my love, understanding and help.  God helped me in responding to her. Last night Steve and I had a quarrel. We went to bed unhappy with each other.  We rarely do this.  We had not let God into the disagreement, satan was running the show.  I asked God for help and guidance, wrote Steve an email.  This morning we met as husband and wife, gifts from God and again let Him into our marriage again.  Today I cherish God, my husband and our marriage. So God has shown me that I am not just another number.  We are important to His grand plans.  I really am special!  God is with us no matter what!!!!
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler The program of 12 steps more understanding to me after my commitment to Christ & talk l had with God to give up alcohol.  I was very concerned the program would mess with my walk with Christ.  But instead it shoke hands with Christ & explained so much more on alcoholism then I ever conceived.  Bill W came to know Christ after Dr Bob shared.  In the Halmart presentation of Bill W & another movie about Lois and forming of Alanon there is so much on God and His healing hand for the alcoholic and those that had lived with & do live with  that are affected by the disease of alcoholism.  Yes since early days when all began the picture of God seemed to be watered down.  Yet God in His wisdom & love has accepted man/woman in the way they think & where He sees we will be in our life with Him knows what trails we will take till that happens.  As all things it is always a choice that begins all knew things.  Jesus in a picture I had since young & brought it with when we moved North is Jesus knocking on the door waiting for us to open it to Him.  A choice.  What gives you He will use it for others wondering around out there.  Praise God for your recovery!  Giving us purpose in life is a reason to live.  So living to follow Him & show us where He is that He wants us up to speak to others is a blessings.  It is past 30 yrs in Alanon.  It is 37 yrs sober now.  Phew time flys in our walks yet never boring. God's blessings upon you Kath
March 3, 2016
  • 1
Karen Pasquinelli
Karen Pasquinelli Amen!  Thank you for sharing this message.
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Rosemary Marsh
Rosemary Marsh Amen.Thank you Father that I Am not just a number. That you have a plan for my life.Father my desire is to do your will,and that I will walk in The Spirit,and put my faith into action,every day.,being lead by the Spirit.In the name of Jesus I pray. Thank you Pastor for the word for today.Thank you for the love and devotion you and your wife have shown us all,and the encouragement.
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Janet Marsh-Lord
Janet Marsh-Lord Thank you for reminding me that we are not just a number to God, but that He knows each one of us and loves us unconditionally.Pastor Dion you have some amazing stories.Thank you for this message. Blessings to you and Sylvia.
February 27, 2016
  • 1
Mahlet  Tsegaye
Mahlet Tsegaye Amen
February 28, 2016
  • 1
Ticardo Williams
Ticardo Williams Amen.  Praise God!  Thanks Pastor Dion!  Lord, thank You for knowing me and still loving me!
February 28, 2016
  • 1
Mark Duell
Mark Duell Amen. You are one great walking testimony brother. I pray that I someday may have the same impact as you have for Christ. 
February 28, 2016
  • 1
Lissy Verghese
Lissy Verghese Thank you dear Pastor, for the great message!
February 28, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler It is good to hear of some of yr childhood.  I figured in church about 11 up they who attend had no home problems.  Measuring up there, in school, in catechism (already knowing I dislike history) not good enough or smart enough to get all those names & places right..by their eyes I knew I did not fit, soo I quite.  Why did I need to know all about the Lutheran Church anyway.  By then to them I guess I was a rebel (which I was born in South & they called me Rebel)anyway.  The person of Jesus Christ is who I needed.  He was there all the time yet a closer relationship, a friend who accepted me no mater how I dressed, talked, smart I was etc. An exploding overwhelming love experience.  I believed my parents loved me yet closeness it wasn't.  No perfect parents.  I remember reading God allows things in our lives which mold & shape us and the same prepare a heart desiring more beyond man...parents whoever or whatever.  Hopefully all those that seek will find Him.  Again thank you Pastor Dion for sharing painful things in your life.  You definitely are not like the rest of the other pastors I experienced.  Blessings to you & Sylvia!
March 3, 2016
  • 1
Cheryl Hepler
Cheryl Hepler I am truly grateful to be able to have interaction with other Christians.  It is a "mini" Bible Grop of many "sharing & caring individuals.  Thank you Lord.  I have been in a funk today with something that hurt concerning someone I love.  Glad for RHM.  Thanks for everyone sharing!
March 3, 2016